Maintain Faux Leather

Faux leather is a less expensive, more durable synthetic alternative to real leather. It is used for furniture, clothing, car upholstery, handbags, belts and more. Faux leather can be found in various forms, such as polyurethane, vinyl or microsuede leather. Each of these methods can be cleaned in relatively similar fashions, with some key differences.

Steps

Maintaining Polyurethane Leather

1. Soak a cloth or sponge in water and wipe down your surface. You’ll want to use warm water. Wiping this way will catch dust, dirt and other debris. Polyurethane is more easily cleaned than normal leather, and this is sufficient for daily care and lightly soiled surfaces.
2. Use a bar of soap on tougher grime. Whether dealing with a stain or dirt that’s been rubbed in, simple water might not be sufficient. Use unscented soap to ensure no chemicals or possible residue will affect the leather. Rub the bar on the tougher grime.
   • You can also use liquid soap or a dish detergent for this step.
3. Wipe away any soap with a wet cloth. Wipe thoroughly until the surface is completely clear of soap. Leaving the soap on the surface could damage it.
4. Let the surface dry. If you’re cleaning an article of clothing, you can hang it to dry. If dealing with furniture, simply make sure no one sits on or touches it until it’s thoroughly dried.
   • You can wipe your surface down with a dry cloth to speed the drying process.

Maintaining Vinyl (PVC) Leather

1. Vacuum the surface with the upholstery attachment. Regular use of the vacuum allows for cleaning of pet hair, dust, dirt and crumbs. This will keep your clothing and furniture looking new longer.
2. Spray a vinyl cleaner onto the vinyl surface. You can find these products online, or in local hardware stores. Some are specifically designed for cleaning boat seats, jackets or car seats. Make sure to select a product that fits your intended purpose. Spray a light coat over the entirety of your surface.
   • After spraying, let the cleaner sit for about a minute.
3. Use a soft brush on the vinyl surface. After letting the cleaner settle, use the brush to dislodge any dirt or grime on the surface. Use circular strokes with little pressure. Let the cleaner do the work rather than your muscle.
   • If the surface you’re cleaning is segmented, or has curves and nooks, you’ll want to brush each section separately.
4. Wipe any dirt or grime with a towel. The combination of the cleaner and the brush will likely dislodge these from your surface. You can easily wipe them away with a towel.
5. Spray a vinyl protectant on your surface. These products help to repel dust and grime, making cleaning less frequent. They usually protect from UV radiation as well. After covering the surface in cleaner, wipe clean with a towel.

Maintaining Microsuede

1. Vacuum microsuede weekly to remove dust, lint, pet hair and dirt. Small particles can become embedded in the napped fabric, and cause premature wear and tear. Pay extra attention to seams, where dirt often gathers.
   • Microsuede is created to mimic the nap, or raised surface, of natural suede. It is not waterproof like PVC and must be treated carefully to maintain it.
2. Keep microsuede out of direct sunlight. microsuede dyes fade very easily. This is especially important for microsuede furniture and clothing.
3. Mop up spills quickly with a lint-free cloth. Microsuede is water-resistant, so the sooner you can mop up liquid, the less likely it is to sink in and stain. Make sure not to rub the spill, as it could settle in the surface. Dab at the spill with your cloth until the liquid is cleared.
4. Spot-clean stains immediately with warm water and liquid dish soap. Dish detergents are formulated to remove grease and water-based stains. Wet a cloth with the solution and rub it on the stain until it comes out.
   • Use as little water as possible when cleaning microsuede. The water can sink into the lining or pads after prolonged wetness.
5. Rinse the stain with water. Use a clean sponge, dipped in water, to rinse the stain. After rising, blow dry on a cool setting to prevent a water-ring from forming.
6. Brush microsuede lightly with a nylon brush after cleaning. This should return the nap to the surface. You may need to clean microsuede with upholstering cleaner every few months, since it is prone to staining and damage from the elements.
7. Clean microsuede with a professional upholstery cleaner regularly. You can find a spray on the Internet, supermarket or cleaning outlet. Look for an indication that it is safe for microsuede before using.

Tips

• Always check the care instructions before attempting to clean faux leather. There may be extra steps that are necessary to protect dyes, thread and the lining.
• Refrain from eating while sitting on microsuede furniture. Food particles can easily become lodged in the nap of the fabric.

Warnings

• Do not use abrasive scrubbers to clean faux leather. Steel wool and harsh brushes can tarnish the surface.
• Never use soap flakes on vinyl leather. They can stick to the fabric.
• Keep all faux leather away from high heat and flame. These leathers are made with plastic and they are highly flammable.

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Sources and Citations

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• Clean Faux Suede
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• Patch a Leather Couch
• Remove Wrinkles from Leather Jackets
• Wash Leather