How To Clean A Suede Couch

Suede is a material that requires special care and attention. This is because it can easily be scratched, torn, or stained. These three things are what make suede such an expensive fabric to buy in the first place.

In this article, we're going to talk about how you can keep your suede couch in great condition using a few simple techniques. Before that, we have talked about how to disinfect a couch and how to clean brick fireplace?

Keep reading to learn more.

Use a vacuum cleaner to remove loose dirt and dust

As soon as you notice that your suede couch is looking dirty, use a vacuum cleaner to remove any loose dirt and dust.

Just remember not to put a brush attachment on the vacuum cleaner without turning it off first. Once done, secure the brush attachment back onto the vacuum cleaner and turn it on.

Once set up, gently move the brush over specific areas of the couch that are filthy or stained with some force to collect as much soil and dust as possible into the vacuum canister. Repeat this step until all visible signs of soil have been removed from your upholstery.

To minimize damage to your furniture over time, invest in a soft bristle brush for use on suede fabrics only.

Remove stains with some talcum powder or cornstarch 

To remove smaller spots and spills, gently rub some cornstarch or talcum powder into the affected area until it disappears. It's best to have a separate brush for this that you can dedicate just to cleaning suede fabrics. 

Just remember not to use any type of water-based solution on your upholstery because they'll make the stain even worse than before.

Use cold water to clean dirt from high traffic areas 

Mix one part vinegar with two parts water in a spray bottle and gently mist the area that needs cleaning. Next, use a damp cloth to blot and soak up the liquid.

If you want, you can add some laundry detergent to the mixture instead of plain water. This will make it easier for you to get rid of stubborn stains because the dirt will start to dissolve under the surface.

Rub down your couch with a suede brush 

If all else fails, you should try using a suede brush on really bad stains or spills. Use one that's specially designed for cleaning suede. You'll be able to achieve fantastic results from just a few gentle strokes. The key here is to apply only light pressure so as not to damage your furniture further once stains have been removed. Just remember to avoid regular brushes as these could damage your upholstery.

Also, using harsh brushing motions or too much pressure can result in irreversible damage and premature fading of your fabric. Moreover, you should avoid washing your couch unless necessary, always clean stains as soon as they appear using cornstarch or talcum powder and blotting with a damp cloth, never scrub the material, and invest in a good quality suede brush if all else fails.

Giving your suede furniture piece an annual professional clean 

If you've got a large suede couch or sofa, you must consider giving it a good clean once every 12 months to keep things looking in top condition.

If possible, ask for the company to clean your upholstery by washing it at 120 degrees but if this is not available then opt for 90 degrees instead. This kind of temperature is perfect for deep cleaning your furniture while also keeping its color and shape intact.

Spray the mixture onto the cushions of your couch, let it sit for five minutes, then wipe off with a clean cloth or sponge 

If you find that water alone doesn't do the trick, try adding some vinegar into a spray bottle and spritz it onto the cushions of your couch. The mixture should stay wet for about five minutes but no more than that; otherwise, you may start to see the furniture absorb too much moisture. Once dry, wipe off any excess residue with a clean cloth or sponge.

The risk here is if there's any dye in the fabric or filling of your upholstery because white vinegar will break it down over time leaving behind permanent stains. This method is best suited for removing stains from suede fabrics without ruining their natural look and feel.

Use baking soda

If there are stubborn stains on your suede couch that won't come out after you've sprayed them with a vinegar-water solution, try using baking soda mixed into another bucket of water as an alternative method for removing these stains.

For this method, you'll need to mix about a quarter cup of baking soda into one quart of warm water. Once the mixture has been prepared, use a spray bottle to spritz it onto the stains on your couch and allow it to sit for about half an hour before wiping it off with a sponge or clean cloth.

Use hair dryer instead of steam cleaner 

If you've got a small suede sofa that needs cleaning badly because of kids' spills or pet accidents, then consider using a hair dryer instead of a steam cleaner which can be too harsh for delicate fabrics like suede. 

The key here is to start with low heat and work your way up, always stopping when you begin to see some steam coming out of the nozzle.

Remember that steam cleaners are often too hot for suede so you should start on the lowest setting first. Also, it's important to point out that if you see any residue left behind after cleaning, use a damp cloth to blot up the moisture before using a dry one. This way, you won't run the risk of damaging your couch with moisture or leaving unsightly stains.

Blotting method 

If there is something spilled on your suede furniture that can be removed easily by blotting (water from rain for example), then try this simple trick and see just how much better your couch can look in no time at all.

Simply spray water onto a clean cloth and gently blot the stain until it has been completely absorbed. The goal here is to make sure that you do not rub or scrub the stain vigorously because you'll risk ruining the fabric with this method.

How do I clean a suede couch?

This is not an easy question to answer because suede is a special kind of fabric that requires very specific treatment. It needs more than just gentle brushing and wiping with a damp towel; it also needs proper care like cleaning the surface using warm water, treating stains with cornstarch or talcum powder, and occasionally being completely cleaned professionally by a cleaning company.

To give you a better idea of what different methods can be used to clean your suede upholstery, here are some general tips that should help: 

Preferably use soft brushes for delicate fabrics (if possible avoid using regular ones) and try not to apply too much pressure on your furniture while tackling stains if possible as well. The less pressure you put on the surface the better.

Can I use a shampoo for suede to clean my couch?

No, you should never use shampoo because it may break down the fibers of your suede and ruin its texture.

Can I use rubbing alcohol to clean a suede couch? 

No again; rubbing alcohol is very strong and very rough on delicate fabrics like suede. It can permanently destroy the material, ruining its natural feel and leaving behind nasty stains that will eventually become permanent if not treated promptly.

Final thoughts on how to clean a suede couch

In conclusion, if you want to clean a suede couch, the method for doing so is not difficult. All you need is a little bit of time, and the desire to keep your suede couch in good condition for as long as possible.

By keeping in mind the things that you should avoid and the way to clean a suede couch, you can effectively keep your suede couch in good condition for an extended period.

Finally, after you’ve used these tips to clean your couch, why not go over this article to learn more about how to deep clean a carpet?