Updated October 2026
For an Airbnb or holiday-let sofa, choose a tightly woven performance fabric rated at least 15,000 double rubs on the Wyzenbeek test, or at least 20,000 rubs on the Martindale test, and aim for 30,000+ on sofas and sofa beds in busy units. Look for a W or W/S cleaning code so it can be cleaned with water-based products. Removable, washable covers and a mid-tone color add years of life. In the UK, check for the permanent fire-safety label too: upholstered furniture in most holiday lets must comply with the Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations 1988.
This guide explains what those numbers and codes mean, why they can't be compared directly, and which fabrics we avoid in rentals.
What does "double rubs" mean?
Double rubs measure abrasion resistance: how many back-and-forth strokes a fabric survives before it wears through or visibly changes. There are two main tests, and they are not interchangeable.
Wyzenbeek (ASTM D4157), the test most often quoted in North America. The fabric is rubbed back and forth along its length and width against a cylinder covered in wire screen (for residential ratings) or cotton duck (for contract). One back-and-forth cycle is one double rub. The test ends when two yarns break or the appearance changes substantially.
Martindale (EN ISO 12947), the test most often quoted in Europe and the UK. A flat sample is rubbed in a figure-of-eight motion until a set number of threads break or its appearance changes. Results are given in rubs, or cycles.
Both definitions are from FibreGuard's explainer on abrasion testing.
How many rubs does a rental sofa need?
FibreGuard lists these commonly published thresholds:
Martindale: light domestic 15,000; general domestic 20,000; severe domestic 30,000; severe contract 40,000+.
Wyzenbeek, wire screen (residential): light duty 3,000; medium 9,000; heavy duty 15,000.
Wyzenbeek, cotton duck (contract): general contract 15,000; heavy duty 30,000.
A short-term rental sits somewhere between a home and a hotel. A sofa in a busy unit might seat several new guests every week, plus luggage, food and the occasional pet. Our rule for rentals: at least 15,000 Wyzenbeek double rubs or 20,000 Martindale rubs as a minimum, and 30,000+ on either test for sofas and sofa beds in busy units, which get the hardest use. The 15,000 and 20,000 figures match the Association for Contract Textiles' minimum for low-traffic contract upholstery, and 30,000 Wyzenbeek is its high-traffic minimum, according to Architex's summary of the ACT guidelines. So the fabric is rated for commercial-style use, not just home use.
Can you convert Martindale to Wyzenbeek?
No. FibreGuard is clear that the two methods stress fabric differently, with straight strokes in one and a figure-of-eight in the other, and use different abrasive materials, so their numbers aren't directly comparable. Use whichever test your supplier quotes, compare like with like, and be wary of any listing that claims a straight conversion.
Also remember what the number doesn't tell you. Rub tests measure abrasion only, not stain resistance, pilling, fading or seam strength. A fabric can score highly and still stain easily, which matters more to most hosts than wear-through.
What do upholstery cleaning codes mean?
Most upholstery has a cleaning code on the label or spec sheet. According to American Leather's guide:
W: clean with water-based products or mild detergent. Blot, don't rub, and let it air dry.
S: solvent-based cleaners only, never water, which can leave rings.
W/S or SW: either water-based or solvent-based cleaners are fine. Test on a hidden area first.
X: don't clean it yourself; use a professional upholstery cleaner.
For rentals, buy only W or W/S. Your cleaner needs to deal with a spill between check-out and check-in using normal products, not a dry-cleaning solvent or a call to a specialist. An S or X code in a rental means the first red wine spill can end the sofa's life.
Do you need fire-safety labels on rental furniture?
In the UK, yes for most holiday lets. VisitBritain's guidance (updated August 2025) says the Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations 1988 apply to self-catering accommodation with upholstered furniture, because most holiday lets count as domestic use. Covered items include sofas, sofa beds, beds and headboards, mattresses, cushions and pillows. All new upholstered furniture, apart from mattresses and bedding, must carry a permanent compliance label, so check for it before you buy, including second-hand pieces.
Rules differ by country and city. If you host outside the UK, check your local fire safety and holiday-home requirements. In Dubai, our holiday home licence guide covers what units commonly need before listing.
Which fabrics work best in rentals?
From furnishing rental units, this is what we look for and what we avoid.
Good choices:
Performance polyester, olefin or solution-dyed acrylic, in a tight weave. These usually come with stain-resistant finishes and W or W/S codes. Check the specific product's rub count and code, not the fiber alone.
Removable, zipped covers that can be washed or replaced without buying a new sofa.
Mid-tone, slightly textured colors, such as warm gray, oatmeal or olive, which hide everyday marks better than very pale or very dark solids.
Good-quality faux leather or leather for easy wipe-down, if it suits your market and climate.
What we avoid:
Loose or open weaves, and looped fabrics like bouclé, which snag on zips, jewelry and pet claws.
Pure linen and pale cotton, which crease and stain quickly.
Velvet in high-use seats, which marks and crushes, unless it's a performance velvet with a strong rating.
Anything coded S or X.
How to make a rental sofa last longer
Flip and rotate seat cushions at each deep clean so wear spreads evenly.
Keep a spare set of covers, or at least spare cushion covers, for quick swaps.
Keep the sofa out of direct sun, or use sheer curtains, to slow fading.
Give cleaners a short care card: the cleaning code, the approved spot cleaner, and "blot, don't rub".
Photograph the sofa at each turnover, so damage is documented if you need to make a claim.
FAQ
What is a good double rub count for a sofa?
15,000 Wyzenbeek double rubs is the heavy-duty residential threshold. For rentals, we treat that as the minimum and aim for 30,000+ on sofas and sofa beds in busy units.
What Martindale rating do I need for a holiday let?
At least 20,000 rubs, and 30,000+ (the severe domestic threshold) for sofas in a busy rental.
Is 50,000 double rubs better than 30,000?
For abrasion, yes, but it doesn't measure stains, pilling or fading. Check the cleaning code and stain resistance too.
What cleaning code is best for an Airbnb sofa?
W or W/S, so cleaners can use water-based products between guests.
How Desynte can help
Our Short-Term Rental Furnishing Kit (USD 29) includes durable material specs for every room, what to avoid, room-by-room checklists with quantities and an Excel budget tracker. If you'd like us to specify and source everything for your unit, see our design services.
