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• Part 1 of 3: Cleaning artificial suede garments
• Part 2 of 3: Cleaning artificial suede accessories
• Part 3 of 3: Cleaning artificial suede furniture

Artificial suede is a sturdy, stain-resistant fabric that is even stronger and less expensive than real suede. It is very easy to care for and with proper care, regular cleaning and immediate stain removal, the fabric will look fresh and like new for years to come.

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Part 1 of 3: Cleaning artificial suede garments

1. Check the care label. Most garments, towels, curtains, accessories and decorative items that are partly or entirely made of artificial suede can be washed in the washing machine, but check the care label first to make sure. If the care label is missing or too worn to read, err on the side of caution and hand wash the garment with mild soap or detergent, then lay or hang to dry.
   • If there is an icon of a washtub full of water on the care label, it means that the garment is machine washable. If you see a number, it indicates the maximum washing temperature.
   • An icon of the washtub with one hand in it means that you should wash the garment by hand instead of in the washing machine.
   • A square with a circle in it means that the garment can also be tumble-dried.
   • A circle means that the garment should only be dry cleaned.
   • A triangle means you can use bleach safely.
   • If one or more of these symbols has an X or a cross, it means that you cannot use that method.
2. Test the detergent on a small spot. Before washing or cleaning a new garment, test the detergent or cleaner you want to use in a small area to make sure it won't damage the fabric in any way.
   • Choose a small, inconspicuous area on the fabric and apply a small amount of your chosen product to the fabric. Leave it on for 5-10 minutes, then blot the area with a clean, white cloth.
   • Check to see if the colors are bleeding, the fabric is discolored or has shrunk. Use a damp cloth to wipe the cleaner from the fabric.
3. Remove stains. Stubborn stains and dirty spots that are difficult to remove can be cleaned with soapy water, clear alcohol such as isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol) or vodka, or a mild dish soap diluted with some water (use one teaspoon or 6 ml of dish soap per 250 ml of water) . To remove the stains, do the following:
   • Apply a little cleaner to the fabric with a cloth or clean sponge.
   • Gently rub the area with the sponge, a lint-free cloth, or a soft bristle brush such as a clean toothbrush. If you are using a cloth or sponge, make sure it is white and does not contain dyes, as the color can transfer to the fabric.
4. Treat stubborn stains. Sometimes a fabric just won't get clean, but luckily there are methods you can use to remove stubborn stains from your favorite clothes.
   • To remove deodorant and sweat stains, apply a small amount of liquid detergent to the underarms of the garment and leave it on for 10 minutes before washing the garment.
   • In the case of an oil stain, place the fabric stain side down on a clean washcloth or towel. Pour some liquid detergent on the back of the stain and let it soak in. When the oil and detergent soak through the fabric and dry, lay out a new towel. Rinse the area when dry and machine wash the garment as usual.
   • To remove stubborn biological stains, such as stains from food, drinks, grass and blood, pre-treat the stains by applying a detergent with enzymes such as Vanish Oxi Action. Leave it on for 10 minutes and wash the garment as usual.
5. Wash the garment. Always wash machine-washable synthetic suede garments together so that lint does not get on them. Wash larger items such as curtains and bedding separately. If you want to wash a single synthetic suede garment, put it in a laundry bag to separate it from the rest of the garments in the washing machine.
   • To be on the safe side, always set the washing machine to the delicate cycle and use a mild detergent when washing an artificial suede item.
   • To hand wash the garment, fill a large tub or sink with warm, soapy water. Put the garment in the water and let it absorb the water. Gently stir the fabric into the water with your hands and especially treat the areas that are particularly dirty.
6. Dry the garment. If the care label says it is safe to tumble dry, follow the temperature instructions or set the dryer to a low or cold setting to dry the synthetic suede.
   • You can also hang the garment on a clothesline to dry or lay it flat on a towel to dry.
7. Brush the fabric. Artificial suede can become stiff when you wash it. Use a soft bristle brush or a clean toothbrush to gently brush and soften the fabric.

Part 2 of 3: Cleaning artificial suede accessories

1. Brush off dirt, salt, and mud. Use a soft brush or cloth to remove all excess dirt, dust, salt, mud and other dry debris.
2. Prepare a cleaning mixture. Artificial suede is a popular choice for accessories such as boots, shoes, bags and wallets. You can clean these accessories when they are dirty. To do this you need the following:
   • Some newspaper (for shoes)
   • A soft washcloth or cotton balls
   • A mixture of equal parts water and vinegar or regular isopropyl alcohol
3. Clean the accessory. Dip the washcloth in the cleaning mixture and squeeze out the excess water. Make sure the washcloth is slightly damp instead of soaking wet. Gently rub the damp washcloth over the fabric and rinse and re-wet as needed. Continue until all the dirt, salt and mud is gone.
   • If you are using alcohol, put it in a spray bottle and spray the alcohol on a clean cloth before rubbing the cloth over the fabric.
4. Let the accessory dry. When cleaning shoes, stuff them with newspaper before allowing them to dry to maintain their shape. Bags and wallets can be placed flat on a towel or hung to dry.
   • If the newspaper in the shoes gets damp, put dry paper in the shoes.
5. Brush the fabric. Any artificial suede garment and accessory will become stiff after washing, so use a soft brush to brush the fabric when dry.

Part 3 of 3: Cleaning artificial suede furniture

1. Vacuum regularly. Vacuuming your furniture weekly will remove all crumbs, dirt, allergens, pet hair and dust. This also prevents dirt and dust particles from accumulating in the fibers and ensures that the sofa remains clean and tidy. Vacuum the cushions, nooks and crannies.
2. Check the care label. The care label states which types of products you can use to clean the furniture, but that is only useful if you know what the codes mean. Most furniture made of artificial suede has one of the following codes:
   • W: Clean the furniture with water-based agents such as soapy water
   • S: Clean the furniture with solvents such as furniture spray and alcohol
   • SW: Clean the furniture with water-based agents or solvents
3. Immediately blot up any spilled liquids. Synthetic suede is water resistant, which means that spilled drops of liquid remain on the fabric for you to wipe away. Spilled liquids that are not dipped immediately will cause water stains, colored spots and stains from food residues.
   • Blot the areas with a clean, dry cloth to soak up liquids and water. Do not rub.
   • Spilled food can be removed immediately with a spoon or spatula.
   • Allow mud to dry before removing the clump and brushing away the dust and dirt.
4. Remove stains. Choose a cleaner according to the code on the care label and test it in an inconspicuous spot on the fabric before you start cleaning with it. It is best to use isopropyl alcohol in a spray bottle.
   • Spray a small amount of alcohol on the soiled area and rub it gently with a clean, colorless sponge or lint-free cloth. Blot stubborn stains as needed, and use a new, clean section of cloth or sponge for each dirty spot. Let the area dry before using the furniture again.
   • Always use strong cleaners in a well-ventilated area and never near an open flame.
   • To clean the entire piece of furniture, use the same method and treat a small area at a time. Don't forget the loose cushions, seat cushions and back cushions.
5. Remove stubborn stains. Furniture items can sometimes get quite dirty that can cause stains, such as dirt, oil and even wax. Fortunately, artificial suede is quite strong and most stains can be removed without damaging the fabric.
   • To remove oil, wipe away as much of the oil as possible with an absorbent cloth or paper towel. Wet a cloth with alcohol and squeeze out the excess. Blot the oil stains with this cloth and remove the oil and dirt with a clean, dry cloth.
   • To remove wax and candle wax, set an iron to the highest setting. Place a clean cloth over the affected area and gently move the hot iron back and forth across the cloth. When the wax melts, the cloth absorbs the wax.
   • To remove gum, place an ice cube on top of the gum to freeze it. Gently scrape away the cold or frozen gum with a spoon or spatula.
6. Polish the fabric with a brush to make it soft again.