Clean fake leather

How to Clean Fake Leather Furniture

ByKatie Berry Updated on: December 17, 2022

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Keep your artificial leather sofa and chairs clean and stain-free for years.

Artificial or faux leather furniture features the same elegant look and supple feel as real leather. Thanks to manufacturing improvements, “pleather” — as it’s sometimes called — is often indistinguishable from the real stuff. For those who avoid animal products, this cruelty-free “vegan leather” is an excellent substitute. It’s also far easier to clean and keep in like-new condition.

Before You Begin

It takes about ten to fifteen minutes a week to clean an artificial leather sofa and removing stains is almost as fast, which is why this material is ideal for those with kids or pets. You’ll want to set aside enough time to vacuum, wipe and dry every surface. If you need to disinfect it, add additional time.

Equipment and Materials

Vacuum with crevice and soft brush attachment
Baking soda (optional)
Clean microfiber cloths
Mild liquid soap (Castile is great)
Water
A bowl
Isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol or distilled white vinegar
Faux leather conditioner or coconut/olive oil (optional)

Step 1. Vacuum weekly

Dirt, dust, and other debris can scratch the finish of fake leather. Once a week, use the soft brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner to clean it from top to bottom. Be sure to lift cushions and clean beneath them, too. Switch to the crevice attachment and go over any seams or tufted areas. If you want to deodorize your faux leather, sprinkle it all over with a layer of baking soda a half-hour before vacuuming.

Step 2. Wipe as Needed

Use mild soap and warm water to clean faux leather, then go over what you’ve cleaned with a microfiber cloth dampened only with water so you aren’t leaving a soapy film. Be sure you choose a soap that doesn’t contain anti-bacterial or degreasing agents, which can dry out fake leather. This is a great use for Castile soap. Although water won’t damage artificial leather surfaces, you should still dry it with a fresh cloth to avoid water spots.

Step 3. Remove Stains

A little rubbing alcohol on a lint-free cloth removes ink, crayon, and food stains from fake leather. But note, stains due to dye transfer (from sitting on your pleather sofa in new jeans, for instance) can become permanent. If rubbing alcohol doesn’t remove a stain, wipe the area clean with water then go over it with straight white vinegar on a cloth. You may need to repeat this several times to remove the stain completely. Once it’s gone, wipe the area with water and buff it dry.

Step 4. Disinfect if Necessary

Unlike genuine leather, disinfecting vinyl furniture or faux leather is straightforward. Mix a solution of roughly 1 part chlorine bleach to 10 parts water and use a damp cloth or spray bottle to apply enough to get the surface visibly damp. Wait 5 minutes for disinfection, then wipe it with another cloth damped in plain water. Buff dry.

5. Keep it Moisturized

If neglected, faux leather will dry out and crack. You should protect all furniture from direct sunlight, but artificial leather also needs moisturizing to prevent cracks. Twice a year, or more often in dry climates, apply an artificial leather conditioning product. You can try coconut or olive oil on a soft cloth if you’d rather but spot-test a hidden area first since these oils are likely to darken the color of your faux leather.

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5 Ways to Clean Faux Leather Naturally

Written by Grove Collaborative

Last Updated: September 23, 2021

As with real leather, knowing how to properly clean and care for faux leather goods is the key to maintaining their quality. Luckily, there are a number of natural and easy ways to keep faux leather goods looking fresh.

Faux leather is an easy way to add a little luxury to your life. It’s become a popular material in everything from fashion to cars and furniture, thanks to its stylish elegance and ability to perfectly mimic the supple softness of genuine leather goods.

Keep reading to find out more about this popular leather alternative and what steps you can take to clean everything from faux leather jackets to sofas.

So, what exactly is faux leather?

The word "faux" means artificial or imitation, and that’s exactly what faux leather is: artificial leather.

It is sometimes called vegan leather because it is made without animal products. It also requires less energy, fewer chemicals, and less time to produce than genuine leather.

Because it’s cruelty-free and more environmentally friendly, major brands and designers, like Tesla and Stella McCartney, have started using faux leather in their products. It’s also usually cheaper than genuine leather, so it’s better for your wallet, too.

What is faux leather made out of?

Polyurethane (PU) is the most common material used to make faux leather. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is also sometimes used, but PU leather contains fewer harsh chemicals, like chlorine, so it can be more sustainably produced than PVC. You may have also heard of these types of faux leather referred to as “pleather,” as in plastic leather.

Though leather alternatives are more environmentally friendly than genuine leather, plastic still isn’t biodegradable. In an effort to move away from plastic, many brands are seeking even more sustainable materials to use in the production of faux leather.

Some other popular vegan leather materials include:

Cork oak
Pineapple leaves
Fruit skins
Recycled plastic
Cactus leaves

Faux leather is designed to be tough and long-lasting. It is possible for it to peel, crack, and wrinkle if subjected to too much heat or light. If properly cleaned and cared for, faux leather products can last for several years.

What cleaners can I use on faux leather?

You might feel intimidated by the idea of cleaning your faux leather goods, but the cleaning process is easier than you might expect.

Most products can be cleaned with water and natural ingredients, mild soap, or detergent. Always check your manufacturer’s cleaning instructions to be sure you’re using approved products.

5 essential supplies for cleaning faux leather

Microfiber cloths
Gentle stain remover
Natural detergent
Coconut oil
Baking soda

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How to remove stains from faux leather

Spot-cleaning is the easiest way to get stains off of vegan leather.

To treat basic stains:

Wet a microfiber cloth with cool or warm water. Never use hot water as it can warp or even melt faux leather.
Squeeze out excess water until the cloth is only damp.
Wipe or lightly scrub the stain.

For tough stains, you might need to go deeper into your natural cleaning arsenal. Try adding a small amount of gentle stain remover to the damp cloth before lightly scrubbing.

You can also make your own detergent mixture to remove tough stains using the following steps:

Add a tablespoon of gentle detergent to a spray bottle filled with water.
Shake well, and spray the mixture onto a microfiber cloth.
Gently scrub to remove stains.

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How to clean faux leather jackets and clothing

There are two main ways to clean pleather clothing: by hand-washing or in the washing machine.

Occasionally, faux leather pieces are dry-clean only, so double check your tags before you decide on a cleaning method.

Before you wash faux leather garments, spot-treat any visible stains using the stain removal methods above.

To clean faux leather clothing by hand:

Fill a sink or container with cool water.
Add a natural laundry detergent to the water according to the instructions on the bottle.
Turn the garment inside out and soak in the soapy water.
Swish with your hands and gently squeeze to clean.
Rinse with cool water until no soap remains.
Don’t ring the garment out. Lay flat or hang to dry.

To clean faux leather items in the washing machine:

Turn the garment inside out. Consider using a garment bag for extra protection.
Set the washer to the gentle cycle, and make sure the water is cold.
Add a natural laundry detergent according to the instructions on the bottle.
Lay faux leather clothing flat or hang it to dry.

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How to clean faux leather shoes

Faux leather shoes can typically be cleaned by hand using only a few simple household ingredients.

To keep your shoes looking brand new:

Mix a tablespoon of natural detergent with several cups of water.
Moisten a cloth with the detergent mixture, and wipe the length of the shoe.
Use a clean, dry cloth to wipe away any excess moisture.
Let the shoe air dry.
Dip a clean, white cloth into a teaspoon of melted coconut oil and rub the shoe to condition the faux leather.

How to clean faux leather couches and furniture

Cleaning faux leather furniture is a fairly simple process. There are faux leather cleaners and conditioners on the market, but most stains can be treated easily using simple, natural ingredients.

Vacuum any crumbs or debris that might be lurking in the crevices.
Dampen a microfiber cloth with a tablespoon of detergent mixed with several cups of water.
Using the damp cloth, wipe the exterior of the furniture.
Use melted coconut oil on a clean, white cloth to condition the leather.

Spot test a small area first to make sure the oil doesn’t alter the color of your furniture.

Getting odors out of faux leather

Faux leather can sometimes hang onto smells, like body odor, cigarette smoke, or scents from cooking. To get rid of these unpleasant smells, try baking soda in the process below.

Sprinkle baking soda on faux leather furniture, in the linings of clothing, or inside of shoes.
Place garments or shoes in a sealable bag or container. Let furniture sit.
Wait several hours to one day.
Brush, wipe, or vacuum away the baking soda.

Repeat these steps as needed to keep your faux leather looking (and smelling) as if it were brand new.

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How to check genuine leather and distinguish it from artificial. Expert advice

What material is the bag, jacket or shoe made of? Is it genuine leather or artificial material? And how much do they differ from each other in properties? In this article, we have prepared answers to these questions for you.

How to distinguish genuine leather from artificial?

Find the raw edge of the product. If it delaminates into film and fabric, it is an artificial material. Genuine leather is not divided into layers. nine0008
The raw cut of genuine leather is always hairy. For artificial materials, it will be even.
On the reverse side, you will find either a fabric covering for synthetic materials or a soft and fluffy inner layer for genuine leather. By the way, if you draw this pile in different directions, then its color will change slightly.
Place your hand on the product for a while, then remove it. You will feel that genuine leather is warmed up, while artificial leather remains cool. If your hand sweats or the product itself becomes a little damp, this also indicates the use of leatherette. nine0008
Try stretching the skin a little. If creases form on the surface, which will straighten out over time, this is genuine leather. If the formed “wrinkles” do not disappear, it is artificial.
Add a few drops of water to the surface of the material. Genuine leather will partially absorb it, and you will notice a darkened stain, which will disappear over time. From artificial leather, a drop simply drains.

Also, a sample of the material used can be attached to the products, pay attention to it. nine0003

If it is diamond-shaped, it is artificial leather.

If the sample is figured - natural. But it is important to note that now a material sample is often not added to artificial leather at all, and the shape of a natural leather sample can be any, according to the taste of the manufacturer. For example, a sample on the leather products of the Verf brand is a fish.

Roar keychain is a material sample of genuine leather product

Incorrect methods of verification

Fire test. You have probably heard that genuine leather can be set on fire, and nothing will happen to it. In fact, genuine leather, at least, will smolder. And if it is treated with an aniline coating, it can catch fire. Modern artificial material can also be processed so that it smolders slightly, rather than burns. That is why this method can definitely be considered obsolete: it is impossible to know exactly the origin of the material, but you can ruin the product. nine0008
Smell of leather. Many advise to identify natural leather by smell. But unscrupulous manufacturers can add special fragrances that mimic the smell of genuine leather. Moreover, in the production of most genuine leather products, glue is used at different stages of work. Its smell can sometimes remain for some time. Then it can be confused with the synthetic smell of artificial leather. The smell and weight of the product can be noted along with other methods of verification. Even when you enter a store with genuine leather goods, you should immediately smell this specific smell. In addition, the skin weighs quite a lot. A large bag made of real leather cannot weigh a little. nine0008
Unique design. Genuine leather can be smooth, without any pattern, or textured thanks to a special embossing. Exactly the same embossing can be on artificial material.

Genuine leather cut, fleecy

Properties of genuine leather

Genuine leather products can serve you for many years, retaining their original appearance. But at the same time they require careful care.

Leather is moisture permeable, so we always recommend using a water repellent spray on garments that may get wet during use. These include shoes, bags, raincoats, jackets. nine0008
Genuine leather is porous and breathable.
Excellent heat retention, low and high temperature resistant. These properties are especially important when it comes to choosing shoes, clothes or laptop bags in northern latitudes.
Stretchy, especially when wet.
Will fade in direct sunlight.
Long service life and aging beautifully.

Genuine leather

The wear resistance of genuine leather products is also achieved due to the high elasticity of the material. With small stretches, “wrinkles” can form on the surface, which straighten out over time. nine0003

Compared to high-quality artificial materials, leather of natural origin is more prone to fading in the sun. Also, some people may be allergic to it.

But it is important to distinguish between types of leather. For example, "pressed leather" is not actually a natural material, but retains the structure of real leather. It is made from gluing scraps and dust, therefore it is devoid of many properties of natural material. But it is very difficult to distinguish it from the real one, so here you have to rely on the good advice of the manufacturer. nine0003

Artificial leather properties

Artificial materials can vary greatly in quality. In the article “Types of artificial leather and their qualities” we examined in detail the most common types of artificial leather: PVC (polyvinyl chloride) leather, eco-leather and medical leather. They differ from each other in softness, breathability, wear resistance and ease of care. If the PVC skin becomes unusable quickly, the medical skin can last quite a long time. But they also have common features. nine0003 Artificial leather

Properties of artificial leather compared to genuine leather:

Less breathable.
Worse warms in frost and worse tolerate temperature changes.
With comparable strength, more rigid.
Waterproof.
Less fading in the sun.
Lighter.
Falls off when aged or worn.

Synthetic materials tend to be tougher and more prone to wear than real leather. Not all of them withstand temperature extremes, and it is better not to wear clothes and shoes made of artificial materials in frosts below 10 °. Therefore, a bag made of genuine leather will better protect the laptop from temperature changes. nine0003

Compared to all artificial materials, genuine leather is more breathable. Even modern eco-leather is inferior to it in this parameter. However, the undeniable advantages of leather substitutes are more affordable price, ease of care and resistance to fading from the sun.

Checked by: Ilya Goldin, co-founder of the Shipyard project

Artificial and natural leather | Russian Geographical Society

I haven't eaten meat for a little over two years. I feel great, all indicators are normal, judging by the results of the tests. I had no breakdowns and kickbacks, and I did not miss the taste of meat. When a decision is made consciously on a sober head, then there is no doubt about the choice. I have embarked on an environmentally friendly and ethical path, gradually trying to reduce my carbon footprint: I separate garbage, turn off unnecessary lights, unplug electrical appliances, do not use aerosols, use a thermo mug instead of disposable cups, give away unnecessary things. nine0003

But there are situations when I don't know what to do and make a deal with my conscience. Travel by plane (because sometimes it is cheaper and faster) or travel by train? Order delivery (because you need a large amount of food for the holidays) or go with the whole family? Yes, the cost of electricity for the warehouse, fuel for delivery, a huge number of bags, but we reuse them, and still stay dry and warm. We will not waste water on a hot shower to keep warm, and the store will not spend electricity on printing receipts and labels. However, it is simply impossible to calculate and take into account everything. Another question, the answer to which I could not find for myself: What is more environmentally friendly - genuine leather or artificial?

When I began to study this issue myself, I was struck by the fact that nowhere is it written about the skin of which particular animal is used in the product. After all, there is a difference between "natural leather" and "natural leather of a young bull" . It was not clear to me, the skin that is used is meat production waste? Roughly speaking, is it possible to meet one cow in the dairy department as curdled milk, in the meat department as minced meat, and then in a clothing store in the form of shoes, a belt or a bag? nine0069 There is no definite answer to this question.
There are situations when the demand for meat products exceeds the demand for leather, then its leftovers are simply thrown away. And sometimes, on the contrary, animals are grown specifically for the sake of the skin, and the meat is already thrown away.

Difference, source: Yandex.photo

Another issue is the environmental friendliness of production. We take natural leather. Ruminants emit a lot of methane during their life, it destroys the ozone layer and negatively affects climate change, and pastures and water resources are needed to pasture livestock. In turn, artificial leather is pure chemistry. To create it, synthetic substances of processed petroleum products are most often used. nine0068 It turns out that leatherette is plastic? And how long does he serve then?

Service life of artificial leather - from 4 to 10 years. Moreover, all this time it will disintegrate into microplastics and not decompose in any way. As it turned out, genuine leather does not have an "expiration date".