• support@christybhome.com
  • Have Questions? Call Now! 310-975-3134
  • Log in
  • Checkout
Cart (0)
  • Shop 
    • Throw Pillows
    • Pillow Inserts
    • Fabric Swatches
  • Collections 
    • Coral Costa
    • Garden Girl
    • Tropic Fun
    • Flora Bella
    • Ready-Made Velvets
  • About
  • Inspiration
  • Contact
  • Blog
Cart (0)
  1. Home
  2. Blog
  3. Fabric Care Guide & Cleaning Codes
Blog

Fabric Care Guide & Cleaning Codes

March 15, 2022

Fabric Care Guide & Cleaning Codes

How Do I Clean My Designer Fabric Pillow Covers?

If you've ever looked at fabric care instructions and felt like you were reading another language, you are not alone!  W, WS, DC, S ... what in the world do all those codes mean anyway?  And are you going to damage your gorgeous designer pillow cover fabric if you don’t follow the care instructions perfectly?  Have no fear, we are here to interpret for you! 

When purchasing fabric from reputable dealers, you will see a cleaning code for that fabric.  If you’re not able to find this information, either you’re not dealing with a reputable source that knows the origins of their fabric, or maybe it’s vintage or deadstock, in which case you won’t be able to trace the origins.  In these situations, and when in doubt, DRY CLEAN.  It’s kind of the safe answer for everything.  But aside from dry cleaning, we’re going to decipher the common cleaning codes you will encounter for your designer fabric pillow covers.

Decorator and upholstery fabrics, which is typically what we’re using for soft goods like pillows, are different from fashion and garment fabrics.  Often there are treatments applied to these fabrics for fire safety and durability that you would not find in garments that you wear.  Just mentioning this here because if you’re like me and usually decide to cold wash and hang dry most of your delicate clothing articles – that approach will NOT likely work for home good fabrics.

Always remember to pre-test the cleaning method on an inconspicuous part of your fabric if you can.  I know that can be tough to accomplish on a pillow cover.  You can always reach out to support@christybhome and we can send you a swatch of your fabric to pre-test on, if we have it.  We may not have swatches for your particular fabric available, but we will always help if we can!

laundry basket for delicate fabrics

CLEANING CODE:

DC – Dry Clean Only

No real explanation here, just take it to a pro.

S – Solvents

Blot immediately to remove spilled material.  Spot clean only with a WATER-FREE, dry cleaning solvent.  Do not saturate or use water.  Use solvent cleaners in a well-ventilated room and keep away from open flames.

WS – Water & Solvent

A combination of dry cleaning solvents and water-based cleaners may be used.  Spot clean with upholstery shampoo, foam from a mild detergent, or mild dry cleaning solvent.  Do not saturate.  This is a case where the pre-test is especially important.

W – Water Based Cleaner

Although the easiest to clean, this is NOT the same as being machine washable.  Blot immediately to remove any spilled material.  Spot clean only with a water-based shampoo or foam upholstery cleaner.  Do not use water and be careful to avoid over-wetting the stain.

These cleaning codes are the result of test methods conducted by fabric manufacturers in accordance with the Joint Industry Fabric Standards Committee, but do not imply and/or guarantee the cleanability of any fabric or method (so annoying right?). Anyway, take a look at their full recommendations below – you’ll notice right away that for almost every type, they recommend professional cleaning – when in doubt, DRY CLEAN!

 

rolls of colorful textiles

Next time, we’ll talk about Performance Fabrics, Outdoor Fabrics, and CRYPTON Fabrics.  Does that last one sound like a superhero?  It should, because it basically has superpowers and we are totally obsessed!

Are you on the Insider List?  Be sure to subscribe below for exclusive offers, industry news, and so much more!

fabric cleaning code recommendations


Tweet Share Pin It Email

Also in Blog

colorful pillows on white couch
How-To Style The New Flora Bella Collection

May 10, 2022

Continue Reading

Colorful interior wall design
Colorful Interior Design Trends: Bright & Bold

May 04, 2022

Continue Reading

red laquer cabinets in living room
Insider Interiors - Etch Design Group

April 26, 2022

Continue Reading

BACK TO
TOP
About

Our passion is design, our medium is pillows, and our joy is bringing more custom into our customer's lives.

310-975-3134 support@christybhome.com
Quick Links
  • Home
  • About Us
  • Shop
  • Collections
  • Pillow Inserts
  • Throw Pillows
  • Contact Us
  • Shipping
  • Returns
Collections
  • Coral Costa
  • Garden Girl
  • Tropic Fun
  • Flora Bella
  • Ready-Made Velvets
Signup And Get 15% Off On Your Next Purchase
Get the latest on sales, new releases and more


© 2022 Christy B Home. Powered by Shopify