Many stores offer hundreds of fabric options for their living rooms and your eyes may begin to roll back into your head, but take heart. The sales associates will help you. In terms of cleaning the fabric a dog lover has very different concerns than a neat freak. When you realize which fabric best serves your lifestyle, it's merely a matter of eliminating what you don't need or like. After wading through the fabric options for your sofa you have finally narrowed down your choice that will suit your lifestyle and you've finally made the purchase. But how do you clean that sofa over time? Here are care instructions as well as cleaning codes for leather and fabric sofas:

Leather
The use of any leather treatment product may nullify manufacturer's warranties. Please check the manufacturer's warranty before using any leather treatment products.

Fabric Cleaning Codes
Fabric cleaning codes are used to help establish the best and least costly methods of cleaning your upholstered furniture.

Because of a variety of methods that upholstered furniture can be stained or damaged, there is no guarantee that the outcome will be completely successful. Use the recommended methods at your own discretion. At all times PRE-TEST on a small area of upholstery before proceeding with the chosen method.

To prevent overall soil from dust and dirt, regular vacuuming or light brushing intervals are recommended. Use a professional, qualified cleaning service when an overall soiled state has been reached.

It is tremendously vital to PRE-TEST your cleaning method on a concealed area of the upholstery to decide if the colors will bleed or if the upholstery will shrink. If you are uncertain, seek the help of professional, qualified furniture cleaner.

To gain the most satisfaction from your upholstered furniture, provide immediate attention to spots and begin a weekly habit for the vacuuming of all of your upholstered furniture.

Clean up any spills and stains immediately. The longer soil and stains remain on the upholstered fabric, the harder they are to remove later.

Fabric Care
Soiled areas ought to be cleaned as recommended by fabric manufacturers based on the following fabric cleaning codes:

W - Water Based Cleaner
Spot clean using the foam only from a water-based cleaning agent, like a detergent or non-solvent upholstery fabric shampoo product. With a soft brush, apply foam with a circular motion. Vacuum when dry.

S - Solvent Cleaner
Spot clean with a mild, water-free solvent or dry cleaning product. Clean only in a well ventilated room and stay away from any product containing Carbon Tetrachloride or any other toxic material.

WS - Water/Solvent Cleaner
Spot clean with a mild solvent, a fabric upholstery shampoo or the foam from a mild detergent. When using a solvent or dry cleaning product, follow the instructions cautiously and clean only in a well ventilated room. Stay away from any product that contains Carbon Tetrachloride or any other toxic material. With either cleaning method, PRE-TEST a small area before proceeding.

X - Vacuum Only
Clean this upholstery fabric only by vacuuming or light brushing to avoid buildup of dust and grime. Water-based foam cleaners or solvent-based cleaning agents of any kind whatsoever may cause excessive shrinking, staining, or distortion of the surface pile and consequently should not be used.

CAUTION

• Do not remove the cushion covers for dry cleaning or separate washing.
• Do not apply any oily substances, bleach, or powerful detergents (including laundry detergent).
• Keep body oils, chemicals, fluids, ink, or sharp objects clear of your fabric or leather upholstery. Exposure of leather to severe light sources or sun may cause damage and fading.