Faux leather is an alternative to real leather which is less expensive and more resistant; it is used to build furniture, to make clothing, bags, belts, car upholstery and much more. It is made with different materials, such as polyurethane, vinyl or synthetic suede. Each of the methods described in the article carries quite similar instructions, although there are some fundamental differences.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Polyurethane Faux Leather
Step 1. Wet a rag or sponge with water and scrub the surface
You should use warm water and do this to get rid of dust, dirt, and other debris. It is easier to clean polyurethane than normal leather; this operation is sufficient for daily care and to treat slightly soiled surfaces.
Step 2. Use a bar of soap on stubborn dirt
Whether it's a stain or a scale, water alone may not be enough; in this case, you must use an unscented bar of soap to make sure that no chemical or soapy residues remain on the eco-leather that could damage it. Rub it on the dirty area.
Alternatively, you can use liquid soap or dish soap
Step 3. Remove all traces of soap with a wet rag
Rub the material carefully to remove all the foam; if you do not proceed carefully, detergent residues can damage the surface.
Step 4. Wait for it to dry
If you've cleaned an item of clothing, hang it up to dry; if it's a piece of furniture, make sure no one touches it or sits on it until all the moisture has evaporated.
You can blot the material with a cloth to speed up the process
Method 2 of 3: Vinyl (PVC) Faux Leather
Step 1. Use the vacuum cleaner equipped with the upholstery accessory
By using this appliance regularly you can get rid of pet hair, dust, dirt and crumbs. This simple trick allows you to keep objects as new for longer.
Step 2. Spray a specific cleaner on the surface
You can buy it online or at a well-stocked supermarket. Some products are formulated to clean boat seats, car seats or jackets; make sure what you buy is suitable for the item you intend to deal with. Apply a light "mist" of detergent to the faux leather.
Let it sit for about a minute
Step 3. Use a soft bristle brush
After allowing the spray to loosen the dirt, use a brush to remove the residue. Make circular movements applying light pressure; let the cleaning substance do most of the work instead of your muscles.
If the surface is segmented, has curved areas or cracks, you must brush each section individually
Step 4. Wipe the dirt off with a cloth
The mechanical action of the bristles combined with the detergent should have detached it from the material; at this point, you just have to remove it easily with a rag.
Step 5. Apply a protective product
It is a liquid capable of repelling dirt by reducing the frequency of cleaning and is effective against the action of ultraviolet rays; after covering the faux leather with the substance, rub it with a clean cloth.
Method 3 of 3: Synthetic Suede
Step 1. Use the vacuum cleaner every week to remove dust, lint, pet hair and dirt
Small particles can get stuck in slightly hairy fabric, causing premature wear; pay attention to seams where residues often accumulate.
The synthetic suede is made with microfibers that mimic the surface texture of natural leather; it is not waterproof like PVC and must be treated with care to keep it in good condition
Step 2. Keep it out of direct sunlight as it fades easily
This detail is especially important for furniture.
Step 3. Collect splashes with a lint-free cloth
Synthetic suede is water resistant, so the sooner you dry the drops, the less likely it is that the liquid will penetrate leaving a stain. Do not scrub, otherwise the substance will be absorbed by the fibers, instead just dab the surface until you have eliminated any splashes.
Step 4. Treat localized stains immediately using warm water and liquid dish soap
This type of detergent is formulated to remove water-soluble grease and dirt; wet a cloth with the solution and rub it on the area until it is clean again.
Use the minimum amount of water necessary to clean the synthetic suede; if you let it sit for a long time, moisture can penetrate the upholstery or padding
Step 5. Rinse with water
Use a clean sponge dipped in water to lift the soap and grime. Afterwards, dry the fabric with a hair dryer set at the minimum temperature to prevent circular halos from forming.
Step 6. Rub the synthetic suede lightly with a nylon brush after cleaning it
This step allows you to lift the fluff; you should treat the material every few months, as it is susceptible to stains and weather damage.
Step 7. Use a professional upholstery cleaner regularly
You can find it for sale online, at supermarkets or in cleaning supply stores; before applying it make sure it is safe on synthetic suede.
Advice
- Always read the washing instructions on the label before trying to clean the faux leather; Additional precautions may be required to protect colors, coatings and yarns.
- Do not eat when sitting on the synthetic suede furniture; food particles can get stuck in the "fluff" of the fabric.
Warnings
- Do not use abrasive sponges to clean the eco-leather; steel wool and stiff brushes can cause the surface to blacken.
- Never use flake soap on vinyl, as fragments can adhere to the material.
- Protect the faux leather from heat and fire, as it is a highly flammable plastic material.
