How To Clean Suede Upholstery

Suede upholstery is luxurious and stylish, but it can be tricky to clean due to its delicate and porous nature. Suede is more prone to staining and can be damaged by water or improper cleaning techniques. Whether it’s natural or synthetic suede (microsuede), the following steps on how to clean suede upholstery.

Materials You Will Need:

• Suede brush or soft-bristled brush
• Suede eraser or pencil eraser
• White vinegar or rubbing alcohol
• Soft cloth or sponge
• Vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment
• Cornstarch or talcum powder (for grease stains)

Step 1: Vacuum the Upholstery

Start by removing loose dirt and debris from the suede surface.

• Use a Brush Attachment: Attach the soft brush tool to your vacuum cleaner.
• Vacuum the Surface: Gently vacuum the suede upholstery in a circular motion to avoid pressing dirt into the fabric. This will help remove dust, crumbs, and pet hair without damaging the nap (the soft raised fibers) of the suede.

Step 2: Brush the Suede

Brushing helps restore the nap and remove surface dirt.

• Use a Suede Brush: A suede brush has stiff bristles designed to clean and fluff the nap. You can also use a soft-bristled toothbrush if you don’t have a suede brush.
• Brush Gently: Brush the fabric in one direction to remove loose dirt and lift the fibers. Be gentle to avoid damaging the suede.

Step 3: Spot Clean Stains

For small stains, use a specialized cleaning method to avoid damaging the suede.

• Use a Suede Eraser: For minor scuffs, dirt marks, or small stains, gently rub the area with a suede eraser or a regular pencil eraser. Rub in a circular motion until the stain begins to lift.
• For Grease or Oil Stains: Sprinkle cornstarch or talcum powder on the stain to absorb the oil. Let it sit for a few hours or overnight. Afterward, brush off the powder and see if the stain has lifted. Repeat if necessary.

Step 4: Use Vinegar or Rubbing Alcohol for Tough Stains

White vinegar or rubbing alcohol can be effective for cleaning more stubborn stains without damaging the suede, as they evaporate quickly and won’t saturate the fabric like water.

• Dampen a Cloth: Pour a small amount of white vinegar or rubbing alcohol onto a soft cloth or sponge.
• Blot the Stain: Gently blot (don’t rub) the stained area with the cloth. Be sure to avoid soaking the fabric.
• Let It Air Dry: After blotting, allow the area to air dry. Avoid using heat or placing the upholstery in direct sunlight.
• Brush the Area: Once the spot is dry, use a suede brush to restore the nap.

Step 5: Remove Water Stains

If your suede upholstery has water stains, you can often remove them with more water, applied evenly across the surface.

• Dampen the Entire Area: Lightly mist the stained area with a spray bottle of water to dampen the suede evenly. You don’t want to soak the fabric.
• Blot Excess Water: Use a soft cloth to blot any excess moisture.
• Brush When Dry: Let the area air dry completely, then gently brush with a suede brush to restore the nap.

Step 6: Dealing with Odors

If your suede upholstery develops an unpleasant smell, you can freshen it up without using water.

• Sprinkle Baking Soda: Lightly sprinkle baking soda over the upholstery. Let it sit for a few hours or overnight to absorb odors.
• Vacuum: Vacuum the baking soda using a soft brush attachment. This should help neutralize any lingering smells.

Step 7: Protect the Suede

After cleaning your suede upholstery, you can apply a suede protector to help guard against future stains and spills.

• Use a Suede Protector Spray: Choose a suede or nubuck protector specifically designed for suede fabric.
• Follow Instructions: Spray the protector evenly over the upholstery, following the instructions on the product. This can create a barrier against stains and make future cleaning easier.

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