Faux leather cleaner

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

Shop for the products you'll need from Grove

Become a Grove member

Wondering who Grove is, what types of products we offer, and how to get a free gift set when you sign up? Learn more about flexible monthly shipments, customizing your shipment, and joining millions of happy households — no monthly fees or commitments required.

Learn more

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.

Shop glass reusable spray bottles from Grove

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.

Shop laundry supplies from Grove

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.

Shop for more stain and laundry products from Grove.

How to Clean Fake Leather Furniture

ByKatie Berry Updated on: December 17, 2022

This post may contain affiliate links. See my disclosure page.

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.

GET YOUR DAILY SMALL WINS

Join My Free Daily Cleaning Series

These quick emails focus on minor tasks that leave you feeling accomplished in just a few minutes each day. They’re the “secret sauce” to taking your home from tidy to truly clean — or rediscovering your cleaning motivation if you’ve lost it under the clutter.

Post Tags: #furniture care#living spaces

Cleaning and caring for artificial leather ▷ Tips from skai®

Due to its composition, artificial leather is much less sensitive to dirt than its natural counterparts. Grease stains, juice stains and water stains - anything that is almost guaranteed to ruin natural leather, as a rule, is not a problem for easy-care artificial counterparts. However, depending on the application, it is recommended to regularly clean the skai ^{® 9 artificial leather surfaces.0004 or even disinfect them if their purpose requires it.}

Read the Upholstery Cleaning and Care brochure to find out what you need to consider when caring for skai ^® artificial leather surfaces so that they give you years of enjoyment.

How to properly clean faux leather?

As a general rule, dirt on skai ^® artificial leather should be removed as soon as possible. Dried or old stains cause a lot of trouble and are difficult to clean. To do this, use a warm, mild soap solution and a damp microfiber or cotton cloth. For heavier soiling, you can also use a soft brush, which should be applied with minimal pressure. Important: When using commercially available cleaning agents, always follow the manufacturer's dosing instructions and test in an inconspicuous area first.

Do not use cleaners containing oil or grease. In principle, skai ^® artificial leather can be washed even in a washing machine at low temperatures, but we do not recommend this. Dry cleaning should never be used on skai ^{® 9 artificial leather.0004 .}

skai ^® artificial leather surfaces are not resistant to solvents, chlorides, polishes, detergent polishes and aerosol sprays. If you want the highest level of dirt resistance, choose skai ^® specialized artificial leather, such as skai ^® Toronto EN with staynu technology.

How to remove stains from faux leather?

The following cleaning recommendations apply to all skai 9 artificial leather materials0003 ® and do not depend on color and purpose.
to remove spots from artificial skin SKAI ^® You will need:

1 -Cleaning agent SKAI ^® or weak soap solution
2 -sponge (for weak and moderate contaminants)
3 -soft brush -soft brush. (for heavy soiling)
4 - microfiber or cotton cloth
5 - clean water

Cleaning sequence

1 - Spray the detergent directly onto the surface of the material and let it work for a few seconds before cleaning.

2 - Spread the cleaner evenly over the surface with a sponge or brush, applying light pressure.

3 - Then wipe the wet surface with a dry microfiber or cotton cloth.

4 - Finally, carefully remove the remaining cleaner with a clean, damp microfiber or cotton cloth, using plenty of clean water.

For particularly stubborn stains, repeat the procedure described until they are completely gone.

Attention! Improper or incorrect cleaning or maintenance can, in the worst case, cause permanent damage to the surface. Such damage manifests itself in the form of hardening, cracking or embrittlement of the coating.

Can faux leather be disinfected?

Regular disinfection of surfaces is a must, especially for artificial leather for the medical sector and other hygiene sensitive items. Specialized versions of skai 9 artificial leather are suitable for this application.0003 ® which do not lose their properties even with regular disinfection.

Recommendations for use of skai disinfectant

^®

As with normal cleaning, it is always important to follow the manufacturer's recommendations when disinfecting. Before disinfecting skai ^® artificial leather and other surfaces, please refer to skai ^® disinfection recommendations.

How to take care of artificial leather?

Regular cleaning of the skai ^® artificial leather with a damp cotton or microfibre cloth is usually sufficient for daily care. A mild soap solution may be used. Unlike natural leather, skai ^® artificial analogues do not require special “nourishing” care to maintain elasticity and beauty for many years.

skai

^® with staynu technology. Artificial leather with special properties

If an item looks like new after years of intensive use, it's most likely due to the staynu technology. This revolutionary, newly developed technology makes skai ^® upholstery fabrics and artificial leather especially resistant to dirt and easy to clean . The special coating virtually seals the surface so that dirt particles cannot stick to the material or at least penetrate deep into the coating. Whether it's permanent markers, food, cosmetics or stains from jeans and shoe polish: even intentionally applied stains can be removed from skai 9 surfaces.0003 ® without residue thanks to staynu technology. All you need to do is use the right cleaning products.

Find out more about staynu technology on skai ^®

Synthetic leather care products overview

Home » Blog » Products for artificial leather

Artificial leather is strong, durable and wear-resistant. However, it is important to provide her with competent care. It will preserve the external qualities of the material for a long time.

There are many folk ways to clean the skin from various impurities. There are also a large number of specialized tools on the market today. The choice of care method depends on your desires and capabilities.

Traditional ways to remove dirt

Various stains often appear on clothes and shoes. Often there is no special tool at hand to remove them. However, you can use the following popular tips for cleaning faux leather from various types of dirt.

Traces of chocolate. This problem is especially familiar to new parents. To get rid of a chocolate stain, you need to prepare a mixture of water and finely grated soap.
Particles of molten rubber and resin. You should not try to tear them off by force, as this will only damage the surface. To clean artificial leather from rubber and resin, you can try to attach a piece of ice to the contamination. Carefully scrape off the hardened substance from the surface.
Food spots. Everyone has spilled milk, juice or other drinks on themselves at least once in their lives. Such stains are washed off with soapy water. Do not forget to wipe the surface with a clean cloth afterward so that there are no streaks left on it.
Ink. You can try to erase the traces of the pen with a melamine sponge. But you need to do it right away.
Grease and oil stains. Dampen a cloth or cloth with soapy water, and then gently wipe the dirt.
Traces of grass. Such pollution often appears on light-colored shoes. To clean fair skin, in addition to a soap solution, you can use hydrogen peroxide and a solution of chlorhexidine from a pharmacy.

If a stain appears on the product, do not put off its removal for a long time. The skin requires regular care. In addition, removing a fresh stain is much easier. It is enough to use a solution of water with dishwashing detergent. The cleaned surface should then be wiped with a clean cloth to avoid soap stains.

Professional artificial leather care products

If you want your clothes and shoes to retain their quality for a long time, purchase special artificial leather cleaners, protective creams and pastes. It is also recommended to use special impregnations that will retain moisture. If the skin is scratched, then specialized creams should be used for painting.

There are many artificial leather care products on the market today. You should not take the cheapest ones, because they will not have the desired effect. You can pay attention to:

Creme de Luxe. Manufactured by Saphir. The cream is sold together with a sponge, which is very convenient for everyday use and application to the surface of the skin. The composition contains natural wax and resin, which allows you to maintain the optimum moisture content of the material;
"Shine Express". Manufactured by Salton. Used to care for the skin and maintain its luster. The cream softens hardened areas of leatherette, preventing cracking.

Remember that all artificial leather cleaners must be applied to a prepared surface. You must first wipe the dust and significant dirt. This also applies to other funds.

You may be interested in the following products:

To catalog

Reviews: 0

Write a Review

Your Name:

Your Review: Attention: HTML is not supported! Use plain text.