How to Clean a Suede Couch

Suede furniture can add a luxe, modern look to any room, whether it's a couch, armchair, or ottoman. However, wear and tear are inevitable with constant use. Dust, dirt, pets, food, and drinks can eventually take their toll on your beloved suede sofa—no matter if it's genuine suede or synthetic. Learn how to clean your suede couch to not only maintain its beauty but also remove stains quickly.

Before Getting Started: Determine the Material

There are two different types of suede when it comes to furniture—natural (or genuine) and faux (or microfiber). It's important that you distinguish the type of suede so that you can properly clean it without causing damage. If you're not able to tell which material it is by reading the sofa's care label, there are a few other ways you can determine the suede type.

Genuine Suede

Like leather, suede is animal hide but is made from the inner layers of the hide rather than the outer layers. This genuine material is very delicate, making it more rare to have on furniture than its synthetic counterpart. An easy way to tell if you are dealing with real suede is to brush the nap of the fabric and see if it changes tones. Real suede has a longer nap than faux, so it will only show a different color when brushed in the opposite direction if it's genuine.

Faux Suede

More commonly found in furniture is faux suede, which is less delicate and better resistant to spills and stains. The synthetic material is likely made with a microfiber polyester and nylon. The nap on this material is much shorter than real suede but is still very soft and attractive. Faux suede will likely feel thicker and more durable than natural suede.

How to Clean a Suede Couch

There are a few ways to clean suede furniture, but keeping it simple is usually best. Using household staples like baking soda, vinegar, and dish soap might be all you need to remove tough stains from your couch. Always conduct a spot test with your chosen cleaner in an inconspicuous area of the furniture to be sure it doesn't damage the fabric.

Natural Suede Couch

Natural suede couches are more difficult to clean than faux suede ones due to their delicate material. Checking their care label is extremely important. Water-based cleaners are to be avoided in most cases to best protect the material. If necessary, use as little moisture as possible on the furniture. If there are stains that can't be removed with minimal work, it's best to call a professional to avoid any damage.

Faux Suede Couch

The cleaning process for faux suede is similar to real suede, but thankfully more forgiving when it comes to the products you can use on it. You can use things like dish soap, vinegar, rubbing alcohol and more moisture overall when forming a homemade cleaning solution to spray or dab onto the couch. Once you've applied your solution, be sure to only use a soft-bristled brush or a microfiber cloth to gently work it into the stain.

Oil-Based Stains

Jen Cosco, the founder of MomRemedy, says that when it comes to dealing with stains on suede, it's important to act quickly. If it is an oil-based stain from food, she recommends sprinkling baking soda on the affected area. Similar things like cornstarch or baby powder will also help absorb the oil. Wipe the powder gently off the fabric with a damp microfiber cloth.

For extra-tough stains on faux suede, make a mixture of water, vinegar, baking soda, and a few drops of dish soap to gently rub into the stain with a soft-bristled brush. Use a dry cloth to remove extra moisture and let air dry. Spraying a small amount of straight rubbing alcohol and dabbing it dry with a microfiber cloth can also do the trick.

Water-Based Stains

For water-based stains, Cosco suggests soaking up the moisture with a cloth and allowing the area to dry completely to avoid spreading and setting. Use a suede-safe stain remover, a mixture of baking soda and a bit of water, or a damp cloth to gently rub out any remaining stains. Let the spot air dry and gently scrub the area with a suede brush to help restore the softness of the natural nap.

How to Maintain a Suede Couch

Cosco notes how important it is to clean your furniture outside of just removing stains. She recommends regularly vacuuming suede couches or chairs with a soft brush attachment to remove any dust, crumbs, and debris. Finish by brushing the fabric to refresh the texture. "Using a suede brush or stone can help restore the nap of the suede, keeping it looking fresh and vibrant," Cosco says.