Faux leather leggings have become increasingly popular as a trendy and comfortable fashion choice. Not only do they offer style and versatility, but they also provide a cruelty-free alternative to genuine leather. However, to maintain their impeccable appearance and enjoy them for many seasons, it is crucial to give them proper care and attention. By following the right washing instructions and handling them with care, you can ensure that your faux leather leggings will continue to look their best and keep you stylish for years to come.
What Is Faux Leather?
Faux leather is a synthetic material made from polyurethane that mimics the look and feel of genuine leather. It is often popular among vegans and those who want to avoid animal-sourced materials, as no animals are harmed in the manufacturing process of faux leather. Faux leather products, including leggings, can be found in many stores and come in a variety of styles and colors.[3]
Tips For Washing Faux Leather Leggings
Before washing your faux leather leggings, it is important to check the care label for any special instructions. Generally speaking, you should hand wash them in cold water with a mild detergent and let them air dry. It is not recommended to put faux leather items into the washer or dryer as this can cause excessive wrinkling and stretching. If necessary, spot clean the leggings with a damp cloth or brush if there are any visible stains. Do not use harsh soaps or abrasive scrubbing as this may damage the material. Once they’re dry, you can use a soft-bristled brush to remove any lint or fluff that may have accumulated. Store your faux leather leggings in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to prevent fading or cracking of the material.
By following these tips, you can easily keep your faux leather leggings looking as good as new! Additionally, many brands offer special cleaning products designed specifically for synthetic materials that will help maintain their quality and prolong their lifespan.[3]
What You’ll Need
Equipment / Tools
- Mild Detergent
- Soft Bristled Brush
- Damp Cloth / Brush[4]
Materials
- Faux Leather Leggings
- Cold Water[4]
Instructions
- Check the care label of your faux leather leggings for any special washing instructions and follow them accordingly.
- Fill up a basin with cold water and add a mild detergent.
- Submerge your leggings in the soapy water and gently swish them around to clean them.
- Remove the leggings and rinse off the soap in cold water.
- Gently squeeze out any excess water and lay them flat on a towel for air drying.
- Once dry, use a soft bristle brush to remove lint or fluff that may have accumulated while washing.
- For any visible stains, gently spot clean with a damp cloth or brush.
- Store your faux leather leggings in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to maintain their quality and extend their lifespan.[3]
By following these simple instructions, you can easily keep your faux leather leggings looking new for many seasons!
How to Clean Faux Leather Clothes
Hand-Wash or Machine-Wash?
When it comes to cleaning faux leather clothing, the best way to maintain its quality and prolong its life is to hand-wash or spot-clean when necessary. Washing in a machine can cause excessive wrinkling and stretching of the material, so it is recommended not to do this. If you need to wash your faux leather clothing more often, consider investing in a special cleaning product designed specifically for synthetic materials. These are usually gentle on the fabric and will help maintain its quality without compromising its look or feel.[1]
Use Cool or Warm Water
When hand-washing or spot-cleaning faux leather clothing, it is important to use cool or warm water. Hot water can cause the material to warp and shrink, so it’s best to avoid this. Also, when using a mild detergent for cleaning, make sure not to use any that contain harsh chemicals as these may damage the fabric. As with faux leather leggings, it is important to check the care label for any special instructions and follow them accordingly.[1]
Select a Gentle Detergent
When selecting a detergent for cleaning faux leather clothes, choose one that is labelled as ‘mild’ or specifically designed for synthetic materials. It is important to avoid harsh chemicals as these can cause fading and discoloration of the fabric. Once you’ve selected your detergent, add it into a basin of cool or warm water and swish your faux leather clothing around to clean.[1]
Turn the Garment Inside Out
When cleaning faux leather clothing, it is important to turn the garment inside out before washing. This will help protect the material from any potential damage caused by the detergent or water. After turning the item inside out, submerge it in the basin and swish it around to remove any dirt or dust.[1]
Use Gentle Agitation
When cleaning faux leather clothing, it is important to use gentle agitation when washing. Do not scrub or rub the fabric as this can cause pilling and wear of the material. Swish the garment around in the water to loosen any dirt particles and then gently squeeze out any excess detergent and water.[2]
Use a Cool Water Rinse
Once the garment has been washed, it is important to use a cool water rinse. Hot water can cause shrinking and warping of the fabric so it is best avoided. Gently squeeze out any excess detergent and water before laying the item flat on a towel for air drying. Do not place in a dryer as this will also shrink and damage the material.[2]
Air-Dry Faux Leather Clothes
When air drying faux leather clothing, it is important to lay the item flat on a towel and avoid any direct sunlight. The heat from the sun can cause fading or cracking of the material, so it’s best to keep it away from direct light. Once dry, use a soft-bristled brush to remove any lint or fluff that may have accumulated while washing.[2]
Condition With Oil
Finally, to maintain the quality and prolong the life of your faux leather clothing, it is important to condition with oil. Coconut, olive or jojoba oils are all good choices as they will help keep the fabric soft and supple. Apply a small amount of oil to a cloth and gently rub into the garment in circular motions. Allow it to sit for a few minutes before wiping off any excess with a clean, damp cloth.[2]
Treating Stains on Faux Leather
If you come across any stains on your faux leather clothing, it is important to act fast and treat the area as soon as possible. For liquid spills, use a damp cloth or paper towel to blot up as much of the liquid as possible before treating with a mild detergent. Do not rub the stain as this may spread it further into the material.[3]
Faux Leather Care and Repairs
How to Reduce Fading
To reduce fading of your faux leather clothing, it is important to store the item away from direct sunlight or heat sources. This will help maintain its colour and quality for longer. Additionally, avoid placing any heavy objects on top of the garment as this may cause stretching or wrinkling of the material.[5]
How to Reduce Shrinkage
If your faux leather clothing has become stretched or shrunk, it is important to take steps to reduce this as soon as possible. One way you can do this is by using a cool water rinse when washing the item – hot water may cause further damage. For any minor repairs such as seams coming undone, you can use an adhesive or fabric glue to easily fix them back in place.[5]
How to Remove Tough Odors
If your faux leather clothing has become affected by strong odours, you can try using a baking soda solution to help remove them. Simply make a paste of baking soda and water and apply it to the fabric, allowing it to sit for 15-20 minutes before rinsing off in cool water. This should help absorb any stubborn smells and freshen the garment.[5]
By following these easy steps, you can keep your faux leather clothing looking and feeling like new for many seasons.
Ironing Faux Leather
When it comes to ironing faux leather clothing, you should always check the care label for any special instructions before proceeding. Generally speaking, it is safest to use a low-heat setting and avoid pressing directly on the fabric – instead, place a piece of cotton or linen cloth between your iron and the garment. Additionally, never steam-iron faux leather as this can cause it to shrink and warp. Finally, make sure to keep your iron moving and avoid lingering too long in one spot as this may cause discoloration or scorching of the fabric. Following these tips should help you achieve a crease-free finish without damaging your faux leather garment.[3]
Storing Faux Leather
When it comes to storing faux leather clothing, you should always make sure to hang them up on a sturdy hanger. Avoid folding your items as this can cause wrinkling and stretching of the fabric – instead, opt for hanging so that they maintain their original shape. Additionally, it is important to keep faux leather items away from direct sunlight or heat sources as this may cause fading or discoloration. Finally, make sure to spray your faux leather clothing with a protective spray before storing as this will help protect it from dirt and dust.[1]
How Often to Wash Faux Leather?
Faux leather clothing does not need to be washed as often as traditional fabrics, such as cotton or linen. You should aim to clean your faux leather items around every 3-6 months depending on how much it is worn and exposed to dirt. If you do notice any stains or dirt buildup before this time, however, try spot cleaning with a mild detergent and cool water. This should help keep your faux leather clothing looking great for longer.[4]
Tips for Washing Faux Leather Shoes, Bags, and Accessories
When it comes to washing faux leather shoes, bags, and accessories, the process is generally similar to clothing. However, as these items are often smaller in size it is important to be extra careful when cleaning them. Always use a mild detergent and cool water and avoid scrubbing or rubbing the fabric too hard as this can cause damage. Additionally, for any tricky spots or stains, try using a soft-bristled brush to gently remove them. Finally, make sure to hang dry your items completely before putting them away as the heat from a dryer may cause damage or shrinkage.[4]
By following these tips for washing faux leather, you can keep it looking great and lasting longer.
FAQ
Can you put faux leather leggings in the dryer?
No, it is not recommended to put faux leather leggings in the dryer as this could cause them to shrink or warp. Instead, allow them to air-dry on a hanger or towel away from direct heat sources such as radiators.
How do you wash leather leggings?
To wash leather leggings, start by turning them inside out and spot cleaning any marks or stains with a mild detergent and cool water. Then, fill a tub or sink with cold water and add a small amount of mild soap or gentle laundry detergent to create suds. Submerge the leggings in the soapy water for 10-15 minutes before gently squeezing them to remove excess water – avoid wringing or twisting as this may damage the fabric. Finally, lay flat on a towel and allow to air dry away from direct heat sources.
How do you wash Spanx faux leather leggings?
To wash Spanx faux leather leggings, start by spot cleaning any marks or stains with a damp cloth and mild detergent. Then, fill a tub or sink with cold water and add a small amount of mild soap or gentle laundry detergent to create suds. Submerge the leggings in the soapy water for 10-15 minutes before gently squeezing them to remove excess water – avoid wringing or twisting as this may damage the fabric. Finally, lay flat on a towel and allow to air dry away from direct heat sources.
Is it OK to wash faux leather?
Yes, it is generally safe to wash faux leather as long as you use a mild detergent and cool water. Avoid using any harsh chemicals or scrubbing too vigorously on the fabric as this can cause damage. Additionally, always check the care label for any special instructions before washing your item. Finally, never put faux leather in the dryer – instead allow it to air dry away from direct heat sources.
Can faux leather be machine washed?
No, it is not recommended to put faux leather in the washing machine as this could cause it to shrink or warp. Instead, hand wash using a mild detergent and cool water – avoid using any harsh chemicals or scrubbing too vigorously on the fabric as this can cause damage. Then allow to air dry away from direct heat sources.
Does water ruin faux leather?
No, water itself should not ruin faux leather if used in moderation. However, using too much water or water that is too hot can cause damage to the fabric. Additionally, never put faux leather in the dryer – instead allow it to air dry away from direct heat sources as this will help prevent warping and shrinking.
Can you wash Zara faux leather pants?
Yes, you can wash Zara faux leather pants as long as you use a mild detergent and cool water. Avoid using any harsh chemicals or scrubbing too vigorously on the fabric as this can cause damage. Additionally, always check the care label for any special instructions before washing your item. Finally, never put faux leather in the dryer – instead allow it to air dry away from direct heat sources.
Useful Video: How Do You Clean Faux Leather?
Conclusion
Taking care of faux leather pieces is an important part of keeping them looking great for longer. While washing faux leather items should be done sparingly, it can be done safely if you follow the proper steps. Start by spot cleaning any marks or stains with a mild detergent and cool water and then fill a tub or sink with cold water and add a small amount of mild soap or gentle laundry detergent to create suds. Submerge the item for 10-15 minutes before gently squeezing it to remove excess water – avoid wringing or twisting as this may damage the fabric. Finally, lay flat on a towel and allow to air dry away from direct heat sources. Additionally, make sure to spray your faux leather clothing with a protective spray after washing to help repel dirt and water and add an extra layer of protection. Following these steps will ensure your faux leather items look great for years to come.
References:
- https://www.thespruce.com/clean-faux-leather-clothing-4767279#
- https://fashionwanderer.com/how-to-wash-faux-leather-leggings/
- https://fitmommyinheels.com/how-to-wash-faux-leather-pants/
- https://plantpuree.com/vegan-fashion-and-vegan-beauty/vegan-leather/how-to-wash-faux-leather-pants/
- https://www.windsorstore.com/blogs/how-tos/how-to-wash-faux-leather
