Suede couches can add a luxurious, soft touch to any living room. However, keeping suede clean requires special care and techniques. With the proper methods, you can keep your suede couch looking fresh, extend its life, and avoid permanent stains or damage. This comprehensive guide will teach you everything you need to know about how to clean a suede couch.

Assessing the Type of Suede

The first step is identifying what type of suede your couch is made of, as the cleaning method can vary slightly depending on the material.

Aniline or Raw Suede

Aniline or raw suede has a soft nap and retains the natural markings and grain of the hide. It has no protective finish, so aniline suede is more prone to staining and marking. Cleaning methods need to be gentle. Using products not designed for aniline suede can ruin the nap or discolor it.

Protected or Finished Suede

Protected or finished suede has a finishing layer on top of the suede to provide protection from dirt and stains. The protective finish gives the suede a more uniform appearance. It allows for slightly more vigorous cleaning methods than aniline suede. But harsh products can still damage the protective layer over time.

Nubuck Suede

Nubuck suede is an aniline suede that has been brushed or buffed on the grain side to give it a velvety, smooth nap. It is susceptible to staining like other aniline suede. But the buffing process gives it some surface protection. Cleaners designed for nubuck suede are recommended.

Microsuede

Microsuede is a synthetic microfiber material designed to mimic the look and feel of natural suede. It is durable and can be cleaned more vigorously than real suede. Look for cleaners specially formulated for synthetic microsuede.

Regular Cleaning and Care

Setting up a regular care routine can help prevent your suede couch from becoming overly soiled between deeper cleanings. Here are some simple habits to get into:

Vacuum frequently – Use a handheld vacuum with a soft brush attachment to gently vacuum up loose dirt, crumbs, and dust. Go over high traffic areas and seating surfaces often.
Spot treat spills immediately – Don’t let stains set in. Gently blot liquids up immediately with a clean, dry white cloth. Use a suede cleaning product on tougher stains (see stain removal techniques below).
Use furniture covers – Throwing blankets or furniture covers over the suede when not in use helps prevent body oils, dirt, and other contaminants from transferring to the suede.
Mist occasionally with distilled water – Lightly misting with distilled water can help revive the nap and prevent the suede from drying out. Avoid over-wetting.
Brush gently – Use a soft-bristled suede brush to buff the nap and revive any crushed areas. Avoid vigorous rubbing or you can damage the nap.

Deep Cleaning a Suede Couch

Over time, suede will still require a deeper cleaning session to keep it looking new. How often depends on usage, but a deep clean every 6 months to 1 year is a good goal. Here are some recommended methods:

Professional Dry Cleaning

Taking your suede couch to a professional dry cleaner that specializes in suede and leather is the safest deep cleaning option. They have commercial-grade equipment and products designed specifically for suede. This is the best way to thoroughly clean all surfaces of the couch while avoiding shrinkage, discoloration, or other damage. However, professional dry cleaning can be expensive. Expect costs starting around $200.

Hand Cleaning

For a more affordable DIY method, you can carefully hand clean the suede at home using a few key supplies:

Supplies Needed

Suede cleaning brush or sponge
Soft-bristled cleaning brush
Terry cloth rags
Suede cleaner or mild soap designed for suede (options below)
Distilled water
Clean towel

Cleaning Steps

Remove debris – Vacuum the entire surface using a soft brush attachment. Make sure to get into creases and seams.
Create cleaning solution – Mix a small amount of suede cleaner with distilled water in a spray bottle according to product instructions. Alternatively, use a mild soap like dish soap diluted in water.
Apply cleaner – Mist a small amount of cleaning solution onto the suede. Avoid over-saturating.
Gently scrub – Use a suede cleaning brush or sponge to gently scrub areas of dirt, working the solution into the nap.
Blot dry – Use clean terry cloth rags to blot up excess moisture. Avoid rubbing.
Let dry – Allow the suede to air dry completely before using, at least 24 hours.
Revive nap – Once fully dry, use a soft-bristled brush to buff the nap and restore any crushed areas.

Suede Cleaner Options

Saphir Omnidaim
Jason Markk Premium Brush and Cleaner Kit
Cadillac Premium Protection Cleaner
Frye Suede and Nubuck Cleaner
WOCA Suede and Nubuck Cleaner

Take care not to oversaturate the suede, apply cleaners directly to stains, or rub aggressively, as this can damage the nap or lead to discoloration. Work in small sections and make sure to get into crevices and seams. Avoid household cleaners or products not designed for suede.

Professional Wet Cleaning

Some professional leather cleaners also offer wet cleaning services for suede couches. This involves a more thorough soaking and cleaning process with professional equipment and cleaning agents. The suede is submerged and cleaned in a container of solution, rather than just misted on the surface.

Benefits of professional wet cleaning include deep stain removal and thorough soaking of the full piece. However, the wet process also carries higher risk of the suede shrinking or colors bleeding. Make sure to clarify that the company has experience specifically with suede wet cleaning, not just leather in general.

Treating Stains, Spills, and Marks on a Suede Couch

Even with preventative care, stains and marks on a suede couch are likely at some point. But many are treatable with immediate action and the right techniques. Here are tips for handling common suede couch stains:

Liquid spills – Immediately blot with a dry clean cloth. Avoid rubbing. Sprinkle corn starch or talcum powder to absorb residue, let sit 30 minutes, then brush and vacuum off.

Oils and grease – Apply a small amount of suede cleaner and gently dab or use a suede brush to lift the stain. Never try to scrape off.

Food, drinks, dirt – Use an art gum eraser, cleaner with a soft brush, or nub brush in a circular motion. Avoid over-scrubbing.

Mold or mildew – Treat quickly before it sets using a suede cleaner with anti-microbial agents or a 50/50 vinegar and water solution.

Ink, dye transfer – Dampen a cloth with suede cleaner or non-oil-based solvent like nail polish remover. Gently blot and lift. Avoid scrubs.

Rust – Use an iron-removing product for fabric. Test on an inconspicuous spot first.

Paint and varnish – These can be tricky. Try gently scraping with a dull knife, then cleaning residue. Or use painter’s naphtha or another solvent.

Chewing gum – Harden the gum with an ice cube then gently peel off. Avoid scrapers. Clean any remaining residue.

No matter the stain, always start with the gentlest cleaning method first, like distilled water or mild cleaner, before trying anything more vigorous. And test products on an inconspicuous area first, stopping immediately if any damage occurs. Persistent stains may need professional help.

How to Clean Suede Couch Cushion Covers

Many suede couch cushions have removable covers that can be taken off and cleaned separately from the couch frame. Here are tips for cleaning suede couch cushion covers:

Check the tag to confirm if the cover is made of true suede or a synthetic suede-like material. Follow cleaning methods accordingly.
Covers can be hand cleaned using the same instructions above for gently scrubbing with a suede cleaning solution.
For a deeper clean, suede cushion covers can be taken to a dry cleaner. Inform them of the material.
Washable synthetic suede covers may be able to go in the washing machine on delicate cycle. Use a laundry bag. Allow to fully air dry.
Avoid putting real suede cushion covers in the washing machine or dryer, as this can damage and shrink the material.
When replacing the cushion cover, allow the interior cushion to fully dry first to avoid mold growth.

How to Clean Suede Couch Arms and Back

Suede couch arms and backs often get the dirtiest with grease, hair products, and body oils. Get into these areas during regular vacuuming. For a deep clean:

Focus on cleaning the entire arm or back rest area as you hand clean the couch.
Pay special attention to the piping and seams where grime accumulates.
Use a small suede cleaning brush to scrub difficult areas like crevices and buttons.
When blotting and drying, lean over the arms and back to access all areas.
Mist suede cleaner directly onto dirty areas for extra cleaning power.

How to Clean Underneath and Behind a Suede Couch

Don’t forget to clean overlooked areas like underneath and behind the couch during a deep clean.

Move the couch away from the wall to access the back and floor underneath.
Thoroughly vacuum all surfaces under and behind the couch.
Mist suede cleaning solution onto a cloth and wipe down the suede surfaces behind and underneath to remove built-up grime.
Use a small upholstery brush to scrub the piping and corners.
Blot with clean rags and allow to fully dry before moving the couch back.

How to Clean Suede Couch Legs and Base

Over time, dirt, scuffs, and pet hair can accumulate on suede couch legs and the base.

Vacuum around and under couch legs, getting into crevices.
For a wipedown, dip a clean rag in suede cleaning solution and gently go over legs and base.
Use a small suede brush for stubborn dirt on legs and wheel areas.
Watch for color transfer if rubbing against a rug or floor. Lift couch legs while drying.

How to Keep Your Suede Couch Looking New In Between Cleanings

To maintain your suede couch’s appearance and extend time between deep cleanings:

Vacuum at least weekly using the soft brush attachment on a handheld vacuum. Get into creases and seams.
Immediately dab liquid spills using a white absorbent cloth. Do not scrub.
Spot treat stains with a suede cleaning product designed for the couch’s specific suede type.
Maintain furniture covers or throws over high use areas when not in use.
Fluff crushed nap with a soft bristle brush or suede groomer brush.
Mist occasionally with distilled water and let dry to revitalize the nap.
Avoid eating, drinking, lotions, makeup, and placing dirty items on the suede.
Rotate cushions weekly and flip occasionally to distribute wear evenly.

How Often to Professionally Clean a Suede Couch

The frequency of professional cleanings needed for a suede couch depends on:

Amount of Use – High traffic family spaces need more frequent cleaning.
Presence of Pets and Children – Pets and kids can increase wear and stains.
Type of Suede – Delicate aniline suede needs more cleaning than durable protected suede.
Frequency of Deep Cleaning – Regular deep cleanings allow more time between professional services.
White vs. Dark Suede – Light suede shows dirt faster than dark.

For lightly used protected suede with no pets, annual professional cleaning is usually sufficient. Heavy use family spaces with aniline suede may need professional cleaning every 6 months. Adapt frequency as needed.

Does Vinegar Damage Suede?

Vinegar can be safe for use on suede couches if diluted properly in water. A 50/50 white vinegar and water solution can help remove stains and freshen suede. However, vinegar has risks:

Full strength vinegar is too harsh for suede. Always dilute with water.
It can dry out and discolor suede if left sitting too long. Blot up quickly.
Too frequent use rubs away the nap over time. Use occasionally only when needed.
Test first in an inconspicuous spot to check for any damage or discoloration.

Mild dish soap and water is usually a safer cleaning solution for suede than straight vinegar. Only use vinegar on tough stains and avoid overuse.

Can I Steam Clean a Suede Couch?

Steam cleaning is not recommended for suede couches. The risks include:

Over-wetting and shrinking the leather.
Heat damage from the steamer.
Discoloration from excessive moisture.
Removing the nap if brushed too vigorously.

At most, use light steam from a garment steamer to smooth crushed areas or refresh the nap. Avoid direct steam contact for cleaning. Have a professional clean suede couches instead of steam cleaning.

6 FAQs About Cleaning a Suede Couch

Cleaning a suede couch still brings up many common questions. Here are answers to 6 frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use laundry detergent or dish soap to clean suede?

Mild dish soap highly diluted with water may be used safely in small amounts for spot cleaning suede. Avoid detergents with additives like bleach or fabric softener. Always use a product formulated specifically for suede for best results.

2. How do you dry a suede couch after cleaning?

It’s crucial to allow suede to air dry fully after any cleaning, at least 24 hours. Avoid direct heat sources. Gently blot excess moisture with clean rags. Use a fan to speed dry time if needed.

3. What happens if suede gets wet?

Light moisture from spot cleaning won’t harm suede. But prolonged wetness or soaking can cause stains, shrinkage, water marks, and damage. Blot any excess liquid quickly. Let suede fully air dry after cleaning.

4. Can I use a hair dryer to dry my suede couch?

No, the concentrated direct heat from a hair dryer risks damaging the suede. Always let suede air dry naturally after cleaning. A fan to circulate air can help speed safe drying.

5. How do you restore the nap on a suede couch?

Use a soft-bristled suede brush in light strokes with the nap to fluff crushed areas. A grooming brush with brass bristles also helps revive the nap. Avoid rubbing too vigorously in any one area.

6. Should suede couches be vacuumed or brushed?

Regular vacuuming and gentle brushing keeps suede couches looking their best between deep cleanings. Use a soft brush vacuum attachment and suede brush to prevent pilling or damaging the delicate fibers.

The Takeaway

Cleaning a suede couch properly involves regular maintenance like vacuuming, immediate stain removal, and protective furniture covers in between periodic deep cleanings every 6-12 months. Knowing your specific suede type guides the safest cleaners and techniques to use. With a careful approach, your suede couch can retain its luxurious look and feel for years. Implement these tips for cleaning and caring for your suede couch to protect your investment and avoid permanent damage.

Conclusion

Suede couches add comfort and elegance but require some special care. By learning the best cleaning methods for your specific suede type and establishing consistent upkeep habits, you can keep your suede couch looking fresh and prevent lasting stains or damage. Take time to regularly vacuum, spot clean spills quickly, and brush the nap. Deep clean every 6 months to a year using a gentle hand cleaning technique or professional suede cleaning service. With this comprehensive guide on how to clean a suede couch, you can confidently maintain the beauty of your suede furniture.

How to Clean a Suede Couch