TIME: 1 hr
SKILL LEVEL: Beginner
A sofa is, without a doubt, one of the most utilized—and abused—pieces of furniture in our homes. It’s a place for play, meals, and sleeping that gets covered with spills and stains from people and pets alike.
The pleasant, flexible texture of genuine suede is one of the most popular sofa coverings. Because natural suede is costly, businesses have developed synthetic microfiber suede as a less expensive substitute.
How to Clean a Suede Couch
How Often Should I Clean My Suede Couch?
It’s a given that your sofa will require cleaning no matter what sort of suede is on it. Spills and stains should be dealt with immediately, and both types of suede should be vacuumed at least once a month to remove dust and loose soil. Twice yearly cleaning will keep them looking brand new.
Before You Begin
If you’re not sure whether your natural suede sofa is brushed animal hide or microfiber, you should find out before cleaning.
- Suede is leather that has had a napped or fuzzy finish added to it. It’s a delicate, permeable dyed or undyed leather you can see the hide grain variations in. Microfiber suede is made from polyester and nylon fibres that are woven and cut to simulate the natural suede’s plush feel. Microfiber suede is more resistant to dust, dirt, and stains than natural suede because of the tightly woven fibres.
If you’re not sure what sort of suede you have, look for the attached care tag, which is required by all furniture sold in the United States. This will tell you how to maintain your suede.
- Code W: Fabric can be cleaned with water-based cleaning solutions.
- Code S: To remove stains and soils, the cloth necessitates the usage of a dry cleaning or water-free solvent. These chemicals must be used in a well-ventilated area without open flames, such as fireplaces or candles.
- Code W-S: Water-based or solvent-based cleaning solutions may be used.
- Code X: When you see the “X,” don’t use any sort of cleaning solution. These materials should only be cleaned using a vacuum or by a professional. Any home cleaning product may cause staining and shrinkage.
What You’ll Need
Equipment / Tools
- Vacuum with an Upholstery attachment and crevice cleaning.
- Suede brush
- Whisk
- Bucket
- Scrub brush with gentle nylon bristles.
- Spray bottle
- Sponge
- Microfiber cloth
Materials
- Cornstarch or baby powder
- Commercial glue remover (Goo Gone)
- Dishwashing liquid
- Isopropyl alcohol (rubbing)
Instructions
How to Clean a Natural Suede Couch
Vacuum Loose Soil
- Dust and debris might harm the suede if not removed on a regular basis. Reach every part of the upholstery using the dusting brush and crevice tool.
Treat Stains
- Following the specified methods, spills and stains should be dealt with as soon as possible. Cornstarch is a fantastic oil sponge, commercial glue removers can remove adhesive residue, and damp spills should be blotted and allowed to dry slowly. After removing a stain, a suede brush will assist in the restoration of the finish.
Call a Professional
- When the couch’s fabric requires a more comprehensive cleaning, it’s time to call a professional upholstery cleaner. They’ve been trained on how to clean natural suede in order to avoid watermarks and shrinkage.
How to Clean a Suede Couch
Some microfiber couches may be cleaned with water-based solutions, while others require solvent-based cleaners. Soap and water are suitable for couches with a W or W-S care tag. The couches with an S Code tag will get water stains, so they must be cleaned with rubbing alcohol.
When it comes to vacuuming microfiber suede, whether synthetic or natural, both should be vacuumed once a week to remove loose soil, stains should be treated as soon as possible, and the fabric should be cleaned at least twice a year.
How to Clean Microfiber Suede with Soap and Water
Get Rid of Loose Soil
Use a vacuum with an upholstery attachment to remove any loose soil from the surface of the microfiber.
Create the Cleaning Solutions
Add four cups of warm water to a pail or large bowl. Add one-quarter cup of dishwashing liquid. Make lots of soapy suds using a whisk or handheld mixer. Fill a second bucket with plain water.
Scrub with Suds
- Take a scrub brush and dip it in just the soap suds (not the water). To keep dirty suds from pooling on previously cleaned places, begin at the top of a cushion or couch back or arms. Scrub thoroughly with an even distribution of soap.
- Rinse the brush under clean water after each use to ensure that it is as dry as possible and then repeat the procedure with fresh soap suds. Work on one tiny area at a time.
Rinse Away the Suds
After cleaning an area, dampen a microfiber cleaning cloth with plain water and wipe away the suds. Repeat the soaps, scrubs, and rinses in the next section.
Air-Dry and Vacuum
Allow the cloth to dry thoroughly before removing it from the machine. Fluff the fibres with a vacuum upholstery brush.
How to Clean Microfiber Suede with Isopropyl Alcohol
Vacuum and Prepare Alcohol
To remove loose soil, thoroughly vacuum the sofa. Fill a small pail with cold water.
Spritz and Scrub
- Take a little alcohol and spray it over the top of a cushion or piece. While the fabric is still wet (the alcohol evaporates quickly) scrub it with a sponge.
- Rinse the sponge in plain water on a regular basis. To avoid overfilling the cloth with water, wring well.
Dry and Vacuum Again
Allow the couch to air-dry. When it’s dry, vacuum the upholstery with an upholstery brush to lift any matted fibers.
