Suede couches add a touch of elegance and luxury to any living space, but they can be challenging to clean due to the delicate nature of suede fabric. Regular maintenance and proper cleaning techniques are essential to keep your suede couch looking fresh and stain-free. Here’s how to clean a suede couch.
Materials You Will Need:
- Suede brush (or soft-bristled toothbrush)
- Suede eraser or a clean pencil eraser
- White vinegar or rubbing alcohol
- Microfiber cloth
- Cornstarch or talcum powder (for grease stains)
- Vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment
- Soft, dry towels
- Suede protector spray (optional)
Step 1: Vacuum the Couch
Start by removing surface dirt and debris from the suede couch.
- Use a Brush Attachment: Attach a soft brush tool to your vacuum cleaner.
- Vacuum Gently: Gently vacuum the entire surface of the couch, paying attention to crevices and seams. This will remove any dust, pet hair, or crumbs that may have settled into the fabric.
Step 2: Brush the Suede
Brushing the suede helps lift the nap (the soft, raised fibers) and removes any surface-level dirt.
- Use a Suede Brush: A suede brush is specifically designed to clean and fluff suede fabric. If you don’t have one, a soft-bristled toothbrush can work as well.
- Brush in One Direction: Gently brush the suede in one direction to avoid damaging the nap. This will help remove minor dirt and debris while restoring the suede’s soft texture.
Step 3: Spot Clean Stains
If your suede couch has small stains, you can spot clean using the appropriate method.
- Use a Suede Eraser: For scuffs, dirt marks, or small stains, gently rub the area with a suede eraser or a regular pencil eraser. Work in small, circular motions until the stain begins to lift.
- Grease Stains: For oil or grease stains, sprinkle cornstarch or talcum powder on the stain to absorb the oil. Let it sit for several hours or overnight. Once the powder has absorbed the grease, brush it off with a suede brush or vacuum it up.
Step 4: Use White Vinegar or Rubbing Alcohol for Tough Stains
Vinegar or rubbing alcohol can effectively clean tough stains on suede without damaging the fabric. These liquids evaporate quickly and won’t saturate or damage the delicate material.
- Dampen a Cloth: Lightly dampen a microfiber cloth with white vinegar or rubbing alcohol. Don’t soak the cloth, as you want to avoid saturating the suede.
- Blot the Stain: Gently blot the stained area. Be careful not to rub the stain, as this could spread it or push it deeper into the fabric.
- Allow to Air Dry: Let the area air dry completely.
- Brush the Area: Once the spot is dry, brush the area with a suede brush to restore the nap.
Step 5: Remove Water Stains
Water can sometimes leave marks on suede, but you can clean them up with a simple trick:
- Mist with Water: Lightly mist the stained area with a small amount of water to dampen the suede evenly. It’s important not to oversaturate the fabric.
- Blot Excess Water: Use a soft, dry cloth to blot the area and remove excess moisture.
- Allow to Dry: Let the couch air dry, avoiding direct sunlight or heat.
- Brush the Suede: Once the area is dry, gently brush the suede to restore its texture.
Step 6: Apply Suede Protector (Optional)
To help protect your suede couch from future stains and spills, consider applying a suede protector spray.
- Use a Suede Protector Spray: Choose a spray designed specifically for suede. This will create a protective barrier and make it easier to clean spills in the future.
- Follow Instructions: Spray the protector evenly over the entire surface of the couch, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
Step 7: Regular Maintenance
Keep your suede couch looking its best with regular upkeep.
- Brush Regularly: Regularly brushing the suede will help prevent dirt and dust from becoming embedded in the fabric and keep the nap looking fresh.
- Vacuum Weekly: Use a vacuum with a soft brush attachment weekly to remove any dust and debris.
- Address Spills Quickly: When a spill occurs, blot it immediately with a clean, dry cloth to absorb as much liquid as possible. Then, follow up with the appropriate cleaning method to remove any residue.
Also read:How To Clean A Washing Machine Drum
