Preserving that sleek, stylish look of your faux leather products such as jackets, pants or leggings, skirts and boots requires a specific and careful approach. Synthetic materials such as polyurethane (PU) or polyvinyl chloride (PVC) do not have the same weaknesses, nor the same cleaning requirements. Using the wrong methods of cleaning can result in your item being left with a cracked, peeling, losing color item that will not be in wearable condition. So if you’re asking yourself how to clean a fake leather jacket or can put fake leather in the dryer this guide has all the professional information.
We at Zeppelin Cleaner understand that your faux leather items are both fashion statements and investments. This detailed guide will take you through the safest, most successful ways to clean and care for your synthetic leather goods so that they continue to look great for years to come.
Why Does Faux Leather Need Special Care
Before we discuss the best way to clean fake leather, it’s important to know what exactly you’re dealing with. Faux leather is a fabric or vinyl, synthetic type of cover material designed to look like genuine leather. But its plastic surface has none of the oils and porosity found in a real hide. This makes it at risk to be vulnerable to harsh chemicals, high temperatures and poor moisturizing techniques. The objective of faux leather care is to clean well, without removing the protective top coat or causing the material to become brittle.
Pre-Cleaning Inspection and Preparation Steps
Effective cleaning begins and ends with preparation. Haste is the number one reason for faux leather items being damaged.
- Decode the Care Label: This is your first and most critical step. Check manufacturer instructions on a tag or label. There will be symbols to inform you whether the fabric needs wiping, spot cleaning or dry cleaning. If it says “Dry Clean Only,” take it seriously and get your items to professionals like Zeppelin Cleaner, especially when dealing with complicated pieces such as structured fake leather jackets or purses.
- Test in a Small Area: Always test the cleaning solution on a small, hidden area (inside pocket or seam, back of belt loop) before using it to clean the spot. This is to avoid any discoloration or texture damage that the solution may cause.
- Dusting and Dry Cleaning: First, dust the entire surface with a clean dry, soft microfiber cloth gently wiping off the dirt. This will eliminate any surface dust, dirt and lint that could scratch the fabric whilst cleaning it wet. A soft-bristled brush may work if you have textured faux leather.
Step by Step Guide to Safely Clean Faux Leather
For most routine cleaning, a gentle, hands-on approach is superior and safest for your leather garments.
What You’ll Need:
- Gentle rags or foam sponges
- Gentle soap, such as castile soap, dish soap or a specific leather cleaner
- Warm water (never hot)
- White distilled vinegar (for disinfecting or fighting mildew)
- Baking soda (for odor absorption)
The Process:
- Make a Cleaning Solution: Combine a few drops of mild soap and a cup of warm water in a bowl. You’re aiming for light froth. Never use harsh chemicals like bleach, ammonia or abrasive cleaners.
- Wet Your Cloth: Place a corner of your microfiber cloth into the soapy water and wring it out as much as possible. You want the cloth to be slightly damp but not wet. Excess water is the enemy of the faux leather because water can seep into fabric backing and damage it.
- Gentle Wiping: Wipe the faux leather surface with light circular motions. Work on one small area at a time. For stain removal on a fake leather jacket or pants, use slight pressure on the stained area.
- Rinse the Cloth: You’ll want to repeatedly rinse your cloth in fresh warm water, squeezing out as much excess water as you can before finishing the removal process. Residual soap can actually be a magnet for more dirt.
- Dry immediately & Thoroughly: This is essential. Use a second dry microfiber cloth to buff and dry the area you just cleaned. Then let the item to air dry, away from direct sunlight, heaters, or air vents. Do not use a hair dryer or any external source of heat.
Addressing Specific Faux Leather Objects And Scenarios
- How to Clean Fake Leather Boots & Shoes: Wipe off any loose dirt, then use the damp cloth technique described above. focus on joints and folds OR seams and creases. For salt stains during winter, a 50/50 mix of white vinegar and warm water on a damp cloth can work. Stuff boots with paper to help them keep their shape as they are air drying.
- How to Clean a Faux Leather Purse: Clear out the purse in its entirety. Gentle Rub with a Cotton Applicator soaked with your gentle cleaning solution for inside lining and hard to reach corners. For handles and straps, which trap the most oils and dirt, pay extra attention to cleaning and drying.
- Spot Cleaning Stains: For ink, gently rub and clean the stain with barely damp bleach dipped cotton swab. For grease stains, a light sprinkling of baking soda that’s left on for a few hours before being brushed away may be enough to raise the oil.
- Handling Odors: To freshen up stinky faux leather items like shoes or bags, put an opened box of baking soda in a sealed plastic bag along with the item and let sit for 24-48 hours. Over time, the baking soda will naturally take in odors.
Can You Wash Fake Leather in a Washing Machine?
This is a frequent question and one that tends to have a fairly strong answer, Can you wash fake leather in a washing machine? Generally, no. The agitation, cleaning and water immersion is very hard on synthetic fabrics which will likely crack, peel or otherwise ruin the synthetic materials.
But there are particular faux leather items, like some machine-washable pieces with care labels that explicitly allow it, that may live to see another day. If you must attempt it:
- Turn the item inside out.
- Put it in a mesh laundry bag to keep it safe.
- The machine wash gentle, cold water cycle with mild detergent..
- Do not use bleach or fabric softener.
- Don’t ever put it in the dryer (more on this later).
When it comes to products such as fake leather pants or jackets with non-removable faux leather accents, hand cleaning is always the safer choice. If in doubt, rely on the professionals at Zeppelin Cleaner for leather treatment that delivers results without risk.
Drying & Aftercare For Post Cleaning Shine
- Can You Put Fake Leather in the Dryer: Absolutely not. The intense, direct heat of a tumble dryer will melt, warp, crack, and shrink faux leather. Always, without exception, air dry.
- Conditioning: Unlike genuine leather, faux leather does not need conditioning. Some water-based conditioners can even bring them back to life a bit if you can’t get the last smudge of dirt or ink off and it is bugging you. on a dry cloth can be buffed in to very dry material for slight flexibility and shine.
- How to Iron Fake Leather: Beware ironing is an extremely risky. If you do need to get rid of wrinkles from the faux leather piece:
- Turn the item inside out.
- Set your iron for the lowest possible heat (no steam).
- Put a thick towel or pressing cloth between the iron and fabric.
- Your touch should be quick and light, and you must keep the iron moving at all times.
Preventative Measures on How to Keep Faux Leather Looking New
- Store Properly: Keep your cupcakes in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight. Hang jackets on padded hangers and put purses in dust bags.
- Address Spills Right Away: Blot, don’t rub with a dry cloth immediately after a spill to avoid stains.
- Regular Dusting: A once-a-week brief dusting with a dry microfiber cloth is all it takes to avoid gunk buildup.
- Protect From Extremes: Artificial leather should never be left out in the sun for long periods of time or in extreme cold, either point can result a cracking.
When to Call in The Professionals
While this guide will help you address regular clean and care, there are times when only a pro can save you. Serving Northridge and Sherman Oaks, Zeppelin Cleaner softens the leather to make it more flexible which will then let you be able to put it on your furniture. We utilize cutting-edge methods and technology in the industry to clean, condition and restore your faux leather products.
Don’t bet on your best faux leather pieces being safe. For professional, safe, and effective cleaning services that bring out the best in your wardrobe, Contact Zeppelin Cleaner today!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How to clean faux leather?
The best way to clean fake leather is a mild hand wash with a mix of warm water and gentle dish soap or saddle soap, both of which can be mixed at home as an alternative to brand-made solutions.
Q2: May I use baby wipes or disinfectant wipes on faux leather?
It’s not recommended. Lots of wipes have alcohols or harsh chemicals that may dry out the synthetic material after a while. Stick to a dedicated cleaner or perhaps the gentlest soap solution.
Q3: How can you repair damaged or peeling faux leather?
Once cracked, the harm is largely superficial and nearly impossible to fully repair. Small cracks can be filled in and colored in with leather repair kits or specific faux leather paints. For more serious damage, seek the help of a restoration specialist.
Q4: How do you wash a fake leather jacket lined with?
Just concentrate on spot cleaning the faux-leather exterior with that damp cloth technique. If the lining is washable, such as polyester, hand-wash it separately in lukewarm water and take care not to saturate the backing of the outer material. For a comprehensive cleaning, it is best to engage expert service.
Q5: Can I use vinegar on all faux leather?
White vinegar is an excellent natural cleaner for mildew and disinfecting, but it is within most people’s comfort zone of acidity. Always spot test first in an inconspicuous area and dilute with equal parts warm water. Don’t use it as a general purpose cleaner.
