How to care for the pieces you love.

Beautiful furniture is made to be lived with, enjoyed, and cared for over time.

Whether you’re helping a client protect a new upholstery investment or looking for simple guidance after installation, this page brings together our favorite care reminders, cleaning code basics, and trusted manufacturer resources in one easy place.

Every fabric, leather, finish, and frame is different, so these guidelines are meant to be a helpful starting point, not a replacement for the specific care instructions provided by the manufacturer. When in doubt, we always recommend checking the original product information or working with a professional upholstery cleaner.

For COM, COL, custom upholstery, performance fabrics, leather, and specialty finishes, please confirm care guidance directly with the fabric house, leather supplier, or manufacturer before advising a client on cleaning methods.

A beige upholstered headboard with nailhead trim, a beige and gray patterned rug, and a partial view of a blue velvet tufted bed or bench.

Regular maintenance helps upholstery keep its shape, fabrics wear more evenly, and pieces look beautiful longer.

Simple everyday care.

Vacuum regularly
Use a soft brush attachment to remove dust, dirt, and debris from cushions, inside arms, backs, seams, and crevices. Frequent vacuuming helps protect fabric fibers from premature wear.

Rotate and fluff cushions
Soft upholstery naturally responds to use, and some fabrics relax faster than others. Flip, rotate, and hand-fluff cushions and pillows regularly (weekly or bi-weekly) to help distribute wear and maintain shape over time.

Blot spills quickly
When spills happen, blot instead of rubbing. Rubbing can push moisture deeper into the fabric or damage the surface. Spills of any kind (including water) can permanently damage some upholstery fabrics unless addressed right away. 

Protect from sunlight and heat
Direct sunlight, intense heat, and heating or cooling sources can affect fabrics and leathers over time. 

A woman with shoulder-length dark hair looking at carpet samples in a store, smiling. She is wearing a light blue shirt and cream-colored pants, with tattoos on her arms and multiple rings and bracelets.

Before using any cleaner on upholstery, check the fabric’s cleaning code and test in an inconspicuous area when appropriate. Cleaning codes are designed to help identify which methods are suitable for a specific covering, but they are not one-size-fits-all instructions. 

Understanding cleaning codes.

  • Use only the foam of a water-based cleaning agent, following the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.

  • Professional cleaning with a solvent-based method is typically recommended.

  • Use the appropriate method for the type of stain and fabric, avoiding saturation.

  • Do not use water-based or solvent-based cleaners.

  • For valuable pieces, overall soiling, stubborn stains, or any uncertainty, we recommend contacting a professional upholstery cleaner.

A display rack of various fabric napkins or hand towels in shades of brown, yellow, green, and gray hanging from hooks.

Fabric, leather, and performance materials

Not every covering should be treated the same way. Natural fibers, performance fabrics, leather, suede, outdoor fabrics, and specialty materials each have their own care requirements.

Fabric upholstery
Vacuum regularly, avoid harsh scrubbing, and follow the fabric’s cleaning code before spot cleaning. For stains, delicate textiles, or overall cleaning, use a professional upholstery cleaner.

Leather
Keep leather away from intense sunlight and heat, dust with a soft cloth, and blot spills quickly.

Leather is a natural material, and markings, grain variation, and color variation are often part of its character.  

Performance and outdoor fabrics
Performance fabrics can make life easier, but they still need care. Follow the specific manufacturer’s instructions for fabrics like Sunbrella, Crypton, Brisa, or other specialty materials.

When possible, we recommend referring directly to the original manufacturer’s care guidance.

Watch and learn…our favorite care tips from Lee Industries

Some care questions are easier to understand when you can see the process in action. We’re pleased to share a selection of Lee Industries care videos as an additional resource for designers and clients.

Person leaning over brown couch with tattoos on arms, wearing a blue shirt and gold jewelry.

How to Maintain Your Cushions

Watch VIDEO »
Person leaning on a brown leather armchair, wearing a striped cardigan, near a window with a potted plant nearby.

How to Remove Marks on Leather

Watch VIDEO »
A cozy seating area with a plush, cream-colored armchair, two round wooden side tables stacked together with a black sculpture on the top table and a magazine titled 'Verellen' on the lower table, near a large window letting in natural light.

How to Repair Fabric Pilling

Watch VIDEO »
A cozy living room corner with a rust-colored velvet sofa, white and rust-colored pillows, and a large window showing outdoor scenery.

How to Repair Crush Marks on Velvet

Watch VIDEO »
A beige upholstered sofa with a matching cushion and three beige cushions on the right side, next to a wooden sideboard and a round brown coffee table with a book on top.

How to Put on a Slipcover

Watch VIDEO »
Display of fabric and material samples, including wood finishes, upholstery textiles, and color swatches, on a wooden table with sample cards and a reservation sign.

Trade-only sourcing, custom upholstery, and trusted support for designers creating what’s next in Austin (and beyond!)

We work by appointment to ensure you and your clients receive the attention they deserve. Benefits to booking an appointment include:

  • Easy online booking (instantly see available times and secure a spot at your convenience)

  • Arrive to a reserved table for you and your clients

  • We’ll print tearsheets and pull fabrics for you in advance to save you time

  • Your appointment notes help make your time as efficient as possible!

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