How To Clean A Suede Couch, According To Cleaning Experts

by John Griffith Jan 26, 2023 @ 08:48

Suede couches look and feel beautiful. They lend a soft, modern look to your living room and create a cozy atmosphere. And while suede is more durable than some other fabrics, in its core it is a less-durable form of leather, which means the material needs proper maintenance to look good. Sadly, this type of material is less stain resistant and can easily collect dust and debris. This can make it look quite unappealing and grubby. On the bright side with a little love and elbow grease you can keep your beautiful suede couch looking brand new for years. And you’ll be happy to hear that cleaning a suede couch is actually kind of simple, as long as you know what to do. That’s why we asked some cleaning experts to tell us how to clean a suede couch the right way.

Suede couches lend a soft, modern look to your living room

This type of material needs proper maintenance to look good

In this article

How To Clean a Suede Couch
How Often Should You Clean a Suede Couch?
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How To Clean a Suede Couch

Before you begin tackling the cleaning, it’s very important you figure out what type of suede your couch is made from. You can find the main differences and the two most common types below. It is crucial to understand this, as the type of suede determined the type of cleaners you can use on the couch. You can also find this information on the label, which can have four versions: S, W, S-W, and X. S means solvent-only, W means water-based cleaners, S-W means both solvent-only and water-based cleaners, and X means you can only brush and vacuum the couch. If you are afraid you might damage or shrink the material, then it’s best to call in some professionals. Keep in mind suede does not enjoy water a lot and can shrink.

It’s very important you figure out what type of suede your couch is made from

#Natural Suede

Natural suede is made from the underside of the animal hide. It is thin and porous. You will also recognize it by its napped or fuzzy finish with a varied grain. It can be both dyed or undyed. If this sounds like your couch, then it’s more likely than not made from natural suede.

Natural suede is made from the underside of the animal hide

What You’ll Need:

Vacuum (with upholstery attachment and crevice tool)
Soft-bristle brush
Sponge/Cloth
Stain remover

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Vacuuming comes first. Use an upholstery brush attachment, as well as a crevice tool to make sure you can reach every surface. This will help to remove the loose dirt before going into a deeper clean. Vacuuming will prevent any loose dirt from becoming mud and staining the couch.
Now it’s time for stain control. In general, stains should be treated the second they happen. Depending on the stain, you will need a different treatment. You can refer to the stain guide below to see how your stain needs to be dealt with.
After stain control, let the area dry. Once it’s dried brush out your couch with the soft-bristled brush to re-fluff and to help the material dry even deeper.

Vacuuming comes first when cleaning a suede couch

#Microfiber Suede

Microfiber suede is made from nylon and polyester threads that are tightly woven together and cut. This is done to imitate the soft, plush texture and feel of natural suede. Microfiber suede is more resistant to dirt, dust, and stains.

Microfiber suede is made from nylon and polyester threads

What You’ll Need:

Vacuum (with upholstery attachment and crevice tool)
Soft-bristled brush
Microfiber cloth
Soapy water

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Just like with the natural material, first you need to vacuum. Once again use an upholstery brush and a crevice tool to get into the nitty-gritty of it and get rid of any loose dirt.
Take your microfiber cloth and dip it in some warm soapy water. Then squeeze out as much water as possible before using it. Then, wipe down the entire surface of the couch to clean it.
Now it’s time for spot treatment. Just like with the natural suede it is best to clean any stains right away. And different stains need different treatment, so make sure to refer to the stain guide below.
After spot treatment is done, let the couch dry. Then finally, use a brush to fluff it out and help it dry even deeper.

Take your microfiber cloth and dip it in some warm soapy water

#Stain Guide

Ugh, there is nothing more annoying than getting a stain on your beautiful suede couch. However, it’s nothing to worry about. Different stains will require different treatment methods. That’s why we’ve put together this easy guide, so you know how to tackle any stain that comes your way.

Oil stain: If you are dealing with an oil stain, then cornstarch can help save the day. It is an excellent oil absorbent. Just blot the stain, then pour some cornstarch, leave it and them vacuum and wipe the stain with a white vinegar dampened cloth or just buff it out with a brush.

Sticky residue: If you got any type of sticky residue from glue stuck on your suede couch, then usually a commercial glue remover can help or some rubbing alcohol (only on S or W-S labeled couches).

Damp stains: Spills happen. If you are dealing with something wet and non-colored like water or tea, just blot the liquid away and allow the couch to dry. Then buff it out with a brush.

Stains in general: You can use a white water and vinegar mixture to deal with most stains. Just mix some drops of vinegar with some warm water and sponge it into the stain. Then dab, dab, dab until the stain lifts. Just make sure to use a damp sponge, not a soaking one. Then dry the spot with a clean cloth.

Different stains will require different treatment methods

How Often Should You Clean a Suede Couch?

Well, it depends on how fast it gets dirty, how much you use is and so on. However, there are some general guidelines you can follow. When it comes to stains and spills they obviously have to be treated promptly. For both types of suede couches, it’s recommended you give them a good vacuuming at least once a month to get rid of dirt and dust. And when it comes to a deep clean, twice a year will help your couch to look its best.

There are some general guidelines you can follow for cleaning your couch

This was how to clean a suede couch the right way, according to cleaners. We hope you found this article useful. Now you can bring some new life into your tired suede couch.

This was how to clean a suede couch the right way, according to cleaners

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John Griffith

John Griffith is a young, passionate journalist. Writing has been John’s hobby ever since he was a boy. He has worked in some of the UK’s most successful news portals over the course of his professional career but found his forever home at Archzine.