Do you have a suede couch that needs cleaning? Maybe it’s just stained here and there, or it needs a good deep clean. Either way, you’re in luck.
This article will teach you how to clean a suede couch like a pro! It covers everything from the materials you’ll need to tips on how to maintain your couch clean.
So, let’s get started!
About Suede
Suede is a type of leather made from the underside of animal skin. It’s often used in upholstery to add a luxurious look and feel to furniture, so you can find it on couches and the finest reading chairs.
Natural Suede
There are two types of natural suede leather:
- Aniline suede—This is the most expensive and delicate type of suede. It’s made from high-quality hides and has a natural look and feel.
- Nubuck suede—This type of suede is made from the hide’s top layer and has a velvety texture.
Because suede is so soft and delicate, it can be easily stained or damaged if not cleaned properly, so it’s of utmost importance to learn how to clean a suede leather couch like a pro.
Faux Suede
Faux suede is a fabric made to look and feel like suede. It’s usually made from polyester or other synthetic materials, and it’s less expensive than natural suede. You can find faux suede in most modern bean bag chairs, couches, sofas, armchairs, and other furniture.
And if you’ve been wondering whether faux suede is the same as microfiber suede, the answer is yes. Microfiber suede or microsuede is a type of faux suede made from polyester fibers.
How to Tell the Difference Between Natural and Faux Suede?
Couches can be made of either material, so differentiating natural from microfiber suede (or microsuede) is essential for choosing the appropriate cleaning method.
Knowing how to clean a fake suede couch won’t necessarily make you an expert at cleaning leather suede.
The easiest way to tell the difference is by feeling it. Real suede is very soft, while the faux variant feels more like plastic or vinyl. Also, natural suede has a fuzzy texture, while faux suede is smooth. You can also tell the difference by looking at the materials side-by-side.
How to Clean a Microfiber Suede Couch Step by Step
Suede isn’t as challenging to clean as you might think. With suitable materials and some patience, you can have your suede sofa looking as good as new in no time!
Here’s how.
Step 1
Vacuum your suede couch thoroughly to remove all dirt and dust. Use the upholstery attachment to get into all the nooks and crannies.
Step 2
Mix a small amount of soap or detergent with water to create a cleaning solution. You might need to use other, additional cleaning agents if the staining is more severe.
Step 3
Dip your sponge into the solution and start scrubbing the couch in small circular motions. Alternatively, to clean suede couch stains that are tougher, brush the spot with an old toothbrush.
Step 4
Rinse the sponge with clean water and continue scrubbing until all the soap is gone.
Step 5
Use a dry towel to blot any excess moisture. Let the sofa air dry completely before using it again.
You may need to repeat this process a few times, depending on the severity of staining on your couch.
Which Cleaning Agents Can Be Used on Faux Suede?
Vinegar, water, dish soap, and rubbing alcohol are all safe to use on faux suede. You can also use a dry cleaning solvent if necessary.
But how to clean a polyester suede couch in the best way? In our experience, the best way would be using a mixture of soap and water. If this doesn’t work, you can try using a spot cleaner or an upholstery cleaner.
How to Clean a Real Suede Couch
Cleaning a natural leather suede couch is similar to cleaning a faux suede one. The only difference is the cleaning agents you can use.
Here’s how to approach cleaning a natural suede couch:
Step 1
Vacuum your suede couch thoroughly to remove all dust and dirt. Use the soft brush attachment.
Step 2
Prioritize stained areas when cleaning real suede leather. We go into more details regarding how to remove stains from a suede couch in the section below.
Step 3
Use a mild soap and water to create a cleaning solution.
The best way to clean a leather suede is with a mixture of liquid soap and water. If this doesn’t work, you can try using a dry cleaning solvent.
Make sure to test your cleaning solution on a small, inconspicuous area of the couch first to ensure it won’t damage this delicate material.
Step 4
Lightly rub the sofa with the wet sponge. Scrub (occasionally rinsing the sponge) until there’s no more soap residue.
Step 5
Pat the couch with a dry towel to absorb excess moisture. Let the couch air dry.
How to Clean Stains on a Suede Couch
There are a few different ways to clean stains on the suede couch, and the best way to remove spills will depend on the type of fabric and the nature of the stain.
If you have a stain on your polyester suede couch, you can try using a mixture of detergent and water. If this doesn’t work, you can try using another household product.
How to Clean a Suede Couch With Household Products
Believe it or not, some of the best suede cleaners might be lying around your pantry. Let’s see which household products you can use to make your favorite suede couch shine.
Alcohol
Rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol) is quite easy to use and works best for grease spills. Just put some in a spray bottle and spritz it on the stain.
Then, rub the spot with a sponge (no rinsing necessary). Alcohol will evaporate on its own and leave you with a brand-new-looking suede sofa.
Vinegar
Vinegar is a natural cleaner able to remove most types of stains from suede furniture.
Try using a mixture of one part vinegar and three parts water. If this doesn’t work, you can try out a stronger solution (clean the suede couch with a vinegar solution of one part vinegar and one part water).
Vinegar is also effective against tricky stains. For example, if you have a urine stain on your suede couch and need to act quickly, vinegar is the right way to go.
So, how to clean urine from a suede couch using vinegar?
First, blot the area with a clean cloth to remove as much of the urine as possible. Then, make a vinegar solution (one part of vinegar with two parts water) and spray the area.
Next, use a damp cloth to blot again and soak up the liquid. Leave it to dry. In case of any lingering odor, you can sprinkle a small amount of baking soda on your couch as soon as it dries off and brush it off after 20 minutes.
Cornstarch
Cornstarch is an excellent home remedy for cleaning suede. It’s particularly effective against ink, food, and grease stains.
To clean your suede couch using cornstarch, simply make a paste with cornstarch and water, and then rub it onto the stain with a soft cloth. Let the paste dry, and then brush it off with a suede brush. Repeat as necessary.
Baking Soda
Yes, you can clean a suede couch with baking soda. This popular baking ingredient is a good absorber of odors, dirt, and stains from any surface. Additionally, it can help deodorize your sofa.
Just sprinkle baking soda on the sofa, and rub it lightly. Wait for 15–20 minutes, and then brush it off with a suede brush. No muss, no fuss.
Specialized Cleaners You Can Use to Clean Your Suede Couch
You can also use plenty of specialized commercial products besides the substances that can clean a suede couch from the home remedies category described in the section above.
To be safe, you should carefully follow the instructions provided by the product. Also, before you start cleaning, you should test the product on a tiny inconspicuous region. Apply the cleaner and then wait 15–20 minutes to ensure your cleaner won’t harm the furniture.
Windex
You can clean your suede couch with Windex. Use it for cleaning faux suede.
Spritzing some Windex on faux suede upholstery can do wonders, but be careful not to soak the fibers, as this can damage them and alter their shape. Instead, lightly spray the surface. Then you can do some gentle brushing with a soft-bristled scrub brush.
Specialized Suede Cleaner
Use a specialized suede couch cleaner to remove tough stains without damaging the fabric.
Caring for Your Suede Couch
Since suede is a delicate fabric, it’s essential to properly take care of it. This will prevent damage to your couch.
Here are a few tips on how to keep your suede couch as good as new:
- Vacuum your couch regularly to remove dirt and dust.
- Protect your couch from direct sunlight or heat sources to prevent fading.
- Don’t allow pets on your couch to avoid hair sticking to suede.
- Don’t let children play with toys that might damage the fabric.
- If your couch gets wet, blot it dry with a towel immediately, and don’t rub the fabric.
- Use a water-repellent suede protectant spray.
Conclusion
These were the most practical tips on how to deep clean your suede couch without ruining it we could find. As you had a chance to see, with a bit of effort, your suede furniture can be looking as good as new in no time at all!
So, give the methods described above a try the next time your couch starts looking a little too lived-in for your taste.
Just make sure to follow the instructions closely, and if in doubt, contact a professional.
FAQ
What can I use to clean my suede couch?
To clean your suede couch, you’ll need a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment, white vinegar, water, and a microfiber cloth. You can also use a suede eraser to remove tough stains, but don’t use harsh chemicals or cleaners.
Does water ruin a suede couch?
Water won’t ruin your suede couch. Using water and vinegar is a safe and effective way to clean it.
If you’re struggling with tough stains, you can use a suede eraser. Just make sure not to use any harsh chemicals or cleaners.
Can you use steam to clean a suede couch?
You shouldn’t use a steam cleaner to clean your suede couch. The high heat produced by it can damage both the natural and faux suede fabric and cause it to become stiff and shiny.
Instead, use a regular vacuum cleaner to remove some dirt and debris. Then, apply a mixture of cold water and liquid soap to clean lighter stains.
Can you use a shampooer on a suede couch?
You shouldn’t use a shampooer on your suede sofa. High heat and harsh chemicals can damage the fabric.
Instead, use a vacuum with a soft brush attachment to gently remove dirt and dust. You can also use a microfiber cloth dampened with water and white vinegar to spot clean stains.
Can you clean suede with a magic eraser?
Yes, but it’s not recommended. Suede is a delicate fabric, and the eraser may damage its fibers. Instead, try a suede brush or toothbrush to remove dirt and dust. Make sure to brush in the direction of the nap of the fabric.
Can I clean a suede couch with a carpet cleaner?
You can clean a suede couch with a carpet cleaner, but make sure to test the cleaner in an inconspicuous area before using it on the entire sofa.
Still, if you’re unsure whether a carpet cleaner will damage your couch and whether you’ll know how to clean the suede couch without ruining it, ask professionals for help.
