How to clean suede upholstery

Suede upholstery is tricky when it comes to cleaning. The fabric is very soft and is vulnerable to abrasive cleaners and harsh chemicals. Therefore, a gentle approach is needed. To prevent too much dust and dirt from getting ground into the upholstery, a regular cleaning and brushing is required. Any stains on the suede cloth need to be addressed immediately. Otherwise, the longer you wait, the harder it will be to remove. Here is a list of methods that will help you perform a risk-free and harmless cleaning of suede upholstery.  If you have upholstery that needs to be cleaned be sure to call us and ask our upholstery cleaning Peoria AZ team about it.

Cleaning Weekly
Since it is a more delicate fabric, suede requires regular care. It is best to clean your suede upholstered furniture pieces once a week. You can remove debris and dirt by using a dust buster or a vacuum. Vacuuming allows you to remove unnoticed debris, such as dust and crumbs that get into the cracks of a couch or chair. It is best to do the vacuuming in a crisscross pattern. By doing this, it will be easier to remove the debris that may get stuck in the nap of the suede.
Brushing is another important step in the weekly cleaning of suede upholstery. Use a brush to clean off the dirt and food. A suede napping brush works best since it will fluff up the nap on the suede and keep your furniture looking new. Also, you can gently scrub the surface with a dry terry cloth towel if you don’t have a suede napping brush.

Plastic Spoon and Mild Detergent
Cleaning your suede upholstery should also include stain removal. Try to get a new stain out as soon as possible, to prevent it from setting deeper into the fabric. One way to do this is to take a plastic spoon and scrape the stain away, to what extent it is possible. What remains of the stain should be removed with a solution of mild detergent and water. Choose a less concentrated detergent and mix it with warm water. Mix thoroughly to create plenty of suds. Collect only the suds, not the water, and apply them on the stain. Gently rub with a soft cloth, until the stain transfers on the cloth. If needed, add more suds for tackling bigger stains.

Vinegar or Rubbing Alcohol
First, gently rub the surface with a soft cloth to remove the debris and dust. Take some vinegar or rubbing alcohol and moisten a towel with it. Gently rub the suede with the alcohol or vinegar moistened cloth. A crisscross pattern works much better than rubbing in circular motions. Do not over saturate your suede with vinegar or rubbing alcohol, as it can negatively affect the fabric. An alternative to alcohol and vinegar, in case they do not help much, is a cleaner that is specifically designed for suede. This cleaner can be bought in most shoe stores. Sometimes, it comes with a solvent, so read the instructions carefully before you apply it to your suede upholstery.
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Suede upholstery needs special attention, and sometimes a homemade approach is not enough to perform an effective cleaning. If you lack the time for regular maintenance or have stubborn stains that refuse to come out of the fabric, be sure to contact our professional upholstery cleaning service, located in Surprise, Arizona. Your suede furniture will get a thorough and affordable cleaning, with quality stain removal and full-fledged maintenance.