Furniture with microsuede and suede upholstery is very stylish and comfortable and it can help give your home a sophisticated look. Suede furniture is also quite expensive and vulnerable to stains and general wear and tear. If you have a suede couch or other furniture in your home with suede fabric, you must clean it regularly and react to spills immediately to prevent stains. Suede upholstery can lose its luster quickly, but proper cleaning and maintenance will help you preserve the look and luster or your furniture to get the most out of your investment. The following tips will help you clean your suede furniture upholstery safely and effectively.
How to Clean Suede Furniture
Vacuum the Upholstery
Debris such as dirt, crumbs, pet hair, and dust consistently gather within cushions and in the upholstery fabric. This buildup of debris can cause the suede fabric to lose its luster. You can remove much of this buildup by vacuuming the furniture once per month. Use the hand attachment of your vacuum cleaner and move across the suede fabric in a crisscross pattern to get the debris in the folds. Regular vacuuming will help keep the suede upholstery smooth.
Brush the Fabric
Repeated use can cause suede upholstery to look smashed or flat. Brushing the furniture once per week will help you revive the suede fabric. Brush your suede furniture gently with either a suede brush or a terry cloth. You can damage the fabric if you use a brush that’s too abrasive.
Remove Stains
Removing stains requires different techniques for microsuede and suede fabric. Suede is very delicate and any stain removal must be done carefully. It is best to absorb spills right away to prevent them from staining the fabric. The following tips can help you remove stains from suede furniture:
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Reacting to Spills on Suede: As soon as a spill happens, grab a clean, dry cloth to blot dry the spill. Dab the spill with the cloth and lift it straight up so you don’t force the liquid further into the suede. Leave the area to dry and check on it once its dried before taking further action.
- Removing Stains from Microsuede: Stains on microsuede furniture can be removed with either rubbing alcohol or white vinegar. Get a terry cloth damp with one of the two liquids and carefully rub it on the stain in a crisscross pattern. Do not get the cloth too wet with vinegar or rubbing alcohol because this could make the stain worse, and try to avoid rubbing the stain too harshly. It is best to try the solution in a small hidden area of the furniture first to make sure it won’t harm the suede fabric. If you are considering using an upholstery cleaner, check the manufacturer’s care instructions for your furniture first.
- Dry Stains on Suede: If you find a dry stain on your suede couch and neither of the above methods can remove it, you can try using a suede eraser or a regular pencil eraser to remove it. If this does not work you can try a soft nail file or light sandpaper, but be careful not to harm the fabric. You should call a professional that provides upholstery cleaning services to remove stubborn stains from suede furniture.
Call for Professional Upholstery Cleaning Services
With the price you pay for suede furniture, it is important to protect your investment by cleaning and maintaining it on a regular basis. Following the cleaning tips described above will help you keep your suede furniture in good condition for many years. However, if you don’t feel comfortable cleaning your suede furniture or find a tough stain, contact a professional for upholstery cleaning services. These professionals have the experience and equipment to safely treat suede upholstery.