Questions?
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How to Clean a Crate & Barrel Sofa (Fabric and Leather)
Short answer: First find your fabric's cleaning code. It's on your Crate & Barrel sales receipt, or you can ask the seller. Code W means water-based cleaners, S means water-free solvents only, SW means either, and X means vacuum only. Blot spills right away with a clean white cloth, working from the outside in, and never rub. Vacuum and rotate cushions weekly, and have the whole sofa professionally cleaned about once a year.
Updated November 14, 2026.
Crate & Barrel Upholstery Cleaning Codes
| Code | What you can use | What to avoid |
|---|---|---|
| W | Distilled water with a water-based cleaner or upholstery foam | Solvents and dry-cleaning fluids |
| S | Mild, water-free solvent cleaners only | Water, and dry cleaning the sofa |
| SW | Distilled water-based cleaner or foam, or a mild water-free solvent | Strong chemicals and scrubbing |
| X | Vacuum or lightly brush only | Water, foam or any liquid cleaner |
| O | Cold water with a biodegradable detergent or eco-friendly soap, then air dry | Harsh chemical cleaners |
Crate & Barrel treats prewashed fabrics that are upholstered onto the frame as code S. Bought your sofa from Freedom Room? Call us with your order number and fabric name and we'll help you find its code.
How to Spot Clean a Fabric Sofa
- Blot immediately. Use a clean, white, absorbent cloth. Work from the outside of the spill toward the middle so it doesn't spread. Don't rub.
- Test first. Try any cleaner on a hidden spot, like the back or underside of a cushion, and let it dry.
- Use the right cleaner for your code. For W or SW, use distilled water (tap water can leave rings) with a little mild, water-based upholstery cleaner. For S, use a water-free solvent cleaner.
- Dab, don't soak. Apply a small amount with a cloth, then blot dry with a fresh cloth.
- Brush pile fabrics. On chenille, velvet and bouclé, brush gently with a soft, nonmetal brush once dry to restore the nap.
Spot cleaning can leave a ring or a lighter patch. If that happens, a professional can clean the whole cushion cover or the whole sofa for an even result.
Weekly Care That Keeps a Sofa Looking New
- Vacuum weekly with the upholstery and crevice tools.
- Rotate and fluff cushions weekly to spread out wear. This matters most on feather-down cushions, like those on the Lounge Sofa.
- Keep it out of direct sun. All fabric and leather fades over time.
- Keep newspapers and printed bags off it. Ink can transfer onto fabric.
- Skip fabric sprays and fresheners unless the manufacturer approves them.
How to Clean a Crate & Barrel Leather Sofa
- Dust it regularly with a soft, dry cloth.
- Blot liquid spills right away. Wipe butter, oil or grease with a clean, dry cloth.
- For a stubborn spot, dampen a cloth with warm water and blot. If that doesn't work, use a little mild soap and water, blot, then dry.
- Never scrub, and avoid harsh cleaners and solvents. They can strip the finish.
- Keep leather away from direct sun and heat vents, which can fade and dry it out.
Leather naturally shows wrinkles, scars and color variation, and seat cushions develop comfort wrinkles with use. That's normal, not a defect. For deep cleaning, use a leather cleaning professional.
When to Call a Professional
- Once a year for a whole-sofa cleaning, more often with kids or pets.
- For set-in stains, large spills, pet accidents and ink.
- For any code X fabric that needs more than a vacuum.
Crate & Barrel Sofas at Freedom Room
Each of our Crate & Barrel product pages lists care instructions for its fabrics and leathers. Shop the Lounge Sofa, the Lounge Sectional and the Contour Sofa, or browse all Crate & Barrel furniture.
FAQs
Where do I find the cleaning code on a Crate & Barrel sofa?
Crate & Barrel lists it on your sales receipt. You can also ask the store or retailer you bought it from. Give them the fabric name.
Can I use water on a Crate & Barrel sofa?
Only if the fabric's code is W, SW or O. Never use water on S or X fabrics.
Can I remove Crate & Barrel cushion covers and wash them?
Not unless the care instructions say the covers are washable. Washing fixed upholstery covers can shrink them or change their color. Have them professionally cleaned instead.
Why does distilled water matter?
Tap water has minerals that can leave rings or spots on upholstery as it dries.
How do I fluff a feather-down sofa cushion?
Take it off the sofa, punch and knead it from the sides to redistribute the fill, then flip and rotate it before putting it back.
Questions about a Crate & Barrel sofa? Call or text 512-777-0154.