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Stains are one of the biggest threats to furniture, right up there with pets clawing at cushions or everyday wear taking its toll. Spills, accidents, and everyday messes are inevitable, but knowing how to clean them properly can make all the difference in keeping your furniture looking great for years.
The challenge is that the internet is full of conflicting advice. One article recommends soap and water, another vinegar, and another suggests using only professional cleaners. When it comes to La-Z-Boy furniture fabrics, there is no need to guess.
“La-Z-Boy separates their fabrics by cleaning codes to better differentiate the proper ways to clean them,” explains Michelle MacLellan, interior designer at La-Z-Boy Hunt Club. These cleaning codes remove the uncertainty and give you clear, manufacturer-approved instructions for caring for your furniture.
In this guide, we will break down La-Z-Boy cleaning codes, explain exactly how to clean each fabric type, and help you understand what is covered under warranty so you can clean with confidence.
In This Article...
Before cleaning any La-Z-Boy furniture fabric, the first step is understanding the cleaning code assigned to your upholstery. These codes exist to protect the fabric fibres and ensure that cleaning does not cause permanent damage.
La-Z-Boy currently uses five cleaning codes across its fabric collection.
S (Solvent) fabrics require a mild, water-free dry cleaning solvent or foam. These fabrics are sensitive to moisture, and water-based cleaners can cause staining or fibre distortion. Approximately 25 percent of La-Z-Boy upholstery fabrics fall into this category.
W (Water) fabrics are designed to be cleaned using water-based cleaning agents or foam. These fabrics are more forgiving and make up about 44 percent of La-Z-Boy’s upholstery selection.
S/W (Solvent and Water) fabrics offer the most versatility. They can be safely cleaned with either water-free solvents or water-based cleaners. Roughly 41 percent of La-Z-Boy fabrics carry this designation.
W/B (Water and Bleach) fabrics are part of La-Z-Boy’s newer Bleach Cleanable Fabrics category. These fabrics can be cleaned with a water-based solution containing diluted household bleach. This code appears on approximately 5 percent of La-Z-Boy upholstery fabrics.
X (Vacuum Only) fabrics should not be cleaned with any liquid. Instead, maintenance involves vacuuming or light brushing. Although not currently used on La-Z-Boy upholstery fabrics, this code remains a useful guideline for routine fabric care.
Michelle emphasizes that when stains do not lift easily, professional upholstery cleaning is always the safest option.
Knowing where to locate your cleaning code is just as important as understanding what it means.
The most reliable place to find your cleaning code is on delivery day. Each La-Z-Boy furniture piece arrives with a manufacturer tag that includes fabric information, care instructions, and the assigned cleaning code.
“Sales consultants also explain how to clean your fabric while you are in the showroom,” Michelle notes, which helps customers feel confident before they even make a purchase.
If you do not have your delivery tag, cleaning codes can also be found on fabric swatches. When you order swatches, the cleaning code is printed on the back, making it easy to confirm the correct cleaning method before applying any product.
To learn more about why you should order fabric swatches, take a look at our Furniture Upholstery Guide.
Once you understand your cleaning code, cleaning your La-Z-Boy furniture becomes straightforward and safe.
Most La-Z-Boy fabric upholstery is made from polyester, a fibre known for its durability, resilience, and quick-drying properties. Even so, following the correct cleaning method is essential. To learn more about La-Z-Boy’s Quality Materials, take a look at this article.
S fabrics must be cleaned with water-free dry-cleaning solvents. These chemical solutions are designed to lift stains without saturating the fabric.
Using water on S fabrics can leave water rings or cause fibre damage. Products such as solvent-based cleaners or temporary fabric protectors may help with spot treatment, but water-based cleaners should be avoided entirely.
To learn more about the comparison between Scotchgard vs our stain-resistant iClean fabrics, take a look at this article.
W fabrics are cleaned using water-based solutions. One of the most recommended methods is mixing distilled water with a mild soap.
Michelle often advises blotting rather than scrubbing, which helps prevent pushing stains deeper into the fibres. Distilled water is preferred because minerals in tap water can sometimes leave residue.
S/W fabrics offer flexibility and peace of mind. These fabrics can be cleaned using either solvent-based or water-based methods, depending on the type of stain.
Because of their versatility, S/W fabrics are popular in busy households where spills and messes are more common. Even with this flexibility, testing any cleaning product on a hidden area is still recommended.
W/B fabrics are part of La-Z-Boy’s Bleach Cleanable Fabric collection. These fabrics can be cleaned with a water-based solution containing 1 part household bleach to 10 parts water.
It is critical to measure carefully. Using too much bleach can permanently damage fabric fibres or cause discoloration. After cleaning, the area should be thoroughly rinsed with water and allowed to air dry.
Bleach is intended only for tough stains. Everyday messes can typically be handled with soap and water.
X fabrics should never be cleaned with liquid. Maintenance involves vacuuming or gentle brushing to remove dust and debris.
While La-Z-Boy does not currently use X fabrics in its upholstery line, this approach is still useful for routine care of all fabric furniture. To learn more about general Furniture Care Tips, take a look at this article.
All La-Z-Boy fabric upholstery, including specialty fabrics, is protected by a Limited Lifetime Warranty.
Most standard fabrics are covered for 1 year, while iClean fabrics are covered for 3 years. The warranty protects against manufacturing defects, not accidental damage or improper cleaning.
Certain stains are covered under warranty, including wine, coffee, tea, juice, milk, ketchup, salsa, dirt, and washable markers. Other stains, such as oil-based spills, wax, ink, mustard, and pet accidents, are not covered.
For stains outside the warranty protection, La-Z-Boy typically recommends professional upholstery cleaning.
Customers who want added protection may consider the extended warranty plan, which provides up to five years of coverage and includes access to professional-grade cleaning agents if a covered issue arises.
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Covered Stains: |
Stains Not Covered: |
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Wine |
Oil-based Stains (Salad Dressings, Lotions) |
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Coffee |
Wax-Based Stains (Crayons, Candle Wax) |
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Tea |
Ink Stains |
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Juice |
Mustard |
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Milk |
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Pet Accidents |
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Ketchup |
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Salsa |
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Dirt |
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Washable Markers |
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.
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