Stand back at dusk with a side lamp and notice shadows on seat fronts, arm crowns, and favorite corners. Photograph angles you clean most, then circle the darkest zones. Concentrate tools there first to win visible impact fast while sparing energy and moisture elsewhere.
Read the tag for W, S, WS, or X guidance, then feel fibers between fingers for sheen, stretch, and pile. Natural blends drink water quickly; synthetics resist. Match your cleaner to the code, and start gentlest. One correct decision here saves hours of correction later.
Choose a hidden patch behind a skirt or cushion, mist lightly, and blot with a white towel. Wait until dry, watching for dye transfer, rings, or texture change. This tiny pause guards color, avoids halos, and builds confidence before larger, faster passes.