Sofas with soft leather (suede) upholstery can look smooth and impressive, but only as long as they are kept clean and tidy. This can be achieved by regular quick cleaning and brushing, as well as occasional vacuuming. If the sofa is new or relatively clean, it can be treated with a number of stain protectors that can be purchased from your local hardware store. Even so, an old and dirty sofa will obviously need a more thorough cleaning, therefore, some solutions will be suggested in this article.
Step
Method 1 of 4: Protecting the New Soft Leather Sofa
Step 1. Use a protective spray that is safe for soft leather
While not completely safe, treating your sofa with a protective spray will help prevent spills from turning into permanent stains.
- Some protective sprays are water based while others are synthetic solvent based. Check your sofa manual to see what types of cleaners are safe for your sofa.
- Please note that if your sofa is new with a protective upholstery, this may void the warranty.
Step 2. Work in a well-ventilated area
The fumes emitted from aerosol sprays can be hazardous in many ways and should always be avoided as much as possible.
- Be sure to open all windows and use as many available fans as possible.
- A paint ventilator mask can also be used.
Step 3. Start working on one section of the sofa at a time, and allow some fresh air to fill the room before you move on
This will keep the spray to a minimum and allow you to breathe easier.
- Be sure to keep your spray can about 8-12 inches (20, 3 – 30.5 cm) away from the area to be sprayed. Too close can cause the spray to flow, while too far will result in an uneven coating.
- Gently sweep, do not aim, spray can. If sweeping from left to right, start spraying about 6 inches (15.2 cm) to the left of the sofa, and stop spraying six inches (15.2 cm) once you've crossed the right edge.
Step 4. Work your way through each section of the sofa until the sofa is completely covered
You will need to apply two or three layers of protective cloth/coating for the coating to work properly.
Step 5. Allow at least 12 hours to dry
Method 2 of 4: Weekly Cleaning
Step 1. Remove the cushions on the couch once a week or so
This will allow you to collect all the crumbs, paper, and other pieces that have fallen through the cracks.
Step 2. Use a vacuum cleaner or vacuum cleaner to collect dirt that cannot be removed by hand
A vacuum cleaner will also help remove any dust or pet dander that has accumulated that cannot be seen by the human eye.
Step 3. Wipe the pillow with a soft leather brush or cloth towel
Be sure to check the underside of the pillow for any remaining dirt.
Step 4. Replace the pillow
Some sofas have matching pillows. That is, the pillows have the exact same size and shape. If this is the case, it is a good idea to rotate or swap the position of the pillow for even use.
Step 5. Brush the short bristles on the sofa at least once a week
Brushing will remove dust, which builds up and causes the sofa to look dull. Use a cloth or special short-bristle brush, which can be purchased at shoe stores that also specialize in cleaning and repair.
- Keep a soft leather cleaning cloth near the sofa. Use this cloth to scrub the sofa occasionally to help keep the sofa fur in good shape.
- This can be done even while you are watching TV, so it is useful to place a cloth near the TV remote.
- Towels can also be used.
- Scrubbing and brushing is especially important if you allow your pet to sit on the couch.
Method 3 of 4: Monthly Cleaning
Step 1. Remove the pillow as you would for weekly cleaning
Place it on a clean area on the floor.
Step 2. Vacuum each pillow using a criss-cross pattern
This will help free up any dust trapped in the skin folds.
- If available, use the special, removable, attachable and removable vacuum cleaner mouth attachment that came with your vacuum cleaner -- it doesn't have any rougher edges and is – probably – dirtier than the other attachments. Check your vacuum cleaner's manual if you're not sure which attachment to use.
- Vacuuming will keep the fluff on the soft leather intact and will also remove dust and debris that has accumulated on the sofa surface.
Step 3. Use the same criss-cross vacuuming motion to clean the rest of the sofa
Start with the arms and work your way up to the legs.
Step 4. Brush or scrub the sofa bristles using either a soft leather day bristle brush or a scouring cloth for soft leather
This will polish and restore the shine of the sofa.
Step 5. Repeat the same process for each pillow
Be sure to polish both the top and bottom of the pillow, as well as all parts to remove any traces of dirt or pet hair.
Step 6. Change the pillow
Again, if appropriate, rotate the pillow to even out wear and the resulting wear.
Method 4 of 4: Removing Stains
Step 1. Scrub the stain with a soft leather brush or polishing cloth
This will prepare the area to be cleaned by removing any dirt or dust.
Step 2. Wet a cloth towel with white vinegar or alcohol and lightly pat it against the sofa
Be careful not to oversaturate the stain.
Step 3. Gently rub the stain to remove it
Avoid using vigorous circular motions as this will only add irreparable damage to the fur. Instead, use a criss-cross pattern.
- If brushing, using vinegar, and alcohol doesn't work, try using a cleaner designed for suede shoes. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions. This product is available as either a water-based solution, or a special solvent for soft leather and micro-soft leather. Please read the care instructions from your sofa manufacturer to see what types of cleaners are safe for your sofa.
- Clean up spills of water, grease and snacks immediately - the sooner you wipe the spill, the more likely it is that the stain will be removed.
Tips
- Always test a few clearly visible areas of the sofa first before using the product for cleaning, just in case it could cause stains.
- If you're not sure how to safely clean your sofa, contact the manufacturer or the relevant seller for advice.
- If you have small children and/or pets, consider covering the sofa with a duvet or cover to prevent damage from hair, mud, and other items carried by children and pets. Doing this will extend the life of the sofa and the duvet fabric can be easily removed when guests call.
- Oil or fat: rub with a small amount of white spirit on a thick paper towel. Then sprinkle with powder and let dry. Don't try to wipe it dry, or it will spread and stain it. Brush or vacuum with dust to remove it.
- Cream, icing, and other soft foods should be scraped off quickly and cleaned up immediately. Any food with fat content will cause stains.
- Always having a clean cloth available will help ensure you are always ready to tackle the stain.
- Consider renewing the stain barrier or protective upholstery as necessary. Read the manufacturer's instructions for how long the product lasts. Mark the time to update it on your e-calendar, this may deviate a bit, but it's important to remember when you should update it, to make sure the sofa is still well protected.
