That’s a common question for a lot of homeowners.

Because each fabric requires different maintenance, it’s best to see what your manufacturer recommends for your upholstered furniture. If you don’t follow the manufacturer’s instructions, you may end up voiding your warranty.

You might come across the following codes for cleaning used in the upholstery industry:

W – Vacuuming and light dusting recommended. Spot clean with a water-based cleaner (mild detergents or non-solvent upholstery shampoo). Apply foam with a circular motion and a soft brush. Spot test in an unobtrusive area.
S – Vacuuming and light dusting recommended. Spot clean with water-free solvent or dry-cleaning solution. Spot test in an unobtrusive area.
WS – Vacuuming and light dusting recommended. Spot clean with a mild solvent, upholstery shampoo or with the foam from a water-based cleaner. Spot test in an unobtrusive area.
X – Clean only by vacuuming and light dusting, as cleaners may cause shrinking, stains or disrupt the surface appearance.

In addition, here are some general maintenance guidelines to keep in mind to keep your upholstered furniture looking good for years to come:

If you have armrest and headrest covers, use them. They prevent soiling on furniture, and are easy to clean. Just clean them once every three months.
Flip and rearrange pillows and removable cushions regularly to help them wear more evenly and last longer.
If possible, place upholstered furniture away from direct sunlight to minimize fading.
When you’re painting or doing any other kind of dusty work in a room, cover upholstered furniture.
Don’t toss newspapers, magazines or other printed material onto upholstered furniture. The ink can transfer onto fabric.
Be careful with nail polish and remover, which can cause permanent damage to fabric, as well as cigarettes, candles and other open flames.
Dried spills are difficult to remove – make sure to catch and blot spills quickly.

As a reminder, the most important tip is to consult your manufacturer for cleaning recommendations.

Today, more than ever, there are many options for cleaning and polishing wood furniture. While many homeowners swear by old favorites like Murphy’s Oil Soap and Pledge, there are new products just for wood furniture appearing on store shelves every day. You can even find some eco-friendly wood cleaners, too.

But don’t think that anything goes. You should stay away from water, harsh chemicals or abrasive products. Although many people might not realize it, waxes create build-up on furniture and do nothing to clean the wood. No matter which product you choose, you shouldn’t mix two or more together. This can cause reactions that are damaging to furniture – not to mention, it creates toxic fumes.

Still overwhelmed by all the choices? Ask your manufacturer for recommendations for your furniture.