Do you have a suede couch cover and are not sure if it can be washed? Are you worried about how to clean it properly without damaging the material? If so, you have come to the right place. In this article, we will answer some of the most common questions people have about washing suede couch covers. We will provide tips on how to do it safely and effectively so that your couch cover looks like new again!
What is Suede Leather and Why is It Often Used in Furniture
Couch covers serve many purposes. They can protect your couch from wear and tear, stains, and dirt. They can also add a bit of style to your furniture and help it blend in with your decor. Couch covers come in a variety of materials, including cotton, polyester, denim, microfiber, and suede.
While suede leather is very soft and comfortable, it can be difficult to clean and care for. You must be careful when cleaning suede leather not to damage the delicate nap or change the color of the fabric and its texture.
Unfortunately, couch covers are bound to get dirty over time. If you have a suede couch cover, you may be wondering if it’s possible to clean it without damaging the fabric. [1]
How to Clean Your Suede Couch Covers?
One of the most common suede leather furniture pieces is couch covers. Many people wonder if they can wash their suede couch covers, and the answer is yes! You can wash your suede couch covers, but you must be very careful when doing so. In general, it’s recommended to thoroughly clean your couch covers every 6 months to 1 year to prevent dirt and grime build-up. In this section, we will show you how to wash your suede couch covers properly.
Check the care tag
Before you start washing your suede couch covers, you need to check the care tag. The care tag will have specific instructions on how to wash your couch cover. These instructions are there for a reason, so you should follow them closely. If the care tag says “dry clean only”, then you should dry clean your couch cover. Do not try to wash it in water.
Remove the cushions from your couch
The obvious step is to take the cushions off the couch, but we will go into detail about this. You will need to remove all the cushions from your couch before you can start washing the couch covers. Once you have removed the cushions, set them aside in a safe place. You may also use this as an opportunity to clean the cushions themselves. It’s also worth separating visibly stained covers from the rest, these will require different clean-up methods.
Brush the cushions with a soft brush
Before you begin washing your suede couch covers, you must first brush the cushions with a soft brush. This will help remove any dirt or debris that may be on the surface of the couch cover. Once you have brushed the cushions, you can then proceed to wash them. You can also use a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment to brush the cushions.
Mix a water-soap cleaning solution in a spray bottle
Now that you have brushed the cushions, you can create a cleaning solution in a spray bottle. To do this, mix together water and mild soap. You should use about 1 part soap to 10 parts water. Once you have mixed the solution together, place it in a spray bottle.
Spray your cushions with the cleaning solution
Next, you will need to spray your cushions with the cleaning solution. Do not cover the entire area! Just spray a small section at a time. Plan several small sections so that you can work on one small section at a time. This will help prevent the solution from drying before you have a chance to wipe it off. And do not apply too much of the solution when spraying, as this can cause the solution to seep through the fabric and damage your couch.
Rub the solution in with a dry towel
Once you have sprayed a small section of your couch cover with the cleaning solution, you will need to rub it in with a dry towel. Wipe in circular motions from the inside out. Do not scrub too hard, as this can damage the fabric. And make sure to change your towel frequently so that you are using a clean one.
Repeat this process for each small section of your couch cover until you have cleaned the entire thing.
Rinse the cushions with a dampened towel
After you have rubbed in the cleaning solution, you will need to rinse the cushions with a dampened towel. Use a clean towel that has been dampened with water. Wingle out as much water as possible before wiping down the cushion.
Let the cushions air dry
Once you have rinsed the cushions, you will need to let them air dry. Do not place them in direct sunlight, as this can damage the fabric. Instead, place them in a well-ventilated area where they will not be exposed to sunlight. Let them air dry for at least 24 hours before using them again. We suggest against using a hair dryer to speed up the process, as this can damage the fabric. [1] [2]
Cleaning Stains With White Vinegar
Unfortunately, not all stains will come out with just soap and water. For tougher stains, you may need to use white vinegar. White vinegar is a natural cleaning agent that can be used on many different types of fabrics.
Soak up the excess liquid if the stain is wet
If the stain is still wet, it is important to first try and soak up as much of the excess liquid as possible. This can be done by using a clean cloth or paper towel to blot at the stain. Be sure to blot and not rub, as rubbing will only spread the stain and make it harder to remove.
Dip a clean cloth into the mixture and apply it to the stain
While in other situations you would need to dilute the vinegar before using it, for this application you will want to use it full strength. This means that you should not add any water to the vinegar before applying it to the stain.
To apply the vinegar to the stain, dip a clean cloth into the mixture and then apply it directly to the soiled area. You may need to apply pressure to ensure that the cloth is saturated with the vinegar. Make sure the cloth is only slightly dampened – you do not want it to be dripping wet.
Gently scrub the stained area
Once the vinegar has been applied, you can begin scrubbing at the stain. Be sure to use gentle pressure and circular motions. You may need to scrub for several minutes to see results.
Rinse the stain with a dampened towel
Once the vinegar has had a chance to work on the stain, you can rinse it with a dampened towel. Use clean water to dampen the towel and then gently blot at the stain until it is no longer visible.
Repeat as necessary
In some cases, you may need to repeat the entire process in order to completely remove the stain. It is important to be patient and not scrub too harshly, as this could damage the fabric of your couch cover. [1]
Using Suede Eraser to Treat Stubborn Stains
If you have a tough stain on your suede couch cover, you can try using a suede eraser. First, identify the type of stain. If it’s an oil-based stain, such as from makeup or food, you’ll need to use a different method.
To treat the stain with a suede eraser, start by gently rubbing the eraser over the area in a circular motion. You may need to apply some pressure to remove the stain. Once the stain is gone, brush the area with a soft-bristled brush to raise the nap. If the stain is still visible, you can try repeating the process or using a suede cleaner.
Just make sure the surface of the suede is free of dust before you use the eraser, otherwise it may damage the material.
How to Remove Oil Stains From Your Suede Couch Covers?
Oil stains are probably the most annoying type of stains to get on your suede couch covers. Not only are they difficult to remove, but they can also leave a permanent mark if not treated properly. If you have an oil stain on your suede couch cover, don’t panic! There is a method you can use to remove it. It is only recommended for S-rated suede, however, so double-check the tag before you proceed.
First, try blotting the stain with a clean, paper towel. The intention here is to remove as much oil as possible before it has a chance to set into the fabric. Next, take a rubbing alcohol-soaked cotton ball and dab it on the stain. Again, you’re just trying to remove as much of the oil as possible.
Try to cover the entire surface of the stain and gently dab it until the cotton ball no longer picks up any more oil. If the stain is still visible, you can try using a suede brush to lightly scrub it. The goal here is to lift the stain from the fibers without damaging the nap of the fabric.
Once done, use a clean dry cloth to get rid of any residual rubbing alcohol, and then allow the couch cover to air dry completely. If the stain is still visible, you may need to repeat these steps or take it to a professional cleaner. [1] [2]
How to Treat Gum Stains on Your Suede Couch Covers
Sometimes kids can make a mess of your suede couch covers. If you find dried gum stuck to your suede, don’t fret! While it’s not as simple as just wiping it away, removing gum from suede is possible with a few simple steps.
First, avoid peeling off gum right away as this can pull at the fibers of your suede couch covers. Instead, let the gum harden so it can be easily crumbled off.
To do this, place ice cubes in a plastic bag and hold them over the gum for a few minutes. Once the gum has hardened, use your fingers to scrape it away. If there’s any residue left behind, rub it gently with a suede brush until it’s gone.
Just be sure to place ice cubes in a plastic bag first so you don’t accidentally damage your suede couch covers with moisture. [1] [2]
FAQ
How often should you vacuum your suede couch covers?
You should vacuum your suede couch covers at least once a month to remove any dirt or dust that may have accumulated. If you have pets, you may need to vacuum more frequently to remove any pet hair. As for full cleaning, it is best to perform it at least once in six months.
Can you wash the suede couch?
Of course, you can! Suede is a type of leather, and like any other leather item, it can be cleaned. You just have to take extra care when doing so because suede is more delicate than other types of leather.
Before proceeding to clean your suede couch, it is important to check the care label first. This will give you an idea of what cleaning methods are safe to use on your specific couch. Once you have determined that washing your suede couch is safe, you can proceed with the following steps:
- Vacuum the couch first to remove any dirt and dust particles;
- Make sure to use a soft-bristled attachment so as not to damage the suede surface;
- Then spot-clean stains using a mild soap and a damp cloth;
- Never scrub the stains as this will only damage the suede further;
- Instead, gently blot at the stain until it is removed;
Can you machine wash suede fabric?
Still, hand washing is the best way to clean suede couch covers. Use mild soap and cool water. Do not scrub the fabric too hard, as this can damage the surface of the suede. Rinse the covers thoroughly and line-dry them away from direct sunlight.
How can I clean my suede couch at home?
If your suede couch is starting to look a bit dirty, there are several ways you can clean it at home. One way is to vacuum it with a soft brush attachment. You can also spot-clean it with a mild soap and water solution. If the couch is really dirty, you may need to hire a professional cleaner.
Vinegar can be used as a natural cleaning solution for your suede couch. Simply mix equal parts water and vinegar in a spray bottle, and then spritz the solution onto the affected areas of your couch. Use a clean cloth to rub the area in a circular motion until the dirt comes off. You can also use this solution to spot-clean any spills or stains on your couch.
Can I wash the sofa covers in the washing machine?
If your sofa covers are made of 100% polyester, nylon, or microfiber and have a “delicate” or “hand wash” symbol, you can machine-wash them on a gentle or delicate cycle with cold water and mild liquid detergent. Wash the couch covers inside out to prevent the fabric from pilling. Don’t use bleach or fabric softener, and line dry or tumble dry low when done.
Suede covers however are a different story. Since suede is so delicate we don’t recommend you machine wash them. Instead, spot-clean them with a damp cloth and a mild soap solution. You can also use a suede brush to remove any dirt or grime. Once you’re done cleaning, let the covers air dry completely before using them again.
Useful Video: BEST WAY TO CLEAN YOUR MICROFIBER COUCH/FAST & EASY
Conclusion
Suede couch covers are still considered one of the most comfortable and luxurious materials for furniture upholstery. Even though they’re not as common as they used to be, you can still find them in many homes. But it’s inevitable – your beautiful suede couch covers will eventually become stained. And while you can’t prevent every stain, you can take steps to clean them efficiently.
The problem with suede is that it’s very difficult to clean. You can’t just throw it in the washing machine and hope for the best. In fact, even professional cleaners have a hard time cleaning suede couch covers.
For regular cleaning, dabbing the surface with a cloth dampened in soapy water is usually enough. But for more difficult stains, you might need to use some of the cleaning solutions we mentioned in this article. For example, vinegar is a good option for removing water stains. And for oil, you might want to use rubbing alcohol. If you want an easy way to deal with common stains, a suede eraser is a lifesaver.
Just remember – always test the cleaning solution on a small, hidden area first. That way, you can avoid damaging your couch covers. With proper care and cleaning, your suede couch covers can last for many years. So don’t be afraid to take care of them!
References:
- https://www.wikihow.com/Clean-Suede-Couch-Cushions
- https://home.howstuffworks.com/home-improvement/household-hints-tips/cleaning-organizing/how-to-clean-micro-suede-couch.htm
