Your sofa is one of the most heavily used furniture in your home, so it’s crucial to understand how to clean and maintain it. Let’s face it — dirt marks, food crumbs, stains, and pet hair are all part of everyday life. However, once you grasp how to tackle stains, spills, and debris effectively, you won’t have to tolerate a dirty sofa again. Whether your upholstery is genuine suede, or microfiber suede, the key lies in using the appropriate cleaning supplies and methods tailored for your specific fabric. Keep reading to discover how to clean a suede sofa.
Check if fabric or leather a better choice for sofa upholstery
How often should you clean your suede sofa?
It’s essential to address stains and spills promptly, and both types of suede should be vacuumed at least once in a month to eliminate dirt and dust. Additionally, giving your couch a comprehensive cleaning twice a year will help maintain its pristine appearance.
What will you need to clean a suede sofa?
To clean your suede sofa, you’ll require the following things:
- Suede brush
- Vacuum with upholstery and crevice attachment
- Bucket
- Spray bottle
- Whisk
- Scrub brush with soft nylon bristles
- Sponge
- Microfibre cloths
- Bowl
- Commercial glue remover
- Baby powder or cornstarch
- Dishwashing liquid
- White vinegar
- Baking soda
- Isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol
What to know before cleaning a suede sofa?
To begin, ascertain whether your sofa is crafted from genuine suede upholstery or microfiber suede. The cleaning approach will differ based on the fabric type, and using an incorrect method could result in damage. Genuine or natural suede is derived from animal hide, while microfiber suede is composed of nylon and polyester fibres. The latter is more resistant to stains and dirt and is simpler to clean due to its tightly woven fibres. To identify the type of suede, check for the attached care tag on your sofa. This will provide guidance on how to clean your suede. Here’s what the care tag may indicate:
- Code S: The fabric necessitates the use of a dry cleaning or water-free solvent to eliminate stains and soils. Use of these chemicals requires a well-ventilated room and no open flames, including fireplaces or candles.
- Code W: The fabric can be cleaned with water-based cleaning solvents.
- Code X: When you see the “X”, refrain from using any type of cleaning agent. These fabrics should only be cleaned by vacuuming or by a professional. Using any home cleaning product can cause staining and shrinking.
- Code W-S: The fabric can be cleaned with either water-based or solvent-based products.
Step-by-step guide to clean a suede sofa
Discover the steps involved in cleaning different kinds of suede sofa.
How to clean a natural suede sofa?
- Vacuum loose dirt and debris: Weekly vacuuming is essential to remove dust and soil that may harm the suede. Utilise the upholstery brush attachment and crevice tool to access every surface effectively.
- Treat all stains: Spills and stains should be addressed promptly following the recommended guidelines. Cornstarch serves as an excellent oil absorber, while commercial glue removers are effective for sticky residue. Damp spills should be blotted and allowed to dry slowly. A suede brush can help restore the finish after stain removal. Here are the different methods for cleaning a natural suede sofa.
- White vinegar: One of the most effective natural remedies for cleaning suede is white vinegar. Mix a few drops of vinegar with warm water and sponge lightly onto the stain. Continue dabbing until the stain is removed. Avoid saturating the sponge. Dab the area dry with a clean cloth.
- Baking soda: Another natural method involves using baking soda, which effectively removes stains from genuine suede without harming the material. Mix a pinch of baking soda with a few drops of water to create a paste. If needed, add a drop of gentle dish detergent for additional stain removal power. Apply the paste with a lightly dampened sponge and work on the stain by dabbing. Once done, dry the area with a clean cloth.
How to clean a microfibre suede sofa?
Because of manufacturing discrepancies, certain microfiber couches can be cleaned with water-based cleaners, while others may necessitate a solvent-based cleaner. Therefore, it’s essential to inspect your care tag. Regardless of the type, both microfiber suede varieties should be vacuumed weekly to eliminate loose soil, promptly treated for stains, and undergo thorough cleaning at least twice a year.
How to clean a microfibre suede sofa using soap and water?
- Vacuum loose dirt and debris: Use a vacuum with an upholstery attachment to remove any loose soil from the surface of microfibre.
- Prepare the cleaning solution: In a bucket or large bowl, add four cups of warm water. Mix in a quarter cup of dishwashing liquid. For extra cleaning power, add half a cup or one cup of white vinegar. Use a whisk or handheld mixer to create soapy suds. Fill a second bucket with plain water.
- Scrub with suds: Dip a scrub brush into the soap suds (not water). Begin at the top of a cushion or the couch back or arms to prevent dirty suds from dripping onto already cleaned areas. Spread the suds evenly and scrub thoroughly. Rinse the brush frequently in clean water and ensure it is as dry as possible as you repeat the steps with fresh soap suds. Work on one small area at a time. For stubborn stains, apply a paste of baking soda and water. Dab the paste onto the stain with a sponge or cloth and rub in a circular motion to remove stain. Rinse well.
- Rinse suds away: Once an area is cleaned, dampen a microfibre cleaning cloth with plain water and wipe away the suds. Move to the next area and repeat the suds, scrub, and rinse steps.
- Air-dry and vacuum the sofa: Allow the sofa to completely air-dry. Fluff the fibres with the help of a vacuum upholstery brush.
How to clean a microfibre suede sofa using isopropyl alcohol?
- Vacuum loose dirt and debris: Use a vacuum with an upholstery attachment to remove any loose soil from the surface of microfibre.
- Prepare cleaning solution: Pour the isopropyl alcohol into a spray bottle. Fill a small bucket with cool water.
- Spray and scrub: Starting at the top of a cushion or section, lightly spritz the fabric with alcohol. While the fabric is still damp (alcohol will evaporate quickly), scrub it with a sponge. Rinse the sponge out in plain water frequently and wring it well to prevent saturating the fabric with water.
- Dry and vacuum again: Allow the couch to air-dry. Once dry, use a vacuum with an upholstery brush to lift any matted fibres.
Cleaning suede sofa: DIY approach vs hiring a professional
Cleaning your suede couch can be a challenging task, and you may wonder whether it’s better to tackle it yourself or hire a professional. Here’s a comparison to help you decide.
DIY cleaning
- Cost-effective: DIY cleaning methods typically involve using household items, such as vinegar, baking soda, or soap and water, which are inexpensive compared to professional cleaning services.
- Convenience: You can clean your suede couch at your convenience without scheduling an appointment with a professional.
- Control: You have control over the cleaning process and can tailor it to suit your preferences and needs.
- Risk: DIY cleaning carries a risk of damaging your suede couch if the wrong cleaning method or solution is used, especially if you’re unsure about the fabric type or stain type.
Hiring a professional
- Expertise: Professional cleaners have knowledge, experience, and specialised equipment to effectively clean suede couches without causing damage.
- Efficiency: Professionals can often complete the cleaning process more quickly and efficiently than DIY methods.
- Safety: Hiring a professional reduces the risk of damaging your suede couch and ensures that it’s cleaned safely and effectively.
- Cost: Professional cleaning services may be more expensive than DIY methods, depending on the size of your couch and the extent of the cleaning required.
Housing.com POV
Your suede sofa serves as a centrepiece of comfort and relaxation in your home, enduring daily use and inevitable spills and stains. However, maintaining its pristine appearance doesn’t have to be daunting with the right knowledge and tools at your disposal. By understanding the fabric type of your suede sofa – whether genuine or microfibre suede – and adhering to the appropriate cleaning methods, you can effectively tackle dirt, stains, and debris. Whether you opt for natural remedies like white vinegar or baking soda, or commercial cleaning solutions, the key is prompt action and gentle treatment.
Regular maintenance is essential, including weekly vacuuming to remove loose soil and prompt treatment of spills and stains. A comprehensive cleaning regimen, scheduled at least twice a year, will further uphold the sofa’s appearance and longevity. From vacuuming to stain treatment, the step-by-step guide provided ensures a thorough cleaning process for both natural and microfibre suede sofas. Remember to check the care tag for specific cleaning instructions tailored to your sofa’s fabric type.
FAQs
How often should I clean my suede sofa?
It's recommended to address stains promptly and vacuum your suede sofa at least once a month to eliminate dirt and dust. Additionally, conducting a thorough cleaning twice a year helps maintain its pristine appearance.
What cleaning supplies do I need for my suede sofa?
Essential cleaning supplies include a suede brush, vacuum with upholstery attachments, spray bottle, whisk, scrub brush, sponge, microfibre cloths, bowl, commercial glue remover, baby powder or cornstarch, dishwashing liquid, white vinegar, baking soda, and isopropyl alcohol.
How do I determine the type of suede fabric on my sofa?
To identify the fabric type, check the care tag attached to your sofa. The care tag typically indicates the cleaning instructions, including codes, such as S for solvent-based cleaners, W for water-based cleaners, X for professional cleaning only, and W-S for both water and solvent-based cleaners.
Can I clean my suede sofa myself or should I hire a professional?
Both options have their pros and cons. DIY cleaning methods are cost-effective and convenient, but there's a risk of damage if the wrong cleaning method or solution is used. Hiring a professional cleaner ensures expertise, efficiency, and safety but may be more expensive.
How do I clean stubborn stains on my suede sofa?
For stubborn stains, natural remedies like white vinegar or baking soda can be effective. Mix a few drops of vinegar with warm water and dab onto the stain or create a paste with baking soda and water to apply on the affected area. Always test any cleaning solution on a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure compatibility with your sofa's fabric.
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