How to Clean a Microfiber Suede Couch

Increasing in popularity due to its durability and reputation for easy cleaning, microfiber suede furniture is attractive and affordable. Microfiber suede is a tightly woven fiber that is thinner than a strand of human hair, and the density of the fibers makes penetration by liquids and other substances virtually impossible. Instead of setting in, liquid stains tend to pool on the surface of the microfiber suede, making it an ideal fabric for families with children and pets. If you have a microfiber suede couch, it is easy to keep it looking its best with regular vacuuming, and cleanings whenever necessary.

Things You'll Need

• Vacuum
• Vacuum brush tool
• Vacuum crevice tool
• Soft cloth(s)
• Vinegar
• Baking soda
• Dry cleaning crystals
• Sponge
• Dish soap
• Steam cleaner

Instructions

1. Vacuum the microfiber suede couch with your vacuum's brush attachment. A light vacuuming will help to remove lint, hair, crumbs and loose dirt. Switch attachments, and use the crevice tool for tight spaces, such as in between cushions.

2. Blot up pet urine stains with a soft cloth until there is no visible liquid pooling on the surface of the microfiber. Use a second cloth to blot the area with vinegar; do not rub. Sprinkle with baking soda and allow the area of the pet stain to dry. Vacuum the baking soda with your vacuum's brush tool.

3. Remove marker and ink with a cotton ball and isopropyl alcohol. Apply just enough isopropyl alcohol to the cotton ball to dampen it; do not over saturate the cotton. Blot the ink or marker stain with the cotton ball until the stain is removed.

4. Use a dry cleaning agent for heavily-stained microfiber suede. Dry carpet cleaners work well for this task. Sprinkle the dry cleaning crystals onto the stains and use a soft cloth to work the crystals into a powder that can be used to rub out the stain. Vacuum the cleaning crystals afterward.

5. Spot-clean using a damp sponge. For quick cleanups, a sponge squeezed free of excess water can be used to gently rub a light stain out of the microfiber suede. If necessary, a drop of dish soap can be used to help lift the stain. Allow the couch to air dry when done.

6. Steam-clean microfiber suede using a professional grade steam cleaner. Steam cleaning can keep your microfiber suede couch in top condition--as long as you are using a steam cleaner that has enough suction to remove all of the water and soap that is used for the cleaning.

Tips & Warnings

• Pet hair can be removed using a lint brush. Microfiber suede sofas that have slipcovers over the cushions can be machine-washed on the gentle cycle and placed in a dryer afterward. Do not drip dry because the microfiber suede may stretch.

• Check the manufacturer's cleaning instructions before using any cleaning methods. It is recommended that cleaning should first be performed in an inconspicuous spot of the couch to ensure that the microfiber suede will not be negatively affected.

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• Microfiber
• Benefits of microfiber