How to Clean Upholstery Fabrics From La-Z-Boy

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Stains… possibly the biggest threat to your furniture, besides maybe animals tearing up your couch cushions. Stains are an annoying and inevitable obstacle when it comes to owning furniture. But just what is the proper way of cleaning these stains?

Wherever you go on the internet, there will be an article out there that will tell you one way to clean your furniture, and then another article telling you something completely different. Which one do you go with? Which one is the accurate solution? 

When it comes to La-Z-Boy fabrics, you don’t need to guess, thanks to the way we organize our upholstery fabrics. Michelle MacLellan, the interior designer at La-Z-Boy Hunt Club, tells us, “La-Z-Boy separates their fabrics by cleaning codes to better differentiate the proper ways to clean them.”

So, how does one clean La-Z-Boy fabrics, and which ones are best suited for your household?

Key Takeaways:

• Understand La-Z-Boy's Cleaning Codes: La-Z-Boy fabrics are categorized by specific cleaning codes (S, W, S/W, W/B, and X) to guide proper cleaning methods and ensure fabric care is straightforward and effective.
• Know Where to Find Cleaning Codes: Cleaning codes are provided on product tags upon delivery or can be found on fabric swatches—helpful for determining the right cleaning method for your furniture.
• Use the Right Cleaning Method: Each fabric type requires a specific approach, from water-free solvents to water-based solutions, and in some cases, diluted bleach mixtures. Always follow the recommended method for your fabric’s cleaning code.
• Professional Cleaning for Stubborn Stains: For tough stains that don't come out with basic cleaning, La-Z-Boy recommends professional upholstery cleaning to prevent fabric damage.
• Fabric Upholstery Warranty Coverage: La-Z-Boy offers a limited lifetime warranty, with specialty fabrics like iClean covered for three years. Some common stains are covered, but others—like oil or ink—may not be.
• Extend Fabric Protection: An extended warranty plan is available, which includes professional cleaning agents to handle tough stains during the coverage period.

In This Article:

1. La-Z-Boy’s Cleaning Codes
2. Where to Find Cleaning Codes on La-Z-Boy Furniture
3. How to Clean La-Z-Boy Furniture Fabric 
4. Fabric Upholstery Warranty at La-Z-Boy
5. FAQs

La-Z-Boy's Cleaning Codes

First things first, let’s get familiar with the cleaning codes La-Z-Boy has to offer. Currently, La-Z-Boy has four different cleaning codes found on our fabrics…

• S: This code is meant for fabrics that need a mild, water-free dry cleaning agent or foam. Currently seen on 25% of our upholstery fabrics.
• W: This code is meant for fabrics that need a water-based dry cleaning agent or foam. Currently seen on 44% of our upholstery fabrics.
• S/W: This code is meant for fabrics that are more versatile and can be cleaned by using water-free or water-based cleaning agents. Currently seen on 41% of our upholstery fabrics.
• W/B: This code is the latest in our cleaning codes and is meant for fabrics that can be cleaned with a water-based cleaning agent and 1 part household bleach to 10 parts water. Currently seen on 5% of our upholstery fabrics.
• X: This code is meant for covers that should be cleaned using vacuums or light brushes and not liquid cleaner. While there are currently none on our upholstery fabrics, this is still a good practice for any of our covers, especially leather.

It is important to note that La-Z-Boy always recommends using professional cleaning services if your furniture stains do not come off easily.

Where to Find Cleaning Codes

Cleaning codes are important to determine what you need to figure out how to clean your fabric. But where can you find these cleaning codes?

Well, according to Michelle, the best way to find the cleaning code for your furniture is when it arrives at your doorstep on delivery day. Along with a product manual, each La-Z-Boy customer receives a tag that displays information about their product, including the cleaning code associated with their chosen fabric.

“Sales consultants also tell you in the showroom how to clean your desired fabric,” Michelle explains.

The only other way to find out the cleaning code for a La-Z-Boy fabric is by ordering free fabric swatches. If you check the back of the fabric and open it up you should be able to find it easily.

To learn more about why you should order fabric swatches, take a look at our Furniture Upholstery Guide.

How to Clean La-Z-Boy Furniture Fabric

Now that you’re aware of the different types of cleaning codes at La-Z-Boy and where to find them on your furniture, you might be wondering what is the proper way to clean these different fabrics.

With the help of Michelle, let’s breakdown each cleaning code and how to clean them.

It is important to note that almost all of our fabric upholstery at La-Z-Boy is made out of polyester, which is known for its durability and quick-drying properties. To learn more about La-Z-Boy’s Quality Materials, take a look at this article.

S Fabrics

S Fabrics, which stands for the word Solvent, are meant for upholstery covers that require water-free dry cleaning products. 

Water-free dry cleaning solvents are chemical solutions that are used to clean delicate fabrics that might get harmed by other liquid agents. If you do use a water-based product on this type of fabric, you might risk doing more harm than good.

Some popular water-free solvents include Blue Coral canisters and Scotchgard, which deters stains temporarily for a long period of time. To learn more about the comparison between Scotchgard vs our stain-resistant iClean fabrics, take a look at this article.

W Fabrics

W Fabrics, which stands for the word Water, are meant for upholstery covers that require water-based cleaning products.

Water-based dry cleaning agents use detergents instead of chemical solvents to help clean garments, offering a safer and more environmentally friendly approach to cleaning fabrics. This is why a majority of our fabrics use this method of cleaning.

One of the most common ways to clean your furniture, according to Michelle, is by using distilled water and mixing it with soap to help with stain removal.

S/W Fabrics

S/W Fabrics, which stands for Solvent and Water, are meant for versatile upholstery covers that can be cleaned in either of the aforementioned ways to clean your furniture.

Because these furniture covers are resilient, they can be cleaned either way you decide to clean them. So, there isn’t much worry about ruining your furniture if you choose to use the chemical water-free route or the soap and water-based route.

W/B Fabrics

W/B Fabrics, which stands for Water and Bleach, are a newly introduced fabric cleaning code that is able to be cleaned with the use of bleach. These new fabrics are part of our newly introduced Bleach Cleanable Fabrics, which you can learn more about with this article.

Along with some distilled water, use 1/10 of household bleach to dilute the bleach in the water. It is important to note that using too much bleach in your cleaning process might permanently damage your furniture, so please remember to use bleach conservatively.

Once you’re finished with the initial diluted bleach cleaning, thoroughly rinse with more water for good measure. 

X Fabrics

X Fabrics, which stands for no solutions, are uncommon furniture covers that are currently not available on any of our products.

The way to clean these covers is by not using any liquid cleaning products of any type, but instead using a vacuum or light dusting to get rid of messes.

Even though they are not currently available, this cleaning technique should still be used for regular cleaning with any fabric upholstery. To learn more about general Furniture Care Tips, take a look at this article. 

Fabric Upholstery Warranty at La-Z-Boy

Each fabric upholstery at La-Z-Boy is covered by La-Z-Boy’s Limited Lifetime Warranty, including the specialty fabrics. While most of our fabrics are covered for one year, iClean Fabrics are covered for three years.

It is important to note that not all stains are covered under La-Z-Boy’s warranty. Here is a list of common stains and whether they fall under our warranty.

For stains not covered, La-Z-Boy usually recommends a professional upholstery cleaner. To learn more about the warranty at La-Z-Boy, take a look at the article Are La-Z-Boy Recliners Guaranteed for Life?

To further protect your purchase, La-Z-Boy offers an extended warranty plan at an additional cost. What’s more, Michelle says that with every purchase of an extended warranty plan, if something happens to your fabric upholstery within the 5-year time frame, La-Z-Boy will send a fabric cleaning agent that is specifically designed to tackle numerous amounts of stains.

FAQs

How Often Should You Clean Your Couch?

To keep your couch looking fresh and lasting longer, it's a good idea to clean it regularly. Vacuum your couch weekly to remove dust, crumbs, and pet hair. For deeper cleaning, spot-clean stains as soon as they happen and schedule a thorough cleaning every 6-12 months, depending on usage. If you have kids or pets, you may need to clean it more often.

Can I Use Dawn Dish Soap to Clean My Fabric Couch?

Yes, you can use Dawn dish soap to clean your fabric couch, but be cautious. Mix a small amount of mild dish soap with warm water and test it on an inconspicuous area first to ensure it doesn’t damage the fabric. Use a soft cloth to gently blot stains—avoid rubbing, as it can damage the fibres. After cleaning, wipe with a damp cloth to remove soap residue and let it air dry.

Can Baking Soda be Used to Clean Upholstery?

Absolutely! Baking soda is great for deodorizing and lightly cleaning upholstery. Sprinkle a generous amount over the fabric and let it sit for 15-20 minutes to absorb odours and loosen dirt. Then, vacuum thoroughly. For tougher stains, you can make a paste of baking soda and water, apply it to the stain, let it sit, and then gently blot it away.

Does Vinegar Clean Upholstery?

Yes, vinegar can be effective for cleaning upholstery, especially for removing odours and mild stains. Mix equal parts white vinegar and water, lightly spray the solution onto the fabric, and blot with a clean cloth. Be sure to test it on a hidden area first to ensure it doesn’t affect the colour. After cleaning, let the upholstery air dry completely.

What's Next?

Now that you know how to clean your La-Z-Boy fabric furniture, you’re ready to start shopping for the right cover! 

Not only do we sell an array of fabric covers, but we also sell leather upholstery as well. To learn more about how to Condition and Maintain Your Leather Upholstery, take a look at this article.

With that being said, why not shop at La-Z-Boy? Visit us at a local Ottawa, Gatineau or Kingston La-Z-Boy location to view our selection in person and take a sit test. You can also schedule an appointment online.

Our sales consultants are always eager to lend a helping hand. Additionally, consider taking advantage of our interior design services and working with an interior designer to see how our furniture could fit in your sunroom design.

To learn more about La-Z-Boy recliners in general, check out this comprehensive fabric upholstery guide.

Related Articles:

What Are the Most Durable Fabrics at La-Z-Boy?

How to Prevent Fabric Pilling

Review of the Restore Fabrics at La-Z-Boy