8 Best Upholstery Cleaners to Zap Stains, Grime and Even Pet Hair

Upholstery fabrics like silk and velvet can’t be cleaned with the majority of upholstery cleaners on the market, which are water-based and safe only for fabrics that don’t water-spot.

As a result, you’ll see these furniture pieces labeled with the cleaning code S, for solvent cleaning only. These upholstered pieces, while beautiful, are not the best choices for high traffic and frequently used rooms. When regular vacuuming with your vacuum’s upholstery tool isn’t enough, Capture’s dry powder formula can freshen and brighten delicate fabrics without damage. To use it, liberally sprinkle Capture on the cushions, back, armrests and even fresh stains and gently brush it in. Let set 30 minutes for the granules to absorb dirt and stains, then vacuum. Capture can be used to clean carpets too.

While we haven’t specifically tested this Capture powder on upholstery, the product has been on the market for many years and based on our previous good results testing it on carpeting and its favorable online reviews, we are comfortable recommending it for upholstery. For un-removed or set-in stains on S-code fabrics, it’s best to call in a professional.

Best for fabrics coded: W, S and WS