Your couch in the sitting room adds beauty and glamor to your home. But when it’s dirty and all messed up, your living room becomes uncomfortable for you and your visitors. That’s why you must ensure it’s tidy always. Let’s discuss how to clean your suede couch and keep it free from unpleasant odor.

Cleaning your suede couch requires time and attention because of the nature of the material. Suede is a luxuriant fabric that is made from polyester. It’s soft, flexible, and great on furniture, making it delicate and challenging to clean. These reasons make suede an expensive material to buy in the market.

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Fortunately, several homemade and store-bought products can be used to clean your suede couch while still maintaining its unique nature. As we discuss cleaning your suede couch with these simple techniques, let’s dive deeper.

Table of Content

What Can I Use to Clean my Suede Couch
Who Cleans Suede Couch?
How to Clean Urine/Cat Pee from Suede Couch
Materials/Tools Needed
Preparations
Steps to Follow
How to Clean Milk off Suede Couch
Materials/Tools Needed
Steps to Follow
How to Get Oil/Grease Stains Out of Suede Couch
Materials Needed
Steps to Follow
How to Remove Water Stains from Suede Couch
Materials/Tools Needed
Steps to Follow
How to Get Smoke Smell Out of Suede Couch
Materials/Tools Needed
Steps to Follow
How to Remove Pet Hair from Your Suede Couch
Materials/Tools Needed
Steps to Follow
How to Get Dog Smell Out of Suede Couch
Materials/Tools Needed
Preparations
Steps to Follow
How to Get Ink Out of Suede Couch
Materials/Tools Needed
Preparations
Steps to Follow
How to Remove Mold from Suede Couch
Materials/Tools Needed
Preparations
Steps to Follow
Best Household Products for Cleaning Suede Couch
How to Clean Suede Couch with Alcohol
Methods for Cleaning Suede Couch with Alcohol
How to Clean Suede Couch with White Vinegar
Here’s how clean your suede furniture using vinegar;
How to Clean Your Suede Couch with Carpet Cleaner
Read the step-by-step procedure on how to clean your suede cushion with carpet cleaner;
How to Clean Suede Couch with Windex
Steps to Follow
How to Clean Suede Couch with Baking Soda
Techniques in cleaning your suede cushions;
How to Clean Different Types of Suede Couches
How to Clean Faux Suede Couch
Materials/Tools Needed
Steps to Follow
How to Wash Suede Couch Covers
Materials/Tools Needed
Steps to Follow
How to Clean Suede Leather Couch
Materials/Tools Needed
Preparation
Steps to Follow
How to Clean Suede Dining Chairs
Materials/Tools Needed
Steps to Follow
Tips for Cleaning Suede Couch

Common FAQs for Cleaning Suede Couch

1. How do I prevent mold and mildew on my suede couch?
2. What can I use to remove tough stains like wine from my suede sofa?
3. Can I use shampoo to clean my suede couch?
4. How often should I clean the suede couch?
Conclusion

What Can I Use to Clean my Suede Couch

The materials and tools needed to clean your suede couch aren’t that difficult to get. Some are household items we use daily, while you can buy some from a grocery store near you. These tools and materials include;

  • A suede brush
  • Microfibre cloth
  • Vacuum with crevice & upholstery attachment
  • Bucket
  • Baby powder/cornstarch
  • Rubbing alcohol
  • A scrub brush

Who Cleans Suede Couch?

Cleaning your suede couch is some exercise you can do on your own as part of your household chores. However, getting an expert to do the job isn’t a bad idea, afterall. Professionals have special dry cleaning procedures to get the work done efficiently and safely. Once you understand the techniques and have the necessary tools, it becomes as easy as possible. Want more home cleaning tips, check how to clean bathtub creaks for more solution.

Common Stains/Dirt on Suede Couch 

It’s normal to have dirt and stains litter your suede couch because they continually come in contact with these things as we use them daily. Some common dirt includes; urine/cat pee, oil spill, milk stains, pet hair, smoke, etc. however, there are several ways and products to get rid of these stains without ruining your couches.

Image showing dirt on a suede couch
Image showing dirt on a suede couch

Image Source: homify.in

How to Clean Urine/Cat Pee from Suede Couch 

The urine is made up of urea, uric acid, and creatine, and the best way to clean them is using an enzyme-based cleaner, which decomposes the protein.

Materials/Tools Needed

  1. Toilet paper or microfibre cloth
  2. Dishwashing liquid
  3. Enzymatic cleaner
  4. Soft bristle brush

Preparations

  1. Put on your hand gloves before you start cleaning.
  2. Ensure all cleaning materials and tools needed are close.
  3. Put on a face mask to prevent the odor of the cat pee.

Steps to Follow

  1. Using toilet paper or microfibre cloth, blot the area to soak up the urine.
  2. Add drops of dishwashing liquid to the dry area and gently rub them into the suede using a soft bristle brush.
  3. Get an enzymatic cleaner, particularly the one designed to work on suede materials, spray on the affected area, and allow it to air-dry.
  4. Repeat the process until all cat pee/urine is off your couch.

How to Clean Milk off Suede Couch

Due to the complicated nature of the suede fabric – absorbent and soft animal skin- you must be very fast in getting off spills from your suede couch so you don’t ruin the material. Substances like milk can pose a significant problem to your suede couch, especially when it’s dried.

Materials/Tools Needed

  1. Paper towel or napkin
  2. Water
  3. Vinegar
  4. cloth
  5. Dull-edge knife

Steps to Follow

  1. Use a paper towel or napkin to immediately dab the milk spill off the surface of your suede couch.
  2. Sprinkle water and vinegar on a cloth to moisten it, and gently dab on the milk so you don’t push it further into the sofa.
  3. Allow the couch to air-dry to dissipate the vinegar smell.
  4. Using a dull-edged knife or finger, scrape off the dried milk from your suede couch.

How to Get Oil/Grease Stains Out of Suede Couch

Water alone can’t clean suede material. Other stain-removing techniques are required to eliminate stains such as oil/grease. Because of the porous nature of the grease in the suede, products used should be able to pull the oily substance out of the couch without destroying the suede. Want more home cleaning tips, check how to clean stove top for more solution.

Materials Needed

  1. White dish towel
  2. Cornstarch or talcum powder
  3. A soft bristle brush
  4. A soft pink eraser

Steps to Follow

  1. Using a white dish towel, blot excess grease stain from the furniture without pressing it further into the couch.
  2. Spread 2 to 3 tablespoons of cornstarch or talcum powder on the greasy area and gently pat into the suede material.
  3. Allow the starch/powder to stay on the couch overnight. It will further pull out and absorb the grease from the suede.
  4. On the following day, brush the cornstarch from the such using a soft bristle brush. And repeat the steps until the oil stain is completely removed.
  5. Finally, rub a soft pink eraser on the affected area to recover the pile of the suede material.

How to Remove Water Stains from Suede Couch

Undoubtedly, your suede couch is lavishing, comfortable, and perfect to cuddle up during the autumn seasons. But what happens when water spills on your suede couch? A disgusting dark look ruins the sofa. But don’t fidget. If you know what to do, you’ll have your water-damaged couch become new again.

Materials/Tools Needed

  1. A suede eraser
  2. A damp cloth

Steps to Follow

  1. Allow the water stain to dry for about 24 hours.
  2. Do not sponge or soak up the water to prevent it from spreading beyond the affected area.
  3. Using a suede eraser, gently feather the surface of the water stain. Continue until the watermarks gradually fade away.
  4. You can use a clean damp cloth if a suede eraser isn’t available.

How to Get Smoke Smell Out of Suede Couch

Getting comfortable on your suede couch while smoking can be relaxing but at the same time lead to an unwanted, lingering smell in the sitting room – which is not too good. When the scent of smoke settles on your sofa, it leaves behind a stale, dirty, and unpleasant odor.

Materials/Tools Needed

  1. Can abolish odor spray removal
  2. Baking soda
  3. Vacuum with a brush attached

Steps to Follow 

  1. Spray the room with can abolish odor spray removal. It will eliminate every lingering smell of smoke in the air.
  2. Spray baking soda all over the sofa, and leave it for 2 hours.
  3. After 2 hours, vacuum the baking soda from the couch using the brush attached to the vacuum.

How to Remove Pet Hair from Your Suede Couch

Removing these hairs may seem complicated, especially when you have numerous. If the hair gets stuck in the sofa, it becomes tougher to eliminate.

image showing how to use a vacuum cleaner to eliminate pet hair
image showing how to use a vacuum cleaner to eliminate pet hair

Image Source: pixabay

Materials/Tools Needed

  1. Vacuum
  2. Washing machine
  3. Rubber glove
  4. water

Steps to Follow

  1. One of the important ways is to use a vacuum. Many brands have vacuums that are specifically for removing pet hair. Run the vacuum over the sofa twice in different directions to eliminate the hair.
  2. The best thing is to remove the couch cover and place them in a washer. Another way is to use a washing machine. Follow the instructions given to wash the couch, then air-dry.
  3. Lastly, you can use a rubber glove tool specifically made to remove pet hair. Dampen the gloves with clean water, then rub over the couch to catch the hair. Then rinse the glove with water to remove the trapped hair.

How to Get Dog Smell Out of Suede Couch

The best way to remove the dog smell from your suede couch is to deodorize it. Luckily, there are several household products to help you achieve this. The odor absorber method involves either using vinegar, baking soda, coffee grounds, etc. let’s further discuss how to use vinegar;

Image showing how to deodorize suede couch using vinegar and water solution
Image showing how to deodorize suede couch using vinegar and water solution

Image Source: pixabay

Materials/Tools Needed

  1. Vinegar
  2. Water
  3. A suede brush
  4. Spray bottle

Preparations

  1. Put on your hand gloves and goggles before mixing the water and vinegar.
  2. Mix two portions of water with one part of white vinegar in a bowl. First, test the mixture on a small couch area to rule out any adverse effects.
  3. Keep all other materials and tools handy.

Steps to Follow 

  1. Turn the combination into a spray bottle and spray it over your suede couch.
  2. Let the mixture dry up, then brush over using a suede brush.
  3. The pungent smell of the vinegar will thoroughly deodorize the dog’s smell when dried.

How to Get Ink Out of Suede Couch

If you got younger children at home, you must learn to remove ink stains from your suede sofa because a spill of ink on your couch could happen someday. And you have to get rid of it as soon as possible, so you don’t ruin the suede fabric.

A man removing: Image showing how to remove ink stains from suede couch
A man removing: Image showing how to remove ink stains from suede couch

Image Source: wikiHow

Materials/Tools Needed

  1. Isopropyl alcohol
  2. Cotton rounds
  3. Paper towel
  4. A suede eraser

Preparations

  1. Put on your gloves and goggles, and deal with caution when handling the alcohol.
  2. Keep all equipment and reagents handy.

Steps to Follow 

To eliminate ink stains from your suede couch, follow the step-by-step guide below;

  1. Soak the affected area with isopropyl alcohol. Then place the cotton rounds soaked with alcohol on the most affected area for about 5 minutes.
  2. Repeat the above process until the ink bleeds away. Then clean with a dry cotton round.
  3. Put a clean paper towel under the affected area to soak up the alcohol spills or absorb the ink.
  4. Using a wisp or suede brush dipped in alcohol, scrub each end of the affected area until no traces of ink are seen again.
  5. Use the suede eraser to remove further any stubborn stain or spot left.

How to Remove Mold from Suede Couch

Substances left over some time can accumulate mold and mildew, especially in damp and dark places. Molds are primarily found in moist environments, and fabrics, sofas, and couches exposed to moisture create a safe surrounding for molds to thrive.

Materials/Tools Needed

  1. Newspaper
  2. A solid brush
  3. Water
  4. Vinegar or alcohol
  5. Bowl
  6. Sponge
  7. Fungicides

Preparations

  1. Wear your hand gloves and goggles before mixing the vinegar and water.
  2. Mix equal parts of vinegar or alcohol and water in a bowl.
  3. Place a newspaper on the couch to pick up any fallen spore.
  4. Keep all materials handy.

Steps to Follow 

  1. Brush the couch with a solid brush to loosen the spores onto the newspaper.
  2. Place a sponge into the solution and rub on the suede couch to remove the mold.
  3. Dry the couch in a well-ventilated area, either under the fan or close to an opened window.
  4. Spray the sofa with fungicides and allow it to dry before using it completely.

Best Household Products for Cleaning Suede Couch

Getting the best product to clean your suede couch is essential. Getting the right product and applying the proper technique will produce an excellent result. However, before you conclude on any product to use, apply it on your couch and wait for about 15 – 20 minutes to be sure it won’t damage your fabric.

items needed in cleaning suede couches
items needed in cleaning suede couches

Image Source: LivingProofMag

How to Clean Suede Couch with Alcohol

Rubbing or isopropyl alcohol is one of the most common household items used for cleaning the home. Whether cleaning your blinds to remove permanent stains, deodorizing your shoes, etc., this disinfectant is great for all surfaces. Always check the manufacturer’s details/instructions for safety tips and preventive measures.

image showing isopropyl alcohol and brush for cleaning suede couch
image showing isopropyl alcohol and brush for cleaning suede couch

Image Source: the creek

Methods for Cleaning Suede Couch with Alcohol

  1. First, vacuum every surface of your furniture.
  2. Pour half cup of the solvent into a spray bottle, brush on the stains, and move over the stain on the couch using a soft bristle brush.
  3. Rinse the brush thoroughly and repeat the process until the stain is all gone.
  4. Finally, allow the upholstery to air dry.

How to Clean Suede Couch with White Vinegar

Plain white vinegar is one of the best techniques for removing stains such as grime, salt, and water. If you don’t have a suede cleaner in view, you can use this common household item – white vinegar. Ensure you dilute it with water in the appropriate way.

Here’s how clean your suede furniture using vinegar;

  1. Combine an equal part of white vinegar and water in a spray bottle and shake vigorously until the mixture homogenizes.
  2. Spray the mix on the couch evenly and scrub vigorously on the area using a heavy-duty cleaning brush or sponge. Apply more pressure for effectiveness.
  3. Then allow the affected area to air-dry.

How to Clean Your Suede Couch with Carpet Cleaner

It isn’t easy to differentiate between a carpet cleaner and an upholstery cleaner because both tools look similar. Although a carpet cleaner is different from an upholstery cleaner, there are cases where you might need to use a carpet cleaner to clean your suede couch.

a man cleaning a suede couch with a carpet cleaner
a man cleaning a suede couch with a carpet cleaner

Image Source: homedecorbliss

Read the step-by-step procedure on how to clean your suede cushion with carpet cleaner;

  1. Use a handheld vacuum or one with a hose attached to it to vacuum your cushion.
  2. Using a diluted solution of baking soda, spray on the affected area on the couch. Leave to sit for about 10 to 20 minutes before wiping it off with a clean cloth.
  3. Pour some carpet cleaning solution/shampoo device into the carpet cleaner. If the solution is more potent, dilute it more.
  4. Using the carpet or upholstery cleaner, work through your suede couch to all edges and corners affected.
  5. Allow the cushion to air-dry for about 6 to 12 hours.

How to Clean Suede Couch with Windex

Windex is an original household cleaner perfect for cleaning glass, mirrors, windows, shower doors, etc. surprisingly, using Windex for cleaning goes beyond glassware; it’s also perfect for mopping your floor, cleaning your jewelry, removing tough carpet stains, cleaning your suede couch, etc. Want more home cleaning tips, check how to clean suede couch with windex top for more solution.

Steps to Follow

Windex is perfect for suede cushions, especially for faux suede. Here’s how to clean faux suede using Windex;

  1. Spray some Windex on the faux suede. Ensure not to soak the couch with the cleaner, so you don’t damage or alter the shape of your couch.
  2. Then brush over the couch using a soft bristle brush.
  3. Finally, allow the affected area to air-dry in a well-ventilated area.

How to Clean Suede Couch with Baking Soda

Baking soda is one of the predominant home remedies for household cleaning. Aside from its moisture-absorbent nature, it deodorizes your couch and absorbs grease to remove all stains. And it’s an awesome cleaner for suede couches.

image showing baking soda for cleaning suede couch
image showing baking soda for cleaning suede couch

Image Source: Krostrade

Techniques in cleaning your suede cushions; 

  1. Firstly, brush or vacuum the stain on your couch using a brush before cleaning.
  2. Spread some baking soda over the surface of your suede sofa.
  3. Gently spread the baking soda over the stain on the cushion.
  4. Allow the soda to sit in the stain for about 15 minutes before brushing it off with a brush.
  5. If you want to deodorize your suede couch using baking soda, allow it to sit overnight before vacuuming to remove any foul odor.

How to Clean Different Types of Suede Couches

Before you begin cleaning your suede couch, you need to determine the type of suede your cushion is to ensure the cleaning technique that will be applicable. The two known types of suede are faux suede and natural suede.

image showing dirty suede couch
image showing dirty suede couch

Image Source: mytimes.com

The faux suede is made of nylon and polyester, while the natural suede is made of animal skin. We will discuss the different types used in suede couches and the best cleaning method.

How to Clean Faux Suede Couch   

Faux suede is also known as microfiber/polyester suede. These types of suede are made from nylon and polyester fibers which are tightly fitted and trimmed to mimic the look and feel of natural suede. The polyester fibers used in making this suede are durable compared to the natural suede.

image showing how to remove stains from microfibre suede cushion
image showing how to remove stains from microfibre suede cushion

Image Source: the spruce

Materials/Tools Needed 

  1. Mild detergent
  2. A soft brush
  3. Vacuum cleaner
  4. Spray bottle

Steps to Follow

  1. First, determine the classification of your microfiber suede couch. That is; W – labeled couch (clean with a water-based solution); S – labeled couch (avoid cleaning with water but with a special solvent); S-W labeled couch (clean with either a solvent or water); X -labeled couch (no liquid is allowed on the sofa but only vacuum).
  2. Add water and mild detergent in a spray bottle for X- sofas. For S – sofas, fill the bottle with rubbing alcohol. Then spray on the affected area to deodorize your cushion.
  3. Allow the fabric to dry, then use a soft brush to rub the sofa to help fluff the fiber.
  4. For X- sofa, use only a vacuum to remove dirt and dust at different corners and edges of your furniture.

How to Wash Suede Couch Covers 

With water and mild detergent, you should be able to wash your suede cover in the washer.

Materials/Tools Needed

  1. Washing machine
  2. Mild detergent
  3. Cold water

Steps to Follow

  1. Remove your cushion and place the covers in your washing machine.
  2. Add some cold water and a few drops of mild detergent inside the machine, and turn on the machine to the nearest minimum temperature so you don’t ruin your fabric.
  3. Next, line dries the covers and replace when completely dried.
  4. Avoid using bleach on your suede cover.

How to Clean Suede Leather Couch

The method you use in cleaning your faux suede couch differs, from that used in cleaning your leather suede couch, particularly because of the finishings. For instance, gazuma fabrics are soft suede leather formerly made from chamois antelope skin but now made from sheepskin.

Image of a lady cleaning suede leather upholstery
Image of a lady cleaning suede leather upholstery

Image Source: HomelyVille

Materials/Tools Needed

  1. Vacuum cleaner
  2. Microfibre cloth
  3. Leather conditioner
  4. Vinegar
  5. sponge
  6. Water

Preparation 

  1. Vacuum your sofa’s nooks and crannies using a suede vacuum cleaner.
  2. Prepare a cleaning solution of equal parts of water and vinegar in a bucket.

Steps to Follow 

To clean your gazuma suede leather couch, you want to follow the specific cleaning instructions intended to protect the leather. Here’s how to clean your gazuma suede leather sofa and achieve the best result;

  1. Dust the entire couch using a dry microfibre cloth.
  2. Wipe cloth on the couch while you continuously rinse the cloth and allow it to dry.
  3. Dip the sponge into the solution and clean your leather couch
  4. Always use a leather conditioner on your cushion every 6 to 12 months to keep it soft and shiny.

How to Clean Suede Dining Chairs 

With its soft and succulent nature, suede materials are also used to make dining chairs in our homes. This gives us a kind of feel and comfort we crave while dining. Due to the luxurious nature of suede dining chairs, maintaining their style and color takes a bit of work. Want more home cleaning tips, check how to clean inside of fireplace top for more solution.

Materials/Tools Needed

  1. A suede eraser
  2. Baking soda
  3. A vacuum cleaner with an upholstery brush attached.

Steps to Follow

To properly clean your suede dining seats at home, you might want to read the tips provided below;

  1. Attach an upholstery brush to your vacuum and run over the surface of your suede dining chairs.
  2. Then switch to your crevice attachment and vacuum the seams and cracks of your suede chairs to prevent discoloration.
  3. Dip a suede eraser into a baking soda solution and gently rub it off on the stained area.
  4. Check the suede manual for any cleaning solution recommendations. Use the cleaner directly on the stain and allow it to air-dry afterward.

Tips for Cleaning Suede Couch

Check out these tips and ideas to help you better when cleaning your suede couch

  • Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions on the container’s label when applying an enzymatic cleaner or any other cleaner. This helps the cleaner work better and more effectively.
  • Do not use perfume sprays, chemical-filled fresheners, or couch-induced perfumes to remove smoke smells.
  • Use a hair dryer instead of a steam dryer when cleaning your couch. The low heat from the dryer always works better in preserving your fabric.
  • Always use a suede repellant immediately there’s a spill. It prevents your upholstery from permanent damage.

Common FAQs for Cleaning Suede Couch

  1. How do I prevent mold and mildew on my suede couch?

  • The best way to keep mold and mildew from your suede couch is to keep it dry.
  1. What can I use to remove tough stains like wine from my suede sofa?

  • You can use a suede eraser, which works just as a pencil eraser. Rub the eraser gently on the affected area and gradually exert pressure until the stain is gone.
  1. Can I use shampoo to clean my suede couch?

  • No, you can’t use shampoo to clean your suede couch. The solvent may break down your suede fabric and ruin them.
  1. How often should I clean the suede couch?

  • To avoid foul and offensive odors, the idle thing is to constantly clean your suede couch at home as often as possible. It would help if you treated spills and tough stains immediately after they occur. And for a thorough cleaning, at least once a week, brush your upholstery using a soft brush to remove debris from settling on the fiber.

Conclusion

Finally, if you want to clean your suede couch, the methods to implore aren’t difficult. All you need is to sample the various options and stick to the good that will keep your fabric in good condition to last longer than expected.

Following the instructions above, you should perfectly clean your suede couch and extend its lifespan. For further tips and ideas on household cleaning, visit our website, Guyabouthome. Also, given below are some helpful and insightful cleaning tips blogs you don’t want to miss reading;

Hi there! I’m Guy, the guy behind Guy About Home (that’s a lot of guy’s). I’m just your average guy (ok, I’ll stop) living in the USA who is really interested in making and doing.