How to Clean Suede Furniture

Co-authored by Michelle Driscoll, MPH

Last Updated: October 30, 2020

Suede is a luxuriant material that looks great on furniture. It is soft and delicate, which makes it a high maintenance material that can be difficult to keep clean. Luckily, there are several ways, homemade and store-bought, to keep suede clean. Whether you are doing a routine cleaning, removing a stain, or trying to keep suede clean, it’s likely that there’s a way to improve and maintain the condition of your furniture.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Doing a Routine Cleaning

1
Check the instructions for a W, S, or W/S marking. Consult the instructions before you do any sort of cleaning. The instructions will give you an idea about what materials you can and can’t use on the suede. If the instructions have a W only, then use a water-based cleanser. If there is an S, use a solvent-based cleanser. If there is a W/S, you can use either.^{[1]
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- A warranty could be voided if you use something that is not meant to be used on suede.
2
Use a suede brush. A suede brush is typically inexpensive and will be used often with suede furniture. If you don’t have a suede brush, you can also use a towel, toothbrush, or nail brush. Use the brush to work the nap up on the piece of furniture. Then, scrub harder to remove any spots that may be on the furniture.

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3
Use a suede eraser. A suede eraser, which is meant for a suede purse or shoes, usually only costs a few dollars. Sometimes a suede kit will come with a brush with an eraser on the back of it. If you don’t have an eraser, you can also use a pencil eraser or crepe rubber. Begin by rubbing gently and then add pressure as you move the eraser back and forth to remove grime and stains.
4
Remove and wash the covers. Remove the covers and wash them once a month. Read the instructions to see what setting to wash and dry the suede cover on. For some, you can put them in the washing machine, but others can only be washed by hand. Typically, you should wash in cold water on the gentle cycle. Put the covers back on the furniture once it has been washed and dried.^{[2]
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- You can likely look up the washing instructions for your brand of furniture on the internet if you don’t have the instructions.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Removing Stains from Suede Furniture

1
Clean up the stain immediately. Do not wait to begin cleaning when something is dropped on the furniture. Immediately use a towel for blotting if liquid has been dropped to avoid the liquid being soaked into the furniture. Once most of the liquid has been blotted up, you can use a cleaning solution to remove the stain.^{[3]
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2
Remove stains with white vinegar or a suede cleaning product. Dip a terry cloth in white vinegar or suede cleaner. Begin to rub the stain in a criss-cross motion. Rubbing in a circular motion can cause the suede to darken. Once the stain has lifted, allow the suede to air dry.^{[4]
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3
Sponge off excess moisture. If water has been dropped and dried, rewet the entire portion of the furniture where the water has been dropped. Then, use a sponge to absorb the excess moisture. The wet spot should blend in with the rest of the suede once it dries.
- Use a suede brush or towel if the water has just been dropped.
4
Use alcohol. Dip a terry cloth into alcohol. Do not saturate the cloth in alcohol; it should be damp. Rub the stain until it begins to lift. The alcohol should evaporate quickly.^{[5]
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5
Remove ink with Windex. Spray Windex onto the ink stain. Use a cloth or sponge to gently scrub the stain. Scrub until the ink begins to lift and then allow it to air dry.
6
Apply talcum powder or cornstarch to remove grease. Sprinkle talcum powder or cornstarch onto the grease stain and then press it into the stain. Leave the powder in place overnight, and then vacuum it up in the morning. The powder should absorb the grease and remove the stain.^{[6]
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- Repeat the process if needed.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Keeping the Suede Clean

1
Vacuum regularly. Vacuum anytime you notice any crumbs or small particles begin to accumulate. Use the soft brush or upholstery attachment to vacuum. Vacuum in a cross pattern for best results.^{[7]
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- Vacuum before every cleaning.
2
Dust off the suede. Dust your suede furniture every few days or every week. Use a duster or cloth. Go over the entirety of the suede portion of the furniture.^{[8]
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3
Use baking soda for smells. To remove stains and keep the furniture smelling good, sprinkle some baking soda over the suede. Allow the baking soda to sit overnight. Vacuum it up in the morning.
4
Spray on a stain repellent. Look for a water and stain repellent made especially for suede, which should be available at most supermarkets. Vacuum the suede first, and then spray stain repellant over all of the suede. The repellent will keep the suede from staining when food and liquid is dropped and keep the suede in good condition for longer.^{[9]
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Warnings

Do not use harsh chemical cleaners on suede. Strong cleaners could harm the texture of the furniture.^{[10]
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