To clean suede upholstery, start by gently brushing away loose dirt with a soft suede brush. For dry stains, use a suede eraser carefully, and blot wet spills immediately with a dry cloth—never rub. After cleaning, let it air dry and then brush to lift and restore the nap’s softness. Use suede-specific cleaners sparingly and protect your upholstery with a suede spray. Keep these tips in mind, and you’ll find even more ways to maintain your suede’s luxurious look.
Key Takeaways
- Gently brush suede upholstery with a soft suede brush to remove dirt and lift the nap without damaging the fibers.
- Use a suede eraser or clean white pencil eraser to carefully rub out small dry stains without harsh scrubbing.
- Blot wet stains immediately with a clean, dry microfiber cloth; avoid rubbing to prevent deeper absorption and damage.
- Allow suede to air dry naturally away from heat, then brush again to restore the nap’s soft texture and appearance.
- Apply a suede protector spray regularly to guard against spills and dirt, preserving the nap and overall material quality.
Understanding Suede Upholstery
Suede upholstery offers a soft, luxurious texture that adds warmth and style to any room. When you understand what makes suede unique, you’ll care for it more effectively.
Suede is made from the underside of animal hides, giving it a napped finish that feels velvety but can be sensitive to moisture and dirt. Unlike smooth leather, suede absorbs liquids quickly, which means spills can leave stains if you don’t act fast.
Its delicate surface can also get scuffed or flattened, so you’ll want to treat it gently. Knowing these traits helps you avoid common mistakes like using harsh cleaners or excessive water.
Gathering the Right Cleaning Supplies
To clean your upholstery effectively, you’ll need just a few essential supplies that protect the delicate fabric without causing damage.
Start by gathering a suede brush or a soft-bristle brush designed specifically for suede. This helps lift dirt and restore the nap.
Next, get a suede eraser or a clean white pencil eraser to tackle small stains or spots gently. Avoid colored erasers to prevent staining.
You’ll also want a clean, dry microfiber cloth for blotting moisture or dirt. For tougher grime, consider a suede cleaner or a mild, pH-neutral detergent formulated for delicate fabrics.
Finally, have a small bowl of lukewarm water ready for dampening the cloth if needed. Avoid harsh chemicals, as they can ruin the suede’s texture and color.
Preparing the Suede Surface for Cleaning
Before you start cleaning, you’ll want to gently remove any loose dirt and dust from the upholstery. This step prevents grime from embedding deeper during cleaning.
Gently remove loose dirt first to keep grime from settling deeper during suede cleaning.
Use a soft-bristled brush or a vacuum with a brush attachment to avoid damaging the suede’s delicate fibers. Next, test your cleaning solution on a hidden spot to verify it won’t discolor the fabric.
Here’s how to prepare your suede surface effectively:
- Brush gently in one direction to lift surface particles
- Vacuum with low suction to avoid pressing dirt in
- Avoid soaking the fabric to protect its texture
- Identify any stains or spots for targeted treatment later
- Keep the area well-ventilated for faster drying after cleaning
Proper preparation sets the stage for successful suede cleaning.
Removing Dry Stains and Dirt
To remove dry stains and dirt from your suede upholstery, start by gently brushing the surface with a soft suede brush to lift debris without damaging the fabric.
If stubborn spots remain, use a suede eraser to carefully rub them away.
These simple tools help restore your suede’s texture without harsh chemicals.
Gentle Brushing Techniques
Although suede is delicate, you can effectively remove dry stains and dirt by brushing gently with the right tools.
Start by choosing a soft-bristle suede brush or a clean, dry toothbrush. Brush in one direction to lift dirt without damaging the fabric. Use light pressure to avoid flattening the nap. Focus on the stained area, then gently brush the surrounding fabric to blend the texture.
Here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Brush suede when it’s completely dry
- Avoid circular motions; brush with the grain
- Clean your brush regularly to prevent dirt buildup
- Use short, controlled strokes for better results
- Test brushing on a hidden area first
This method refreshes your suede’s look and restores its natural texture.
Using Suede Erasers
A suede eraser is a handy tool that helps you lift dry stains and dirt without damaging your upholstery.
To use it, gently rub the eraser over the stained area in small, circular motions. Avoid pressing too hard, as that can flatten the suede’s nap.
Once the stain lifts, brush the area with a suede brush to restore the texture. If the eraser crumbs build up, simply brush them away.
You can find suede erasers at most shoe or leather care stores. Remember, this method works best on dry stains like scuffs or surface dirt—don’t use it on wet spots.
Using a suede eraser regularly will keep your upholstery looking fresh and maintain its soft, velvety feel.
Treating Wet Stains and Spills
When you spot a wet stain on your suede upholstery, act fast by gently blotting it with a clean cloth to absorb as much moisture as possible.
Avoid rubbing, as that can push the stain deeper into the fabric.
Once dry, you’ll need to restore the nap by brushing the suede with a soft brush to keep it looking fresh.
Immediate Blotting Techniques
Two key actions can make all the difference when treating wet stains on suede upholstery: acting quickly and blotting gently.
You want to absorb as much moisture as possible without rubbing, which can damage the delicate fibers. Here’s how to tackle it effectively:
- Use a clean, dry cloth or paper towel to blot the area.
- Apply gentle pressure; avoid scrubbing or pressing hard.
- Blot from the outside of the stain inward to prevent spreading.
- Replace the cloth frequently to avoid re-depositing moisture.
- Avoid using colored cloths that might transfer dye onto the suede.
Drying and Nap Restoration
Someone handling wet stains on suede upholstery should focus on drying the area properly while restoring the nap to maintain its texture.
After blotting excess moisture, let the suede air dry naturally—avoid heat sources that can damage the fabric.
Once dry, gently brush the spot with a suede brush or a clean toothbrush to lift the nap and restore its soft, fuzzy surface.
For stubborn flattened areas, use a suede eraser or a pencil eraser to rub the fabric lightly, then brush again.
If the nap remains uneven, you can steam the suede briefly by holding it over a pot of boiling water, but don’t soak it.
These steps help keep your suede looking fresh and prevent permanent water marks.
Restoring the Suede Nap With Gentle Brushing
Although suede can appear worn or flattened after cleaning, you can easily revive its texture by gently brushing the nap. This process lifts the fibers, restoring the soft, velvety feel suede is known for.
To do it right, follow these tips:
- Use a soft-bristled suede brush or a clean toothbrush.
- Brush in one direction to avoid damaging the fibers.
- Apply light pressure, focusing on flattened areas.
- Work on small sections for even results.
- Avoid brushing when suede is wet to prevent damage.
Using Suede-Specific Cleaning Products
Choosing the right suede-specific cleaning products can make all the difference in maintaining your upholstery’s appearance and texture.
These products are specially formulated to clean without damaging the delicate fibers or altering the color. Always pick cleaners labeled for suede or nubuck, as general upholstery cleaners may be too harsh.
Choose cleaners made for suede or nubuck to protect delicate fibers and prevent color damage.
Before applying, test the product on a hidden area to verify it doesn’t cause discoloration. Use a suede cleaning eraser or a gentle suede cleaner spray according to the instructions.
Apply sparingly and avoid soaking the fabric. After cleaning, let your upholstery air dry completely.
Using the appropriate products helps remove stains and dirt effectively while preserving the soft, velvety nap that makes suede so unique.
Preventative Care Tips for Suede Upholstery
After cleaning your suede upholstery with the right products, keeping it in good shape requires regular preventative care.
You’ll want to protect the texture and prevent stains from setting in. Here are some essential tips to maintain your suede’s look and feel:
- Use a suede protector spray to guard against spills and dirt.
- Avoid placing suede furniture in direct sunlight to prevent fading.
- Regularly brush with a suede brush to lift the nap and remove dust.
- Clean spills immediately by blotting gently with a dry cloth.
- Rotate cushions frequently to guarantee even wear and prevent flattening.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Suede Upholstery Be Safely Cleaned With a Steam Cleaner?
You shouldn’t use a steam cleaner on suede upholstery because the heat and moisture can damage the fabric and ruin its texture. Instead, you’ll want to stick to gentle, dry cleaning methods to keep it safe and soft.
How Often Should Suede Upholstery Be Professionally Cleaned?
Like a fine painting, suede upholstery needs gentle care. You should get it professionally cleaned every 12 to 18 months to keep it looking fresh and prevent dirt from settling deep into the fabric’s delicate fibers.
Are There Any Household Items to Avoid on Suede Upholstery?
You should avoid water, harsh detergents, and oils on suede upholstery. These can stain or damage the fabric. Also, steer clear of abrasive brushes or cleaners that might ruin the delicate texture and appearance.
Can Pet Hair Be Removed Without Damaging Suede?
You can remove pet hair without damaging suede by gently using a soft-bristled brush or a lint roller designed for delicate fabrics. Avoid harsh rubbing to keep the suede’s texture intact and looking fresh.
Is It Possible to Dye Faded Suede Upholstery at Home?
Oh, sure, you can totally dye faded suede at home—if you enjoy patchy, uneven colors and a DIY disaster. But with patience and the right suede dye, you can refresh its look carefully and effectively.