In this modern day world where your impression plays a big role, having a good sense of fashion is important. The sleek look of leather makes it a preferred choice of many in both wardrobes and home décor, but the practicality of faux leather or vegan leather has also led to its status as a favored option. But one question that often comes to mind would be, is faux leather easy to clean? And the answer is yes, once you learn how to do it right. Mishandling can cause the product to crack or peel, which is detrimental.
This guide by Zeppelin Cleaner is going to offer tips and tricks on how to wash faux leather so your favorite leather garment, may it be a fashionable faux leather jacket, a trendy pair of those faux leather pants or an elegant faux leather skirt, stays in perfect condition. We’ll demystify the process, answer pressing questions like can you wash faux leather in the washing machine? and provide targeted advice for our local communities.
What is The Difference Between Faux Leather and The Real Deal ?
Before starting any clean and care routine, it’s important to know what you’re dealing with. Genuine leather is a porous, natural hide that is not only breathable, but also absorbent. Faux leather, however, is manmade fabric consisting of interwoven layers that are bound together with glue. It’s usually constructed from a plastic base bonded to a fabric backing.
- Pu Faux Leather: Common, flexible and breathable material. It usually responds to cleaning more than well and is less likely for crack.
- PVC Faux Leather: It’s generally shinier and thicker, this is a plastic coated fabric that can become damaged by heat and the wrong cleaning agents.
The Golden Rule: Always, consult the manufacturer’s care label. This tag will provide the most concrete guidance. If the tag is not there, or information on it has faded over time, you can use the ‘professional’ methods detailed below with confidence.
Understanding The Pre-Cleaning Protocol for Faux Cleaning
When it comes to a successful stain removal, preparation is key. Eliminating these operations is the main factor of destruction.
- The Spot Test: Test your solutions on a hidden area, an inside seam, the back collar or under a cushion. Let it dry completely. Check for discolouration, change in texture or residue. If any damage occurs, do not follow that method.
- Dry Dusting: You can dry dust the entire surface with a soft, microfiber cloth. This preliminarily rinses off abrasive dust and grit that could scratch the fabric in an attempt to wet-wash away everything.
- Know Your Stain: Different stains require different approaches. Grease, ink and water-based stains all require specific treatment.
How to Clean Faux Leather by Hand
For the majority of faux leather pieces, hand washing is the best way to go. This is a hands down way to control how you clean faux leather, gently and safely.
What You’ll Need:
- Soft microfiber cloths (2 or 3)
- Warm water (never hot)
- Mild, pH-balanced dish soap or a dedicated clean cloth dampened with a specialty faux leather cleaner
- A bowl
- Access to a sink
Step-By-Step Process For Faux Leather Items
Step 1: Create Your Cleaning Solution
Mix a few drops of gentle dish soap to a bowl of warm water. Avoid harsh chemicals such as bleach, ammonia, acetone (aka nail polish remover), and alcohol-based cleaners which strip protective coating and induce drying, cracking.
Step 2: Lightly Clean the Surface
Moisten one of the microfiber cloth with the soapy water, then wring it out until almost dry. You want that cloth to be moist, but not sopping wet. Scrub the faux leather in small sections using gentle, circular movements. The solution can be gently brushed into the grain of textured pieces with a soft-bristled toothbrush.
Step 3: Rinse Away and Shake Off the Water
Clean microfiber cloth with plain cold water, wring it out thoroughly and wipe over what you just cleaned. This is important because soapy residue can attract dirt and get sticky.’ Then dry with a clean, dry microfiber cloth to blot away all excess water.
Step 4: Air Dry: The Critical Drying Step
Place the garment on a clean, dry towel in a cool room out of direct sunlight or away from radiators and heaters. Never use a hairdryer. Can you put faux leather in the dryer? Absolutely not. Cracking, warping and melting are most commonly caused by the increased and erratic heat of a blow dryer. The only correct answer is hanging it out to air dry.
Can You Wash Faux Leather in The Washing Machine?
This is the most common question we hear at Zeppelin Cleaner. The general professional advice is: Use extreme caution and only as a last resort. The agitation, spin and heat placed on swimwear in a washing machine is so tough on man-made materials.
Nevertheless, a few machine washable faux leather durable items have been offered.” Here’s how to take up arms if you have no other choice:
How to Wash Faux Leather in Washing Machine:
- Look For The Tag: It must say “machine washable”. If it doesn’t, don’t risk it.
- Inside Out: This prevents the outer finish from being scuffed against the drum.
- Protective Bag: Slip the item into a mesh garment bag for extra protection.
Select the Correct Settings:`
- Cycle: The lightest cycle available, usually “delicate” or “hand wash.”
- Water Temperature: Cold water only. The material may be damaged in warm or hot water.
- Detergent: Use a non-bleach, mild and liquid detergent. Do not use powdered soaps and fabric softeners.
- Spin Speed: Select the gentle spin cycle option to reduce stress and excess water.
- Dry Immediately & Correctly: Take out the item as soon as the cycle ends. Shape it accordingly, follow the instructions above for air dry. Can you dry faux leather in the dryer? The answer remains a firm no.
For precious pieces like a faux leather jacket, the potential risk of the washing machine is rarely worth it. Hand washing is always the safer bet .
Types of Stain Specific Solutions
- Grease or Oil Stains: Wipe up immediately with a dry cloth. Apply baking soda or cornstarch over the stain to soak up the grease. Allow to sit for an hour, then brush away and clean the area with your mild soap solution.
- Ink Stains: Tread very, very carefully. First, test a small patch of the area with rubbing alcohol on a cotton swab. If it’s safe, dab (do not rub) the stain gently. The alcohol will break down the ink but may also affect the faux leather finish, so this is a last-ditch method.
- General Sticky Residue: Wipe it down with a 50/50 solution of white vinegar and cold water. It’s a light acid that can help break down gunk without the harshness of other chemicals. Follow with a water rinse.
Specialized Care For Different Faux Leather Items
How to Wash a Faux Leather Jacket
Jackets are investments. When it comes to clean a faux leather jacket, hand washing is always best. Be sure to check with collars and cuffs where body oils buildup. After air drying on a padded hanger (not a wire one), you might try something like water-based vinyl/faux leather conditioner to the finished dry jacket, just to keep it supple and prevent drying.
How to Wash Faux Leather Pants or a Skirt
These articles readily wear out and have vulnerable seams. Inside out, dab them clean with a damp cloth. Hand-wash is recommended for general cleaning. Hang faux leather pants around the waistband to air dry, or a skirt by its hem, and store them folded, not hung up in a closet to prevent folding creases.
How to Clean a Faux Leather Couch or Car Interior
For larger items, vacuum first. Again, with the soapy water mixture and microfiber cloth in hand (and on your feet), move section by section. Rinse and dry each part as soon as you finish. For ongoing shine recovery for matte finishes, a product designed specifically for faux leather upholstery can be used.
Calling in a Professional Is Sometimes The Right Move
Although DIY methods work great for maintenance, there are some situations where you need professionals. Zeppelin Cleaner proudly serves you with premier clean and care services.
Contact our professionals when:
- It’s an expensive or sentimental piece.
- You’ve got an old, set-in stain that home remedies just can’t lift.
- The care label reads “dry clean only,” and you’re hesitant.
- Can you dry clean faux leather? The answer is some can, but only a specialist who understands synthetics, not the usual leather cleaning process).
- The synthetic leather is dry, cracking or initial peeling and can restore back to new by professional conditioning.
- You just want the guarantee of a perfect, risk-free clean for your favorite leather jackets (faux or genuine).
Our professionals clean, condition and protect with various industry-standard products and methods that are helpful in keeping your faux leather items looking good while also lasting longer.
Your Source for Quality Care in Northridge and Sherman Oaks
Knowing how to wash faux leather enables you to maintain your fashionable items well. You can look forward to keeping company with your sleek synthetic leather garment years into the future and with peace of mind, thanks to these professional tips and tricks.
Don’t risk damaging your favorite faux leather jacket, pants or furniture. Contact Zeppelin Cleaner today and receive professional advice to see the difference caring for your precious items with specialization can make. Let us do the cleaning, while you continue to bring on the style.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Is it possible to wash faux leather?
Yes, absolutely. The majority of faux leather should be hand washed with mild soap and warm water using a soft hand wash method. Remember to always read the care label.
Q2: How is the best way to clean your faux leather pants?
Inside out and spot-treat with a damp, soapy microfiber cloth. For a complete clean, handwash gently with cold water, lay flat or hang from waistband to dry away from heat after rinsing off excess (water).
Q3: How can I soften my faux leather again?
After the upholstered club chair has been sanitized and is dry, rub a small amount of a water based fake leather conditioning cream. Rub it in with a clean cloth and allow it to absorb completely.
Q4: Is baby wipes ok to use on faux leather?
Some alcohol-free, fragrance-free baby wipes (not-so-delicately actually) can even pass as very light and quick dusting. But they are frequently combined with gentle cleansing agents and moisturizers that can leave buildup over time. A dedicated cleaner or mild soap and water is the better choice.
Q5: Can you put vinegar on faux leather?
A diluted solution (1 part white vinegar to 1 part cold water) can be okay for spot-cleaning sticky residues or disinfecting once you’ve done a successful spot test. Be sure to rinse with water afterward, to neutralize the acidity.
