How do you clean a suede sofa or armchair?
If you are the proud owner of a suede sofa or armchair, you’ll no doubt agree that suede is a beautiful and luxuriously soft upholstery material. However, it does have a bit of a reputation for being difficult to keep clean. The good news is that if you follow our professional advice, cleaning and removing stains from suede doesn’t have to be a problem.
Understanding the Difference Between Real and Faux Suede
Understanding the difference between real suede and microfiber or faux suede is essential when it comes to cleaning and maintaining your furniture. These materials have unique characteristics and requires specific care methods to ensure it remains in pristine condition.
Real suede, made from the underside of animal hides, is known for its soft, velvety texture and luxurious appearance. However, this can make it more susceptible to damage from moisture and stains. Given that real suede is highly sensitive to water, any moisture should be blotted with a dry cloth and allowed to air dry naturally. Always avoid excessive water or cleaning solutions as these will damage the material. For significant stains or deep cleaning, professional cleaning services specialising in suede are recommended.
On the other hand, microfibre or faux suede is a synthetic fabric designed to mimic the appearance and texture of real suede. It’s typically made from tightly woven fibres like polyester or nylon, making it more durable, easier to clean and less susceptible to moisture damage. You can maintain faux suede with regular vacuuming, using an upholstery attachment, and surface cleaning.
Faux suede can handle water-based cleaning methods, unlike real suede – a cloth lightly dampened with a mixture of water and a few drops of dish soap can be used to clean the surface, always blotting rather than soaking the fabric. After cleaning, blot excess moisture with a dry cloth and allow the fabric to air dry, using a soft brush once dry to restore its nap.
Here are a few top tips for keeping your suede furniture looking its best.
1 – Refreshing your furniture
If a suede sofa or armchair has got a bit grubby, it’s a straightforward to job to freshen up your suede upholstery. Simply wipe the surface with a damp cloth to remove surface dirt and dust, making sure not to get the suede wet. Make this a regular part of your cleaning routine to keep your suede furniture in top condition.
Experienced upholstery cleaners never use water, shampooing or steam cleaning methods to clean water-sensitive materials such as suede. Instead, there are specialist dry cleaning procedures that will get the job done safely and efficiently.
2 – Removing stains from suede
For stain removal from suede, make sure you use a specialist cleaning product designed for suede. But before you use ANY product on your armchair or sofa, you should always test it first on an inconspicuous area to check that it won’t cause any damage. Leave it on for about 20 minutes and once you’re sure that the product is safe to use, follow the product manufacturer’s instructions.
If you don’t have a specialist suede cleaner to hand, white distilled vinegar diluted in water can be used as an alternative. Again, test it on a hidden area first. Whatever suede cleaning product you use, ensure that you thoroughly blot the area dry after the stain has been removed.
3 – Removing wet stains
As we’ve mentioned, suede is especially sensitive to moisture, and liquid can cause real damage to this gorgeous material. If there’s been food or drinks spilled onto your suede armchair or sofa, you need to act fast.
First, gently blot the spot with a kitchen roll to soak up as much of the stain and moisture as possible. You can also use a slightly damp cloth to blot any residue. If necessary, apply a stain treatment immediately and according to the manufacturer’s instructions – leave it for a few minutes and ‘rinse’ the area carefully with a clean, damp cloth, making sure to keep moisture to a minimum. It can also help to dry the area with a hairdryer.
4 – Treating old stains
The best way to remove an old stain from your suede sofa or armchair is to use a rubber eraser or suede cleaning block to gently rub the area. Once the stain has gone, use a soft brush to remove the excess dirt from the area.
Bear in mind that some stains, such as ink or crayon, will be harder to remove. If you’re struggling with such a hard-to-shift stain on your suede sofa or upholstery, your best course of action is to contact a professional leather cleaning company such as Apple Clean to deal with the tricky stain.
5 – Brushing suede upholstery
Regular gentle brushing is an excellent way to keep your suede looking immaculate, and it’s essential maintenance if you have a cat or a dog.
For stain removal, once you’ve cleaned up any spills and removed any marks, wait for the area to dry completely, then give it a brush with a soft suede brush. Use gentle circular brush movements while applying a little more pressure on the relevant area that’s just been treated.
Contact Apple Clean
Apple Clean provides specialist suede and leather cleaning services for homes and businesses in the South East. We have over 35 years of experience in upholstery, curtain and carpet cleaning, with excellent results and countless happy customers. Call us today on 0800 587 4571 for expert advice on how to clean your suede armchair or sofa, obtain an instant quote and book an appointment. Alternatively, send your enquiry via our website and we will be in touch as soon as we can.