How to Clean and Care for Faux Leather

Faux leather has become an incredibly popular upholstery fabric in recent years. Often made from polyurethane or vinyl, faux leather offers the look and feel of real leather at a fraction of the cost. It’s also much easier to clean and care for than genuine leather.

However, faux leather does require some special cleaning techniques to keep it looking its best. With proper care and maintenance, you can keep your faux leather furniture, clothing, and accessories looking pristine for years to come. This comprehensive guide will teach you everything you need to know about cleaning and caring for faux leather items.

Why Proper Cleaning is Important for Faux Leather

While faux leather is designed to be durable and stain-resistant, it can easily become soiled, faded or cracked over time with improper cleaning. Dust, dirt, oil, spills, and regular use can all degrade the material if not dealt with promptly and properly.

Harsh cleaners, abrasive scrubbing, and excessive moisture can all cause discoloration, drying, stiffness and peeling. Faux leather can also become sticky or tacky if the wrong types of polishes or conditioners are used on the surface.

That’s why it’s so important to learn the proper techniques for routine faux leather care and maintenance. By following the steps in this guide, you’ll be able to keep your faux leather looking fresh, supple and lustrous for many years of use.

Routinely Dust and Vacuum Faux Leather

The first line of defense for keeping faux leather clean is regular dusting and vacuuming. This prevents dirt and dust particles from building up on the surface, which can lead to dinginess and abrasions over time.

Use a soft, dry microfiber cloth to gently wipe down faux leather furniture, handbags, shoes and accessories on a regular basis. This lifts away any light dust or debris before it has a chance to settle in.

For faux leather upholstery, use the soft brush or upholstery attachment on your vacuum once a week or as needed. Pass the vacuum head slowly over the entire surface to lift away dirt, crumbs and other debris.

Be sure to get into seams, tufts and crevices. Avoid using the spinning beater bar or brushes on the faux leather, as these can create snags or pulls. The soft suction alone should be enough to clean the surface when vacuuming.

Spot Clean Spills and Stains Quickly

Even with regular dusting and vacuuming, spills and stains are bound to happen. That’s why it’s critical to address them right away before they have a chance to set in.

For liquid spills on faux leather furniture or clothing, immediately soak up excess liquid with a clean, dry towel or rag. Avoid rubbing the spill, which can drive it deeper into the fabric.

Next, mix together a solution of mild soap and warm water. Use a soft cloth dipped in the solution to gently blot at the stain until it lifts out. Avoid harsh scrubbing motions.

Rinse the surface with clean water to remove soap residue. Then blot dry with a fresh towel. Allow the faux leather to air dry completely.

For stubborn stains, try using a faux leather cleaner or even gently rubbing with a soft eraser or moistened cotton swab. This should lift out most dirt, grime, ink, makeup and other stains with minimal effort.

Be Cautious With Heat and Moisture

Two of the biggest threats to faux leather are excessive heat and moisture. The synthetic materials that make up faux leather can become warped, dried out or discolored if exposed to high temperatures or large amounts of water.

Avoid placing faux leather furniture or accessories near heat sources like fireplaces, space heaters or HVAC vents. The fluctuations in temperature can cause the material to become brittle and crack over time.

When cleaning faux leather, always wring out excess water thoroughly from rags and cloths before wiping down the material. You want the cloth to be barely damp rather than dripping wet.

After cleaning, make sure to completely air dry faux leather items before use. Never aim a hair dryer or other heat source at faux leather, as this can damage the finish.

Condition Periodically With Faux Leather Cleaners

To keep faux leather supple and prevent drying and cracking, periodic conditioning is recommended. But it’s important to use only cleaners made specifically for faux leather.

General leather conditioners, polishes and oils should be avoided, as they can break down the protective top layer on faux leather items.

Look for faux leather cleaners that contain emulsifiers and humectants, which help replace lost oils and add moisture back into the material. Avoid silicone-based or petroleum products, which may leave behind a gummy residue.

Before applying a faux leather conditioner, do a patch test on an inconspicuous area to ensure that the product does not discolor or damage the finish. Then buff a small amount of conditioner over the surface using a soft, dry cloth.

Avoid over-conditioning, as this can lead to a buildup of waxy residue over time. Once or twice a year is sufficient for most faux leather items. Wipe away any excess conditioner after application.

How to Clean Faux Leather Furniture

Upholstered furniture with faux leather is a popular choice for many homes. But without proper care, it can easily become faded, cracked or stained from regular use. Here are some important tips for keeping faux leather furniture looking fresh:

Dust and vacuum faux leather furniture weekly using the soft brush attachment. This prevents abrasive dirt and debris from building up on the surface.
Immediately blot spills and stains with a dry cloth. Avoid harsh scrubbing.
Use a slightly damp soft cloth to gently spot clean dirty or stained areas as needed. Allow to fully air dry afterwards.
Rehydrate the faux leather 2-3 times per year with a faux leather conditioner applied in a thin layer using a soft cloth.
Avoid placing faux leather furniture near direct heat sources or in direct sunlight, which can cause drying, fading and cracking.
Rotate cushions and pillows regularly to evenly distribute wear and re-fluff compressed areas.
Inspect furniture for cracks or peeling and reapply adhesive when needed to prevent further damage.

With routine cleaning and conditioning, faux leather furniture can remain supple and vibrant looking for many years of family use.

Tips for Cleaning Faux Leather Bags

Faux leather handbags and purses are lightweight, animal-friendly alternatives to genuine leather that can still give a stylish, upscale look. But like real leather, they still require some special care and maintenance. Here are the keys to keeping faux leather bags looking their best:

Use a dry duster or soft cloth to gently brush away surface dust after each use. This prevents buildup of abrasive debris.
Spot clean stains immediately with mild soap and water. Gently blot, don’t rub. Then air dry fully.
Every few months, clean the entire bag with a faux leather cleaner and conditioner using a soft cloth. This restores suppleness and shine.
Check for peeling corners or handles and use a flexible adhesive to re-bond these areas when needed.
Store faux leather bags fully stuffed with tissue paper away from direct sunlight and heat to prevent fading and drying out.
Avoid getting faux leather bags wet in the rain. Water can cause permanent stains, discoloration or peeling. Use a water repellant spray if needed.
Don’t overload bags to the point of stretching out their shape. Overstuffing can cause permanent damage.

With proper care and maintenance, faux leather handbags can maintain their beauty and last for many years of fashionable use. The key is keeping them clean while providing periodic conditioning.

How to Clean Faux Leather Shoes

Faux leather shoes offer animal-friendly versatility for casual and dressy looks alike. Getting them dirty is unavoidable when wearing them outside. Follow these tips to clean faux leather footwear properly:

Allow dirty shoes to fully air dry first before cleaning. Heat from hair dryers can damage faux leather.
Gently brush caked on dirt from the surface with a dry brush. Avoid excessive scrubbing.
Make a solution of warm water, mild soap and white vinegar. Use a soft cloth dipped in this to gently clean shoes.
Rinse clean with a cloth dampened with fresh water. Wipe away all soap residue.
Stuff damp shoes with paper towels so they hold their shape as they dry.
Once fully dry, apply a thin layer of faux leather conditioner with a soft cloth. Buff gently.
Use a water repellant spray to guard against future water stains and discoloration.
Avoid the use of polishes, waxes or oils not specifically made for faux leather. These can break down the finish.
When scuffs or scratches occur, gently buff with fine grit sandpaper followed by conditioner to blend in.

Regular cleaning and conditioning keeps faux leather shoes looking like new while also maintaining flexibility and durability.

Cleaning Faux Leather Jackets and Clothing

Faux leather jackets, skirts, leggings and other clothing let you achieve a sleek, polished look without animal products. But faux leather apparel needs special care to prevent stains, cracks and fading over time. Here are some tips:

Shake out loose dirt and debris after each wearing and allow to fully air dry.
Spot clean stains gently with a slightly damp soft cloth and mild soap. Avoid vigorous rubbing.
Use a specialty faux leather cleaner every few months applied gently with a clean cloth to remove built up dirt and restore luster.
Condition periodically with faux leather products containing oils to maintain softness and flexibility.
Read clothing labels and follow any special washing instructions, such as dry clean only or low heat tumble dry. Never iron faux leather clothing.
Repair peeling hems or lining by lightly sanding and reapplying flexible fabric glue. Do not attempt DIY dyeing or bleaching.
Store faux leather clothing on breathable hangers in cool, dry places away from direct sunlight.

With proper routine care, faux leather clothing can maintain its supple look and feel for many seasons of fashionable wear.

How to Clean Faux Leather Car Interiors

Faux leather is a popular upholstery choice for car seats and interiors due to its supple look and durable wear. To keep your faux leather car seats looking pristine:

Routinely vacuum and dust car seats using the soft brush attachment to lift away loose dirt before it settles in.
Immediately blot any spills with a dry cloth. Avoid harsh scrubbing motions.
Mix a solution of lukewarm water and mild soap. Use a damp soft cloth to gently spot clean stained or dirty areas as needed.
Use a specialty faux leather car interior cleaner every 3-6 months. Apply a light mist and wipe gently with a clean cloth.
Condition with faux leather products 1-2 times per year to restore suppleness and sheen. Avoid silicone-based products.
Avoid parking in direct sunlight when possible, as heat can fade and dry out faux leather over time.
If cracks develop, use a flexible filler adhesive made for car interiors to seal them before they spread.

With regular gentle cleaning and conditioning tailored to faux leather, your car’s interior can continue looking like new for years beyond its initial purchase.

Tips for Cleaning Faux Leather Office Chairs

Office chairs with faux leather upholstery offer a luxurious look for busy professionals. But with daily use, dirt and body oils can take a toll. Here are some key tips for maintaining faux leather office chairs:

Vacuum chair seats and backs once a week using the soft brush attachment. This lifts away loose debris before it settles in.
Rotate chairs periodically to evenly distribute wear and prevent indentations from forming.
Use a soft cloth dampened with mild soap and water to spot clean stained or dirty areas as needed.
Every 2-3 months, wipe down the entire chair with a faux leather cleaning solution using a clean white cloth.
Apply a thin layer of faux leather conditioner 1-2 times per year. Buff gently with a dry cloth afterwards.
Repair peeling edges or cracks in the upholstery using flexible fabric glue bonded to the underside.
Avoid exposure to direct sunlight, which can cause fading and brittleness over time.

With regular gentle cleaning and conditioning, faux leather office chairs can retain their professional, upscale look for years beyond initial purchase.

Caring for Faux Leather Accessories

Faux leather is ideal for fashion accessories because it is pliable and can imitate fine leather at a fraction of the cost. Here are some tips for cleaning faux leather goods like purses, belts, watches and jewelry:

Dust accessories regularly with a soft dry cloth to prevent dirt buildup and maintain luster.
Use a damp cloth with mild soap to gently spot clean as needed. Avoid submerging items in water.
Every few months, wipe down accessories with a faux leather cleaner and conditioner to restore shine and suppleness.
Check for worn edges or hardware. Use specialty glues and adhesives to re-bond peeled areas before they spread.
Store faux leather items away from direct heat or sunlight, as exposure can cause drying, fading and cracking over time.
Avoid getting faux leather accessories wet. Water can cause stains, damage finishes and make fabric go stiff.
Replace worn faux leather watch straps to maintain the integrity of the timepiece.

With proper periodic cleaning and care, faux leather accessories can maintain their beauty while still offering affordability and practicality.

Identifying Damage and Making Repairs

Even with diligent care, faux leather may eventually become damaged through regular use over many years. Some things to look out for include:

Peeling or cracking: This is common along edges and surface creases. Use flexible adhesives formulated for faux leather to re-bond these areas. Avoid super glues, which turn rigid after drying.

Pilling or bald patches: Vigorous scrubbing can break down the top layer of faux leather over time. There is no way to restore this, but conditioners can mask damage by smoothing over areas.

Deep stains: Indelible ink, grease or failed DIY dye jobs may permanently discolor faux leather. A professional dye job at an upholstery shop is the best remedy.

Mildew or mold: Exposure to excessive moisture can cause faux leather to develop fungal growths. Disinfect and dry thoroughly. If not resolved promptly, permanent staining may occur.

Rips or tears: These inevitably occur with heavy use. Small tears can be repaired with fabric glue on undersides. Large rips likely require professional patching.

With vigilant care and maintenance, most faux leather items can be kept looking great for years. But damage does happen eventually. Spot it early and make repairs to prevent it from spreading. Know when to call in the pros for extensive restoration work.

Storing Faux Leather Properly

How you store faux leather items when not in use can make a big difference in how long they last. Follow these tips:

Completely dry items after cleaning before storage, as moisture can encourage mold growth.
Keep items out of direct sunlight, which causes fading, drying and brittleness over time.
Avoid storage in hot places like attics or garages, which can warp shapes and damage finishes.
Store in cool, dark places with climate control. Ideal conditions are 60-70°F and 50% humidity.
Fully stuff purses, shoes and hollow furniture cushions with tissue paper before storage to hold their shape.
Use breathable garment bags for faux leather clothing storage, not airtight plastic bags which trap moisture.
Dust items thoroughly and apply leather conditioner before seasonal storage for added protection.
For long-term furniture storage, cover with a cloth sheet to prevent dust buildup and light damage.

Proper storage habits are just as critical as cleaning for ensuring faux leather stands the test of time and retains its beauty and function. The key is keeping items clean, dry and away from light in climate controlled spaces.

When to Consider Replacement

With ongoing care and maintenance, most faux leather products can provide many years of service. But there comes a point when damage, wear and changes in style make replacement the wise option.

Consider replacing faux leather items when:

The surface shows extensive cracking, peeling, loss of color or other unrepairable damage.
Repair costs exceed 50-60% of the cost of buying new.
The item looks obviously dated according to current decorating trends.
Wear prevents the item from functioning as intended.
Pet damage like chewing, clawing or repeated accidents create unsanitary conditions.
You simply desire a fresh new item for aesthetic reasons.

Don’t feel guilty about replacing well-worn faux leather. With proper care, the new item should provide many years of service. And consider donating or recycling the old item if possible.

Faux Leather Care Do’s and Don’ts

Caring properly for faux leather comes down to a few basic do’s and don’ts:

DO:

Vacuum and dust frequently.
Blot spills immediately.
Use cleaners and conditioners specifically made for faux leather.
Repair peeling edges and cracks to prevent spreading.
Read clothing and furniture labels for care instructions.

DON’T:

Use harsh cleaners or abrasives that can strip the finish.
Over-scrub stained areas, which worsens damage.
Use silicone or oil-based conditioners that leave residue.
Expose items to excessive moisture, heat or sunlight.
Use hair dryers, irons or other direct high heat on faux leather.

Following these simple