A suede sofa is a great addition to your home because it has a lot of qualities that make it desirable in terms of beauty, comfort, and warmth. The luxurious feel and look of a suede sofa can work very well with both modern and classic decorating styles, but there are some things that set suede apart from other fabrics. One of these things about suede is that it is very delicate upholstery and requires special care to keep looking nice and staying clean. If you don’t take care of your suede sofa, it can suffer from dust, spills, stains and everyday wear-and-tear very quickly.
This article will provide you with the information you need to successfully clean and maintain your suede sofa for many years to come.
What You Should Know About Suede
Before you begin to clean your suede sofa, it is important that you have a basic understanding of the fabric you will be cleaning. Most suede is produced from the inside (underside) of an animal skin (hide), giving this fabric that very plush, soft, and velvety appearance we all love. There are some sofas produced with faux suede and microfiber suede fabrics, which are made from synthetic materials and were created to give you a similar appearance to genuine suede but provide an easier maintenance option than suede.You should always check with your furniture’s manufacture for the cleaning label before using any cleaning methods on your suede sofa. Most suede sofas contain a cleaning code such as:
W = Water-based cleaners are approved
S = Solvent-based cleaners only Approved
WS = Both water- and solvent -based cleans are approved.
Cleaning a Suede Sofa Requires Proper Tools
To clean a suede sofa properly you will need some proper cleaning tools to make it easier/lower risk of causing damage. Here are some examples of cleaning tools that are commonly used when cleaning suede sofas:
Soft Suede Brush
Vacuum Cleaner with Brush Attachment
White Microfiber Cloths
Suede Eraser or Clean Pencil Eraser
Rubbing Alcohol/White Vinegar
Cornstarch/Baking Soda
Spray Bottle
Soft Sponge
You should avoid using colored towels, as they might transfer dye onto your suede and cause damage to the surface of the suede.
How to Clean Suede Sofas, Step by Step
1. Vacuum the sofa thoroughly
You will vacuum the sofa first to remove loose dirt, dust, crumbs and pet hair stuck in the fibres of the fabric. Make use of the soft brush attachment that comes with the vacuum cleaner to assist with getting rid of all of the dirt and debris trapped in the between the fibres of the fabric. Pay extra attention to the seams/corners and underneath where the cushions are located to help remove as much dirt as possible.Vacuuming regularly helps keep your suede from getting a build-up of dirt over time, which will cause the suede to wear out more quickly.
2. Brush the Suede
You should now use your suede brush to carefully lift-the-nap (the soft raised texture of the suede) back-to-its-original-state. Use only one (1) brush direction when brushing the fabric to lift crushed-down fibres thus helping improve the look of the sofa.Brushing also creates loosened debris before spot cleaning.
3. Clean Up Any Fresh Spills Immediately
If you have a liquid spill, use a clean/dry cloth and blot up the area immediately after the spill occurs. You should never rub the spill, as rubbing will force the moisture into the suede fabric even more than it was originally.
4. Stains Should Be Handled Cautiously
Each type of stain has its own specific stain removal method. Below are ways to safely remove stains from suede sofas.
Oil or Grease Stains
Sprinkle cornstarch or baking soda on the stain and leave it for several hours (or overnight). The substance will absorb the oil from the suede fibers. Afterward, vacuum the area and gently brush the fabric.
Ink Stains
Use a dampened microfiber cloth with rubbing alcohol; lightly dab on the ink stain until it disappears (being careful not to soak). Repeat until the ink is gone.
Water Marks
Mist the area with water; using a clean, dry cloth, blot the area evenly. This will help to blend the water stains into the fabric of your sofa. Once dry, use a brush to softly fluff the suede.
Mud or Dirt Stains
Allow the mud to dry completely before attempting to clean it. Once dried, use a soft scraper to remove the loose debris from the stained area; vacuum the area using the upholstery attachment. After vacuuming, use a brush to fluff the area back to the original shape.
Cleaning Faux Suede Sofas
Faux suede sofas are typically easier to clean than real suede. Most faux suede and microfiber materials should be able to handle mild soap and water solutions.Mix three drops of a mild dish detergent in a small bowl of warm water (no more than 1 cup of liquid). Use a dampened cloth to gently wipe off the stained area. Make sure that the cloth is not too wet and does not leave any water behind when wiping.
When Should You Consider Hiring a Professional for Your Upholstery Cleaning?
There are some situations where it’s best to call in a professional upholstery cleaner. Some reasons for this include:
– Large or deep stains on your sofa
– Odor buildup on your sofa (or in your home)
– Heavy wear on your suede upholstery
– Your sofa has water damage
– Your sofa is only designed to be cleaned by a professional
Professionals will have special equipment and cleaning products that won’t damage your suede upholstery.
Conclusion
Cleaning your suede sofa can seem very difficult to do, but with the right cleaning methods and ongoing maintenance, you can keep your stylish and beautiful sofa for many years. Suede sofas require gentle cleaning methods, quick stain removal, and the right care to stay looking their best.
If you have either real or faux suede sofas, this cleaning guide will help ensure that your sofas stay comfortable, attractive, and durable while minimizing the likelihood of expensive damage.
