Clean and Maintain a Suede Couch

A suede couch looks suave and sophisticated, but only as long as it is kept clean and neat. This can be accomplished with a regular quick cleaning and brushing, as well as an occasional vacuuming. If the couch is new or relatively clean it can be treated with a number of stain protectors that can be purchased from a local hardware store. Older and dirtier couches, however, will obviously require a more thorough cleaning so a few solutions are suggested here.

Steps

Protecting the New Suede Couch

  1. Use a protective spray that is safe for suede. Although not entirely foolproof, treating your couch with a protective spray will help prevent spills from becoming permanent stains.
    • Some protective sprays are water based while others are a synthetic solvent. Consult your owner's manual to see what type of cleaners are safe for your couch.
    • Please be aware that if the couch is brand-new that applying fabric/upholstery protector may void the warranty. .
  2. Work in an extremely-well ventilated area. Fumes emitted from the aerosol spray can be harmful in many ways and should always be avoided as much as possible.
    • Be sure to open all windows and use as many fans as available.
    • Painter's ventilator-masks can also be used.
  3. Begin working one section of the couch at a time, allowing fresh air to fill the room before moving on. This will keep the over-spray to a minimum and allow you to breathe easier.
    • Be sure to keep the can approximately 8-12 inches away from the area being sprayed. Closer may result in 'running,' while too far away will result in an uneven coat.
    • Sweep, do not point, the spray can smoothly. If sweeping from left-to-right, begin spraying about six-inches to the left of couch, and stop spraying six-inches after you have passed the right edge.[1]
  4. Work your way through each section of the couch until it has been given a full-coat. You will need to apply two-three coats of fabric/upholstery protector for it to work properly.
  5. Allow at least 12-hours to dry.

Cleaning Weekly

  1. Remove the cushions on the couch every week or so. This will allow you to collect all the crumbs, papers and other bits and pieces that have fallen through the cracks.
  2. Use a dust buster or vacuum to collect the debris that could not be removed by hand. Vacuuming will also help eliminate any dust or pet dander that has accumulated and that cannot be seen by the human eye.
  3. Wipe the cushions down with a suede brush or a terry cloth towel. Be sure to check the underside of the cushions for any debris that may have remained.
  4. Replace the cushions. Some couches have matching cushions. That is, they are the exact same size and shape. If this is the case, it is a good idea to rotate the cushions to even out the wear.
  5. Brush the nap at least once a week. Brushing removes dust, which accumulates and causes a couch to look dull. Use a suede napping brush or cloth, which can be purchased at shoe stores that also specialize in cleaning and repair.
    • Keep a suede cleaning cloth nearby. Use this to rub down the couch now and then to help keep the nap in good shape.
    • This can be done even while you're watching TV, so it's useful to keep the cloth near the remotes.
    • Terry cloth towels can be also be used.
    • Rubbing and brushing are especially important if you allow pets to sit on the couch.

Cleaning Monthly

  1. Remove the cushions as you would for a weekly cleaning. Set them down on a clean area of the floor.
  2. Vacuum or dust bust each cushion using a criss-cross pattern. This will help free any debris that has remained trapped in the folds of the suede.
    • If available, use the specialized upholstery attachment that was included with your vacuum-- this attachment does not have the rougher and--presumably--dirtier edges of the other attachments. Consult your vacuum's manual if you're unsure which attachment this is.
    • Vacuuming keeps the nap intact and will also remove dust and debris that has managed to build-up on the surface of the couch.
  3. Use the same criss-cross vacuuming motion to clean the rest of the couch. Begin with the arms and work your way down toward the legs.
  4. Brush or rub down the nap of the couch using either the suede nap brush or the suede rubbing cloth. This will polish and restore the luster of the couch.
  5. Repeat the same process for each of the cushions. Be sure to polish both the top and bottom of the cushion, as well as all of the sides to eliminate any lingering debris or pet dander.
  6. Replace the cushions. Again, if appropriate, rotating the cushions to even out wear-and-tear.

Removing Stains

  1. Rub the stain with the suede brush or polishing cloth. This will prepare the area by removing any debris or dust.
  2. Moisten a terry cloth rag with white vinegar or rubbing alcohol and lightly dab the couch. Be very careful not to over-saturate the stain.
  3. Rub the stain gently to remove. Avoid using harsh circular motions as this will only add undo wear to the nap. Instead, use a criss-crossing pattern.
    • If brushing, vinegar, and alcohol do not work, try using a cleaner designed for suede shoes. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions. These products come as either a water-based solution, or a suede and micro-suede specific solvent.[2]Please refer to your couch's specific manufacturer's instructions for care to see which type of cleaner is safe for your couch.
    • Clean up water, fat and soft food spills immediately. The sooner you remove the spill, the more likely the stain is likely to be removed.



Tips

  • Always test an inconspicuous area of the couch before using a product for cleaning, just in case it stains.
  • If you're not sure how to clean the couch safely, contact the manufacturer or a relevant retailer for advice.
  • If you have small children and/or pets, consider covering the couch with throws to prevent damage from hair, mud and other items brought in by children and pets. Doing this will extend the life of the couch and the throws are easily removed when visitors call.
  • Grease or fat: rub with a small amount of white spirits on a paper towel. Then sprinkle with talcum powder and leave to dry. Do not attempt to remove it until it is dry, or it'll spread and stain the area. Brush or vacuum off.
  • Cream, frosting and other soft foods should be scraped off quickly and treated immediately. Any food with fat content will stain.
  • Having fabric cleaner on-hand will help ensure that you are always ready to tackle a stain.
  • Consider renewing the stain repellent or fabric/upholstery protector as needed. Read the manufacturer's instructions as to the duration of the product. Mark the time for renewing it in your electronic calendar, as this may be some way down the track but it is important to remember when to renew it, to ensure that the couch is still properly protected.

Things You'll Need

  • Suede nap brush
  • Suede rubbing cloth
  • Vacuum cleaner
  • Various stain removal solutions where relevant
  • Clean, neutrally colored cleaning cloths (so as not to transfer color dyes)

Related Articles

Sources and Citations

  1. ↑ http://www.popularmechanics.com/home/improvement/outdoor-projects/10-tips-for-better-spray-painting-15474314
  2. ↑ http://www.overstock.com/guides/how-to-clean-microsuede-sofas
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