You can wash microfiber suede couch covers in the washing machine with cold water and mild detergent. Avoid using bleach on your suede couch covers as it’s a strong chemical that can ruin the surface beyond repair.
Couches can really take a beating and handle all the spills and stains made by people and animals, but it’s actually the coverings that take the real hit.
Natural suede is one of the most popular coverings, but since it’s very expensive, most companies around the world have released a microfiber suede that’s way cheaper but still high-quality.
Nonetheless, any type of suede will eventually get dirty. You can either wash your suede couch covers in the machine or by hand as instructed down below!
How To Wash Suede Couch Covers in the Washing Machine?
I love my microfiber suede couch covers! They’re so durable and pretty. The best part? They’re easy to clean and maintain.
You can easily wash your suede couch covers in the washer with cold water and mild detergent, and then line dry. Or you can clean them by hand.
Before doing anything, check the care label of your suede couch covers and make sure they’re machine-washable.
Step 1:
Unzip your suede couch covers. Then, turn them inside out before tossing them into the washing machine to prevent shrinking.
Step 2:
Check the settings of your washer. Microfiber suede couch covers should be washed on a gentle cycle with cold water and no detergent or mild detergent.
Step 3:
You can dry them in the dryer or outside if it’s sunny. The ladder might take over 3 hours but I still prefer drying them outside in the open as the dryer can cause shrinking.
Step 4:
Make sure they’re fully dry before using them. Otherwise, they might develop mold or a bad odor.
Step 5:
If your suede couch covers had stains before washing and this cleaning method didn’t remove them completely, either repeat the process or clean by hand using white vinegar or rubbing alcohol.
How To Clean A Microfiber Suede Couch
Always check the care label before you take further steps.
Some suede couches will require water-based cleaners, while others will be stained by such products, so pay close attention.
If it’s a W-label, you can use water-based cleaners but if they have an S-label, you can use solvent-based cleaners but not water-based ones.
An S-W label, on the other hand, indicates that you can use both water-based and solvent-based cleaners, while an X-label doesn’t allow using any liquid at all. You can only use a vacuum cleaner and brush.
If there’s no care label, treat your suede as if it contains an S-label.
In my opinion, the best way to keep a microfiber suede couch, or any piece of furniture for that matter, looking fresh every day is by cleaning it regularly.
Let’s learn how to clean different types of microfiber suede couches, depending on their label.
Water-Based Cleaners
If your microfiber suede couch covers have a W-label or S-W-label, you can freely use a water-based solution. Fill a spray bottle with water, then add ½ cup of dish soap.
Spray any dirty area or stain with this mixture before gently rubbing it with a clean white cloth. When you’re done, using a soft-bristled brush fluff up the fabric.
Rubbing alcohol or Isopropyl Alcohol
If your microfiber suede couch covers have an S-W-label or S-label, you can use rubbing alcohol to clean them by hand.
Fill a spray bottle with rubbing alcohol and spray the affected area. Then, blot and rub at it with a clean white cloth. Once it’s fully dry, using a soft-bristled brush fluff up the fabric.
Cornstarch
If you have spilled salad dressing on your microfiber suede couch covers, cornstarch can help in the cleaning process. In fact, this product can help lift any oil-based stains.
Using a clean white cloth soak up any liquid on your couch covers before covering the affected area with a generous amount of cornstarch.
Let it sit for a while so it can absorb the oils. Then, wipe the treated area with another vinegar dampened cloth and vacuum it!
Vinegar
Another thing that can help lift oil-based stains is vinegar.
Dampen a clean white cloth with it and rub at the affected area until every bit of dirt is gone. Then, wash the treated area with water or solvent-based solution to remove the strong smell.
Windex
If you’re dealing with ink stains, try Windex. Spray the affected area with it lightly. Make sure you don’t soak the fibers. Then, using a soft-bristled brush gently scrub off the stains.
Baking Soda
If your suede couch covers have a strong unpleasant odor, you can mix a teaspoon of baking soda with a water-based solution or sprinkle baking soda over your couch.
Whichever way you go, gently brush the baking soda into the couch. Let it sit for 1 hour before vacuuming it up!
How To Clean A Natural Suede Couch
You can clean a natural suede couch with a few household items. The cleaning process will take about 1 hour, so if you’re in a hurry, you better get cleaning right away!
Step 1:
Gather all the cleaning products: a soft-bristled brush, vacuum cleaner with crevice and upholstery add-ons, a white towel or colorless sponge, a spray bottle, and white vinegar.
Step 2:
You should vacuum your natural suede couch at least once a week, especially before cleaning it. That way, you will remove any loose soil that can get in your way.
Use the crevice or upholstery attachments to reach all those deep crevices before you proceed with your cleaning.
Step 3:
You should treat spills and stains right after they happen. First, blot any spills and stains with a clean towel. Then, treat them with white vinegar.
Add vinegar to a spray bottle and lightly spray the affected areas. Don’t oversaturate the couch. Spray enough to loosen the dirt.
Even if you want to clean the whole couch, work in small patches.
Once the affected area is slightly damp, lift any stains using a white towel or a colorless sponge. Gently rub them in circular motions.
Once the treated area has completely dried, using a soft-bristled brush gently brush the couch to fluff the fabric.
Step 4:
Let your natural suede couch dry completely before using it again!
Step 5:
If you believe your natural suede couch is in desperate need of deep cleaning, contact experts. They’re experienced in cleaning suede couches without causing damage.
What Household Item Can I Use To Clean My Suede Couch?
Have you spilled wax or stuck chewing gum on your suede couch? Don’t fret! You can remove both by putting ice on them.
Throw ice in a small bag and gently rub it on the wax or gum. Remember, ice can lift any sticky stains from suede couches in no time!
If you’re dealing with oil-based stains, you can use alcohol. Saturate a cotton ball with rubbing alcohol and clean any oil-based stains from your suede couch.
For dust particles, you can use a vacuum. I highly suggest that you vacuum your suede couch at least once a week to keep it in good condition.
Also, tackle spills or stains right away to prevent them from turning into stubborn stains.
Other household items you can use to clean your suede couch include rubbing alcohol and white vinegar. Whichever you choose, add it and rub it on stained areas of your couch. The amount you use depends on the size of the stains.
How Can I Make My Suede Couch Look New?
Proper and regular maintenance which includes vacuuming once a week can keep your suede couch in a good condition for a long time.
You can clean any stains with household products like white vinegar or alcohol. Or try a suede eraser. If your suede couch spreads a strong unpleasant odor, baking soda can solve this issue very quickly and leave your suede couch smelling fresh.
When you’re finished with the cleaning, you can moisturize your suede couch with mink oil. This oil can not only moisturize but also protect the surface of your suede couch.
FAQs On How To Wash Suede Couch Covers
Can Your Wash Suede Couch?
If it’s a natural suede couch, you can clean it with a vacuum, then treat any stains with white vinegar. If you have microfiber suede couch covers with W-label or S-W label, you can toss them in the washer or clean them with water-based or solvent-based cleaners.
Does Vinegar Ruin Suede?
Vinegar doesn’t ruin suede. On the contrary, it’s a great cleaning product for suede. You can clean your microfiber suede couch with white vinegar but only if it has an S-label or S-W-label. Rub it with a vinegar dampened cloth, then let it dry fully.
