UpholsteryStandard Care
Polyester
A common, durable synthetic upholstery fibre.
MoistureHigh
ExtractionSuitable
RiskStandard
View care guidance +
Often practical for everyday upholstery, but dyes and finishes still need assessment.
- Typical method
- Controlled water-based upholstery cleaning after testing; extraction may be appropriate.
- Agitation
- Moderate
- Colourfastness
- Test for colourfastness before cleaning.
- Drying
- Allow airflow and grooming where needed.
Common concerns
- Embedded soil
- Food spills
- Colour transfer
What we generally avoid
- Skipping colour testing
- Over-wetting seams
Method is confirmed after testing and the manufacturer's care guidance.
UpholsteryControlled Moisture
Microfibre
A tightly woven synthetic fabric with a soft finish.
MoistureMedium
ExtractionConditional
RiskCaution
View care guidance +
Microfibre can respond well to professional upholstery cleaning, but its care code guides the method.
- Typical method
- Use controlled moisture according to the W, S, WS or X care code; groom the pile after cleaning where suitable.
- Agitation
- Gentle to moderate
- Colourfastness
- Test an inconspicuous area and check for shading.
- Drying
- Dry evenly and brush or groom the surface once dry.
Common concerns
- Water marks
- Flattened pile
- Body oils
What we generally avoid
- Heavy saturation
- Aggressive brushing
Care-code dependent; professional assessment helps protect the finish.
UpholsteryControlled Moisture
Microsuede
A suede-like synthetic microfibre, distinct from genuine suede.
MoistureMedium
ExtractionConditional
RiskCaution
View care guidance +
The look is delicate, but the correct approach depends on the label and backing.
- Typical method
- Check W, S, WS or X guidance; water extraction only where the care instructions permit it.
- Agitation
- Gentle
- Colourfastness
- Test for texture change and colour movement.
- Drying
- Groom evenly after controlled drying.
Common concerns
- Water rings
- Texture changes
- Oil marks
What we generally avoid
- Treating it as genuine suede
- Cleaning solvent-only fabric with water
We identify the care code before choosing a method.
UpholsteryControlled Moisture
Cotton
An absorbent natural fibre used in many relaxed upholstery styles.
MoistureMedium
ExtractionConditional
RiskCaution
View care guidance +
Cotton can clean well, but it needs close moisture and drying control.
- Typical method
- Use controlled moisture, appropriate solutions and careful extraction where suitable.
- Agitation
- Gentle
- Colourfastness
- Check for dye movement and browning risk.
- Drying
- Prompt, even drying helps limit browning and shrinkage risk.
Common concerns
- Browning
- Shrinkage
- Colour movement
What we generally avoid
- Aggressive saturation
- High heat
Natural fibres are assessed before cleaning, especially on light colours.
Delicate FabricsControlled Moisture
Linen
A highly absorbent natural fibre with a crisp, textured finish.
MoistureLow
ExtractionConditional
RiskCaution
View care guidance +
Linen is sensitive to wrinkling and shrinkage, so it benefits from a measured approach.
- Typical method
- Low, controlled moisture with gentle agitation after testing.
- Agitation
- Gentle
- Colourfastness
- Test dyes and inspect for previous water marks.
- Drying
- Fast, even drying is important; some texture change may be inherent to the material.
Common concerns
- Wrinkling
- Shrinkage
- Browning
What we generally avoid
- Aggressive saturation
- High heat
Specialist treatment may be recommended for delicate or unlabelled linen.
Delicate FabricsDelicate
Velvet
A pile fabric that may be synthetic, cotton, viscose or silk.
MoistureLow
ExtractionConditional
RiskCaution
View care guidance +
The fibre and pile direction must be identified before any cleaning method is chosen.
- Typical method
- Assess fibre and construction first; use a low-moisture approach where suitable.
- Agitation
- Very gentle
- Colourfastness
- Check for pile distortion, shading and dye movement.
- Drying
- Dry in a way that protects pile direction and texture.
Common concerns
- Crushing
- Pile marks
- Water rings
What we generally avoid
- Brisk brushing
- Heavy extraction without assessment
Specialist care may be recommended. Velvet varies significantly; specialist handling may be recommended.
UpholsteryDelicate
Wool upholstery
A natural fibre valued for comfort and durability.
MoistureMedium
ExtractionConditional
RiskCaution
View care guidance +
Wool needs controlled pH, moisture and temperature, with gentle agitation.
- Typical method
- Use wool-safe principles, controlled moisture and gentle agitation after assessment.
- Agitation
- Gentle
- Colourfastness
- Test dyes, especially rich colours and patterned pieces.
- Drying
- Controlled drying limits odour and texture concerns.
Common concerns
- Dye bleed
- Texture change
- Odour if slow to dry
What we generally avoid
- High alkalinity
- Excess heat
- Harsh agitation
Method depends on fibre blend, backing and manufacturer instructions.
Delicate FabricsSpecialist Care
Viscose / Rayon
A regenerated cellulose fibre that can be very moisture-sensitive.
MoistureLow
ExtractionNot Recommended
RiskSpecialist
View care guidance +
Viscose may distort, brown or lose its texture when wet.
- Typical method
- Specialist or low-moisture treatment is generally recommended after assessment.
- Agitation
- Minimal
- Colourfastness
- High risk of browning, distortion and colour change.
- Drying
- Drying must be closely controlled to protect texture.
Common concerns
- Texture distortion
- Browning
- Water marks
What we generally avoid
- Normal wet extraction
- Heavy agitation
- High moisture
Specialist care may be recommended. Specialist treatment may be recommended before work begins.
UpholsteryControlled Moisture
Synthetic blends
Mixed-fibre upholstery with varying performance characteristics.
MoistureMedium
ExtractionConditional
RiskCaution
View care guidance +
The cleaning method is selected according to the most sensitive component where possible.
- Typical method
- Identify the fibre mix and use a method suited to the weakest component.
- Agitation
- Gentle to moderate
- Colourfastness
- Test blends for uneven colour response.
- Drying
- Dry evenly to reduce shading or water-mark risk.
Common concerns
- Uneven response
- Colour variation
- Delamination
What we generally avoid
- Assuming all synthetic blends behave alike
A label or assessment helps determine the safest appropriate method.
Leather & SuedeControlled Moisture
Finished leather
Protected leather with a surface finish.
MoistureLow
ExtractionNot Recommended
RiskCaution
View care guidance +
Leather-specific cleaning and protection are used rather than carpet or upholstery detergents.
- Typical method
- Clean with leather-specific products and condition or protect where appropriate.
- Agitation
- Gentle
- Colourfastness
- Assess finish wear and existing colour loss.
- Drying
- Dry naturally away from direct heat.
Common concerns
- Body oils
- Surface grime
- Dryness
What we generally avoid
- Carpet detergents
- Saturation
- Harsh scrubbing
Wear, cracking and colour loss are assessed separately from soiling.
Leather & SuedeSpecialist Care
Aniline leather
A highly absorbent leather with a natural, minimally protected look.
MoistureLow
ExtractionNot Recommended
RiskSpecialist
View care guidance +
It can darken when wet and needs specialist-level care.
- Typical method
- Use leather-specific, specialist methods after inspection and testing.
- Agitation
- Minimal
- Colourfastness
- High absorbency can make staining and darkening more visible.
- Drying
- Controlled natural drying is essential.
Common concerns
- Darkening
- Absorbed spills
- Colour variation
What we generally avoid
- Aggressive moisture
- Standard upholstery products
Specialist care may be recommended. Specialist treatment is generally recommended.
Leather & SuedeDelicate
Semi-aniline leather
Leather with more protection than aniline, while retaining a natural feel.
MoistureLow
ExtractionNot Recommended
RiskCaution
View care guidance +
It still requires leather-specific products and a careful assessment.
- Typical method
- Use leather-specific cleaning with controlled moisture.
- Agitation
- Gentle
- Colourfastness
- Assess finish and dye stability.
- Drying
- Air dry naturally and review the finish after cleaning.
Common concerns
- Body oils
- Scuffing
- Finish wear
What we generally avoid
- Normal extraction
- Strong detergents
Protection does not make it suitable for ordinary upholstery cleaning.
Leather & SuedeSpecialist Care
Genuine suede
A delicate leather with a soft, open nap.
MoistureLow
ExtractionNot Recommended
RiskSpecialist
View care guidance +
It is not suitable for normal wet extraction and needs dedicated suede care.
- Typical method
- Dedicated suede process with minimal controlled moisture where appropriate.
- Agitation
- Minimal
- Colourfastness
- Check for dye rub-off, water sensitivity and nap disturbance.
- Drying
- Nap restoration may be needed after drying.
Common concerns
- Water marks
- Stiffness
- Nap flattening
What we generally avoid
- Wet extraction
- Upholstery detergents
- Heavy brushing
Specialist care may be recommended. Specialist care only is recommended for genuine suede.
Leather & SuedeSpecialist Care
Nubuck
Fine-grain leather with a suede-like, brushed surface.
MoistureLow
ExtractionNot Recommended
RiskSpecialist
View care guidance +
Nubuck requires similar caution to suede and should not be treated as standard upholstery.
- Typical method
- Specialist leather process after careful inspection.
- Agitation
- Minimal
- Colourfastness
- Assess dye stability and nap response.
- Drying
- Dry gently; nap may require restoration.
Common concerns
- Water spots
- Darkening
- Nap disturbance
What we generally avoid
- Normal extraction
- Saturation
Specialist care may be recommended. Specialist treatment is recommended.
Carpets & RugsStandard Care
Nylon carpet
A durable synthetic carpet fibre.
MoistureHigh
ExtractionSuitable
RiskStandard
View care guidance +
Nylon typically responds well to professional extraction, pre-treatment and measured agitation.
- Typical method
- Professional extraction with appropriate pre-treatment and agitation.
- Agitation
- Moderate
- Colourfastness
- Test where dye stability is uncertain.
- Drying
- Plan airflow and drying according to pile and soil load.
Common concerns
- Traffic lanes
- Food stains
- Embedded soil
What we generally avoid
- Over-wetting backing
- Unnecessary aggressive brushing
Suitability is confirmed after inspecting backing, installation and stains.
Carpets & RugsStandard Care
Polypropylene / Olefin
A moisture-resistant synthetic often used in commercial areas.
MoistureHigh
ExtractionSuitable
RiskStandard
View care guidance +
It is generally suitable for extraction, although oil-based soil can be more difficult.
- Typical method
- Use professional extraction and targeted treatment for oily soils where suitable.
- Agitation
- Moderate
- Colourfastness
- Colour loss is less common but testing remains sensible.
- Drying
- Dry thoroughly, especially in dense commercial installations.
Common concerns
- Oil-based soils
- Traffic lanes
- Flattened pile
What we generally avoid
- Assuming every stain is water-soluble
Method depends on installation and contamination.
Carpets & RugsStandard Care
Polyester carpet
A synthetic carpet that resists many water-based stains.
MoistureHigh
ExtractionSuitable
RiskStandard
View care guidance +
Oily soils can cling to the fibre, so preparation matters.
- Typical method
- Extraction where appropriate, with a method selected for the soil type.
- Agitation
- Moderate
- Colourfastness
- Test dyes and backing as needed.
- Drying
- Dry evenly and avoid over-wetting the backing.
Common concerns
- Oily soil
- Traffic lanes
- Residue build-up
What we generally avoid
- Treating oil soil as simple water-based staining
Stain resistance does not mean every mark will release.
Carpets & RugsDelicate
Wool carpet
A natural carpet fibre requiring gentle, wool-safe principles.
MoistureMedium
ExtractionConditional
RiskCaution
View care guidance +
Controlled pH, moisture, heat and drying help protect wool's appearance.
- Typical method
- Use controlled-pH, low-residue methods and gentle agitation where suitable.
- Agitation
- Gentle
- Colourfastness
- Test dyes, especially in patterned or richly coloured carpets.
- Drying
- Controlled drying helps reduce odour and texture concerns.
Common concerns
- Dye bleed
- Browning
- Texture change
What we generally avoid
- High alkalinity
- High heat
- Over-wetting
WoolSafe-type cleaning principles guide the assessment.
Carpets & RugsDelicate
Wool blends
Carpet or rug fibre mixes containing wool and another material.
MoistureMedium
ExtractionConditional
RiskCaution
View care guidance +
Treatment follows the most sensitive fibre and construction component.
- Typical method
- Use wool-safe, controlled-moisture methods after testing.
- Agitation
- Gentle
- Colourfastness
- Check each colour and fibre response.
- Drying
- Dry carefully and avoid excessive heat.
Common concerns
- Dye variation
- Shrinkage
- Texture change
What we generally avoid
- Assuming the synthetic component sets the method
Blend composition and backing influence suitability.
Carpets & RugsSpecialist Care
Viscose rugs
A high-risk rug fibre that can brown, distort or lose texture.
MoistureLow
ExtractionNot Recommended
RiskSpecialist
View care guidance +
Viscose rugs usually need specialist assessment before cleaning.
- Typical method
- Specialist or low-moisture treatment following inspection.
- Agitation
- Minimal
- Colourfastness
- High risk of browning, texture loss and colour change.
- Drying
- Drying must be carefully managed to protect appearance.
Common concerns
- Browning
- Texture loss
- Water rings
What we generally avoid
- Normal wet extraction
- Heavy agitation
Specialist care may be recommended. Specialist care is recommended.
Carpets & RugsSpecialist Care
Jute
A natural plant fibre with strong moisture sensitivity.
MoistureLow
ExtractionNot Recommended
RiskSpecialist
View care guidance +
Jute can brown or shrink, so wet cleaning is limited and assessed carefully.
- Typical method
- Limited wet cleaning only after specialist evaluation.
- Agitation
- Minimal
- Colourfastness
- High browning and shrinkage risk.
- Drying
- Rapid, controlled drying is essential where treatment is suitable.
What we generally avoid
- Saturation
- Normal extraction
Specialist care may be recommended. Specialist evaluation is recommended before any wet method.
Carpets & RugsSpecialist Care
Sisal
A natural plant fibre with a coarse, textured weave.
MoistureLow
ExtractionNot Recommended
RiskSpecialist
View care guidance +
Sisal is moisture-sensitive and usually benefits from specialist or low-moisture assessment.
- Typical method
- Use specialist or low-moisture approach where appropriate.
- Agitation
- Minimal
- Colourfastness
- Assess for water staining and colour change.
- Drying
- Avoid extended moisture exposure.
Common concerns
- Water rings
- Shrinkage
- Texture change
What we generally avoid
- Saturation
- Aggressive extraction
Specialist care may be recommended. Specialist treatment may be recommended.
Carpets & RugsSpecialist Care
Persian / Oriental rugs
Handmade or constructed rugs with widely varying fibres, dyes, fringes and backings.
MoistureLow
ExtractionConditional
RiskSpecialist
View care guidance +
They are never assumed to be cleaned the same way; construction and dye testing guide the method.
- Typical method
- Inspect fibre, construction and dyes; specialist treatment may be required.
- Agitation
- Gentle
- Colourfastness
- Dye, fringe and backing testing is important.
- Drying
- Drying is planned around construction, fringe and colour stability.
Common concerns
- Dye bleed
- Fringe damage
- Backing distortion
What we generally avoid
- One-size-fits-all cleaning
- Unverified wet extraction
Specialist care may be recommended. Final method is confirmed after inspection and testing.
Carpets & RugsControlled Moisture
Shaggy rugs
Deep-pile rugs that hold dry soil below the surface.
MoistureMedium
ExtractionConditional
RiskCaution
View care guidance +
Thorough dry soil removal and controlled extraction help manage the pile where suitable.
- Typical method
- Remove dry soil thoroughly before controlled extraction where suitable.
- Agitation
- Gentle to moderate
- Colourfastness
- Check dye stability and backing.
- Drying
- Dry fully through the pile to reduce odour and matting concerns.
Common concerns
- Embedded grit
- Slow drying
- Pile matting
What we generally avoid
- Skipping dry soil removal
- Over-wetting deep pile
Pile depth and backing determine the final method.
Hard SurfacesStandard Care
Porcelain tile
A dense, durable tiled surface.
MoistureHigh
ExtractionSurface-led
RiskStandard
View care guidance +
Professional neutral or surface-appropriate cleaning; grout and contamination guide the process.
- Typical method
- Identify the surface and finish, then select a surface-appropriate method.
- Agitation
- Moderate
- Colourfastness
- Assess finish and any previous treatments before cleaning.
- Drying
- Use controlled moisture and allow the surface to dry fully.
Common concerns
- Grout soil
- Soap residue
- Construction dust
What we generally avoid
- Incorrect acidic or abrasive products where unsuitable.
Surface type, finish and contamination determine the safest appropriate method.
Hard SurfacesStandard Care
Ceramic tile
A common glazed tile surface.
MoistureHigh
ExtractionSurface-led
RiskStandard
View care guidance +
Surface identification and grout condition guide the cleaning approach.
- Typical method
- Identify the surface and finish, then select a surface-appropriate method.
- Agitation
- Moderate
- Colourfastness
- Assess finish and any previous treatments before cleaning.
- Drying
- Use controlled moisture and allow the surface to dry fully.
Common concerns
- Grout build-up
- Soap film
- Surface residue
What we generally avoid
- Unnecessary harsh abrasion or unsuitable acids.
Surface type, finish and contamination determine the safest appropriate method.
Hard SurfacesDelicate
Natural stone
Stone varies widely in porosity and finish.
MoistureMedium
ExtractionSurface-led
RiskCaution
View care guidance +
We identify the stone and finish before selecting a surface-appropriate method.
- Typical method
- Identify the surface and finish, then select a surface-appropriate method.
- Agitation
- Gentle
- Colourfastness
- Assess finish and any previous treatments before cleaning.
- Drying
- Use controlled moisture and allow the surface to dry fully.
Common concerns
- Etching
- Dullness
- Absorbed staining
What we generally avoid
- Acidic products that can damage sensitive stone.
Specialist care may be recommended. Surface type, finish and contamination determine the safest appropriate method.
Hard SurfacesDelicate
Marble
A calcium-based stone that can be sensitive to acids.
MoistureMedium
ExtractionSurface-led
RiskCaution
View care guidance +
Marble is assessed for etching, finish and existing staining before cleaning.
- Typical method
- Identify the surface and finish, then select a surface-appropriate method.
- Agitation
- Gentle
- Colourfastness
- Assess finish and any previous treatments before cleaning.
- Drying
- Use controlled moisture and allow the surface to dry fully.
Common concerns
- Etching
- Dull areas
- Absorbed marks
What we generally avoid
- Acidic products and abrasive pads.
Specialist care may be recommended. Surface type, finish and contamination determine the safest appropriate method.
Hard SurfacesControlled Moisture
Granite
A hard natural stone with varying finishes and sealers.
MoistureMedium
ExtractionSurface-led
RiskCaution
View care guidance +
The finish, sealer and contamination guide the method.
- Typical method
- Identify the surface and finish, then select a surface-appropriate method.
- Agitation
- Gentle to moderate
- Colourfastness
- Assess finish and any previous treatments before cleaning.
- Drying
- Use controlled moisture and allow the surface to dry fully.
Common concerns
- Residue
- Sealer wear
- Oil marks
What we generally avoid
- Assuming every granite finish tolerates the same cleaner.
Surface type, finish and contamination determine the safest appropriate method.
Hard SurfacesStandard Care
Concrete
A porous hard surface used indoors and outdoors.
MoistureHigh
ExtractionSurface-led
RiskStandard
View care guidance +
Heavier degreasing may be suitable depending on contamination and finish.
- Typical method
- Identify the surface and finish, then select a surface-appropriate method.
- Agitation
- Moderate
- Colourfastness
- Assess finish and any previous treatments before cleaning.
- Drying
- Use controlled moisture and allow the surface to dry fully.
Common concerns
- Oil staining
- Construction residue
- Dust
What we generally avoid
- Methods that damage decorative or sealed finishes.
Surface type, finish and contamination determine the safest appropriate method.
Hard SurfacesStandard Care
Paving
Exterior paving with soil, weathering and potential oil contamination.
MoistureHigh
ExtractionSurface-led
RiskStandard
View care guidance +
Surface condition, joints and contamination determine the pressure and treatment approach.
- Typical method
- Identify the surface and finish, then select a surface-appropriate method.
- Agitation
- Moderate
- Colourfastness
- Assess finish and any previous treatments before cleaning.
- Drying
- Use controlled moisture and allow the surface to dry fully.
Common concerns
- Moss
- Oil marks
- Weathering
What we generally avoid
- Excessive pressure near loose joints or fragile surfaces.
Surface type, finish and contamination determine the safest appropriate method.
Hard SurfacesControlled Moisture
Vinyl
A resilient floor surface with protective finishes.
MoistureMedium
ExtractionSurface-led
RiskCaution
View care guidance +
Controlled cleaning is selected to protect the finish and manage build-up.
- Typical method
- Identify the surface and finish, then select a surface-appropriate method.
- Agitation
- Gentle to moderate
- Colourfastness
- Assess finish and any previous treatments before cleaning.
- Drying
- Use controlled moisture and allow the surface to dry fully.
Common concerns
- Scuffing
- Residue
- Finish wear
What we generally avoid
- Strong solvents or excessive abrasion.
Surface type, finish and contamination determine the safest appropriate method.
Hard SurfacesDelicate
Laminate
A layered floor that needs controlled moisture.
MoistureLow
ExtractionSurface-led
RiskCaution
View care guidance +
Cleaning uses low, controlled moisture to protect joins and edges.
- Typical method
- Identify the surface and finish, then select a surface-appropriate method.
- Agitation
- Gentle
- Colourfastness
- Assess finish and any previous treatments before cleaning.
- Drying
- Use controlled moisture and allow the surface to dry fully.
Common concerns
- Edge swelling
- Streaking
- Wear
What we generally avoid
- Saturation or standing water.
Surface type, finish and contamination determine the safest appropriate method.
Hard SurfacesDelicate
Sealed wood
Wood flooring protected by a surface finish.
MoistureLow
ExtractionSurface-led
RiskCaution
View care guidance +
We assess the finish and use controlled moisture to protect the surface.
- Typical method
- Identify the surface and finish, then select a surface-appropriate method.
- Agitation
- Gentle
- Colourfastness
- Assess finish and any previous treatments before cleaning.
- Drying
- Use controlled moisture and allow the surface to dry fully.
Common concerns
- Finish wear
- Water marking
- Gaps
What we generally avoid
- Saturation, harsh alkaline cleaners or abrasive pads.
Surface type, finish and contamination determine the safest appropriate method.
