How to Clean Suede Couch

What You'll Need

• Suede brush
• White vinegar or rubbing alcohol
• Spray bottle
• Clean white cloths
• Baking soda

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. 1

   Vacuum the entire couch

   Use the upholstery attachment to vacuum all surfaces, getting into seams, crevices, and under cushions to remove dust and crumbs.

2. 2

   Check the care tag code

   Look for the cleaning code: W (water safe), S (solvent only), WS (either), X (vacuum only). Most suede is coded S.

3. 3

   Spot clean stains

   For S-coded suede, spray rubbing alcohol on stains and blot with a clean white cloth. For W-coded, use white vinegar instead.

4. 4

   Deodorize with baking soda

   Sprinkle baking soda over the entire couch, let it sit for 30 minutes to absorb odors and oils, then vacuum it off.

5. 5

   Brush the nap

   Use a suede brush to restore the soft texture across the entire surface, brushing in one consistent direction.

Pro Tips

• TIPRubbing alcohol is the secret weapon for suede couches -- it cleans and evaporates without leaving water marks.
• TIPAlways use white cloths when cleaning suede to avoid transferring dye from the cloth to the couch.
• TIPBrush your suede couch weekly even without stains to prevent the nap from flattening in high-use areas.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• XUsing water on S-coded suede, which creates permanent water stains and ring marks.
• XRubbing stains instead of blotting, which pushes the stain deeper into the fibers and spreads it wider.
• XUsing colored cloths to clean, which can transfer dye to the suede surface.

Frequently Asked Questions