Valuable recommendations on how to wash faux suede without damaging it

Artificial suede is a capricious material with a complex structure.

If not properly cared for, it quickly loses its presentable appearance, becomes deformed, and stains and abrasions appear on the fabric.

Read more in the article about whether and how to wash artificial suede (eco-suede) and items made from it.

Is it possible?

For artificial materials, as well as for natural ones, dry cleaning is preferable using steam, soft brushes, napkins and special products. This treatment does not deform the product, does not spoil the pile, and does not leave streaks.

Rules for washing eco-suede items

Delicate material does not tolerate prolonged contact with water, but washes well. Small stains should be removed immediately after they are discovered, avoiding deep penetration of dirt into the pile. In addition, it is necessary to carry out general cleaning of products in a timely manner and monitor the condition of the material.

It is important not to forget that:

• suede does not tolerate soaking, contact with hot water, drying near heating devices,
• the material is deformed from squeezing, twisting, tightly folding,
• as a result of the wrong choice of household chemicals, stains appear on the fabric,
• For washing, you can use professional or liquid gel products.

Bleach, caustic stain removers, rinse conditioner, and regular cheap powder are prohibited.

Manual cleaning

Gentle cleaning will help restore freshness to suede items, remove minor dirt, scuffs, and stains.

1. Pour a sufficient amount of warm water into a large basin or bathtub.
2. Dilute the detergent. There should be no undissolved granules.
3. Carefully immerse the item in the water. If there is heavy contamination, the soaking time should not exceed 10–15 minutes.
4. Treat the product with a soft rubberized brush or sponge, paying special attention to problem areas (collar, cuffs, pockets, armpits). You need to act in one direction so as not to damage the pile. Do not rub, squeeze or crumple the fabric!
5. Rinse, changing the water several times. During the last rinse, add 3-4 tbsp to the basin. l. vinegar. It will help restore softness.
6. Place clothes over the bath and let the water drain. Don't squeeze! It is permissible to blot the product with a towel to remove excess moisture.

Machine processing

Automatic processing of eco-suede clothing is undesirable. From rough impact, the material will quickly become unusable, the pile will lose its uniformity, and streaks will appear.

You can clean suede items in a washing machine, provided there is an appropriate mark on the product label. Before processing, clothes must be shaken, turned inside out, pockets checked, and any loose seams sewn up.

Then you need:

1. Set the gentle mode (“hand wash”, “wool”, “silk”, “for delicate fabrics”).
2. Choose a liquid detergent (Ariel, Tide, Persil, Laska gels, capsules, fragrance-free baby shampoo).
3. Set water heating to 30 degrees.
4. Remove the spin and dry modes.
5. Carefully place the clothes into the drum of the machine and start the cycle.
6. Place the item on the bottom of the bathtub or place it above the basin and allow the water to drain.
7. Dry outdoors.

To wash shoes, bags or hats made of faux suede, you must use a special mesh bag.

Dry cleansing

Cleaning things, shoes and accessories using special foam, shampoos, aerosols without washing or interaction of the material with water is the most optimal, gentle way to treat artificial suede.

To remove dirt and stains:

1. The cleaning composition must be applied evenly to the entire surface of the product.
2. Leave for 5–15 minutes.
3. Clean the product with a special rubberized brush or sponge with large pores. Particular attention should be paid to the collar, cuffs, bottom and back of trousers, pockets, and bag handles.
4. Dry the item at room temperature.
5. If the pile is stuck together, “comb” it again with a brush.

For cleaning, you can use any suede care products.

Steam cleaning

Steam treatment will help refresh the suede, smooth out small creases, and remove shine and wear. To clean clothes you need:

• hang it on hangers;
• run a steam generator over contaminated or greasy areas, treat with a rubberized suede brush.

To prevent the appearance of stains and stains, you should use only distilled or special purified water for irons.

Drying and ironing

Proper care of faux suede clothing includes: Mandatory adherence to recommendations for drying and ironing products:

1. After washing, the material must not be twisted. Things should be placed above the basin or placed on the bottom of the bathtub, and the water should be allowed to drain freely.
2. Excess moisture can be blotted with a towel. Another option: lay the clothes horizontally on a terry sheet, roll them, and gently wring them out.
3. It is better to dry suede in a horizontal position in the fresh air or in a well-ventilated area. In a closed bathroom, the material will not dry out and will acquire a musty smell.
4. Wet clothes should be protected from direct sunlight and radiators, and should not be taken out onto the balcony during frost.
5. To maintain their shape, hats, gloves, bags, and shoes must be filled with crumpled paper or newspapers during drying, changing them as moisture is absorbed.
6. Faux suede can only be ironed from the reverse side with a warm iron. To protect the material, it is worth placing a special ironing net or thin cloth.

If there are deep creases or folds, it is better to steam the clothes. After treatment, you need to walk over the entire surface with a dry brush to remove moisture and lift the pile.

Removing stains

To remove minor stains from clothes or shoes made of artificial suede, you can use folk remedies:

1. Fat. Fresh drops should be covered with starch, baby powder, and crushed chalk.After 15–30 minutes, brush off the product and carefully wash the damaged area with a cotton pad and soap solution.
2. Sap, grass, pollen, any organic stains You can wipe it off with a cloth soaked in vinegar (9%).
3. Wine. A fresh stain should be blotted with a dry, clean cloth. To remove dried marks, use a thick soap solution or shaving foam. The product should be applied to the stain, left for half an hour, and the residue removed with a napkin.
4. Gum. Rub the sticky mass with an ice cube. When the gum hardens, carefully remove it from the fabric.
5. Dirt. Do not touch wet drops; you must wait until they dry. Then clean the damaged area with a brush.
6. Glue, varnish, traces of cosmetics. Gently rub the marks with a cloth moistened with nail polish remover without acetone.

To revive shiny areas, you need to:

• treat them with a school eraser, a crust of rye bread, a nail file or pumice;
• Apply a layer of wet coffee grounds (without sugar, milk, aromatic additives) to brown items, leave for 15 minutes, remove with a brush;
• Clean white shoes, gloves or a bag with a sponge and dry tooth powder or baking soda;
• extensive damage should be treated with an aqueous solution of ammonia (2:1), then rinsed with running water.

After removing the stain, the material should be dried thoroughly, and then the pile should be lifted with a clothing or toothbrush.If a noticeable mark or streaks remain, the clothes will have to be washed completely or taken to the dry cleaner.

Aerosol paint can help disguise severely damaged areas. for suede. The main thing is to choose the right color.

How to restore material?

To prevent faux suede items from becoming hard and rough after washing, add a little vinegar to the water during the last rinse. It will help soften the fabric and preserve color, and prevent streaks.

Dry cleaning

Following all rules and recommendations, Can be washed at home:

• any accessories,
• dresses,
• skirts,
• trousers.

It is better to dry-clean jackets, outerwear, and hats. It is very difficult to remove stains or dirt from them on your own.

There is a high probability of product deformation. Besides, It is almost impossible to properly dry and steam a suede coat at home.

The cost of dry cleaning will start from 500 rubles and can reach 2-3 thousand rubles.

Adviсe

If there is heavy soiling, faux suede items can be cleaned in any way, if you follow simple recommendations:

1. Do not ignore the manufacturer's care instructions on the label.
2. Choose cleaning products from the professional series marked “For suede” (shampoos, foams).
3. Use gel or soft foaming formulations.
4. Wash clothes in warm water (heat should not exceed 30–40 degrees).
5. Do not twist, rub, or squeeze. Act as carefully as possible, trying not to stretch or deform the material.
6. Pay special attention to rinsing.
7. Pre-remove stains and clean greasy areas.
8. Wash items completely. Washed areas will be noticeable, streaks will appear, and the structure of the material will not be uniform.
9. Regularly treat the material with water-repellent impregnations.

You will find maximum useful information about washing clothes and various fabric products Here.

Conclusion

Washing a suede item at home is not easy. At the same time, there is a high risk of damage and deformation of the material. Strict adherence to recommendations and compliance with the rules will help remove contaminants and return faux suede clothing to cleanliness and freshness.