How To Clean Faux Leather – 7 Quick & Easy Steps To Clean At Home

Faux leather looks like original leather, it is budget-friendly and is also top in terms of style. But if you do not maintain it properly, then slowly, its look will become dull, cracks will start appearing and the leather will start looking useless. Now you tell me, if the leather looks branded but is not clean, does it make any sense?

That is why cleaning of faux leather is very important. But yes, do not scrub without thinking, otherwise your leather will be ruined! There is a right way for everything, and if you use the wrong products or methods, the leather will lose its shine and start peeling off quickly.

In this guide, we will go into detail about how to clean faux leather, what tools you need, what mistakes to avoid, and how to keep it looking like new for a long time. So, read carefully, because these tips will come in handy for all your jackets, bags, furniture or car seats!

Why is It Necessary To Clean Faux Leather?

It is a very simple principle – if you do not clean faux leather properly, then its charm will be lost. Just like friendship breaks if you do not take care of friends, similarly faux leather also slowly becomes useless. Let us understand this in a little detail:

Soil and Dust

Whether you have to walk on the streets or any other place, dust is applied on it, isn’t it? Now if fake leather is not cleaned regularly, then this dust forms a layer which takes away the original shine of the leather. Then what do you say? It starts looking totally worthless!

Problem of Sweating And Oil

Everybody sweats in summers right? Now if you sit on a leather seat or lift a leather bag, the oil and sweat from your hands will stick to that faux leather. Slowly this stickiness becomes totally sticky and looks really bad.

Cracking or Peeling of Faux Leather

If not cleaned properly, fake leather starts to peel off, like old jeans. First you will see faint lines, then slowly it will start to peel off, and then you will keep thinking “God, what happened!”

It Will Look New

With regular cleaning, your faux leather will look classy, like you have picked up new stuff from the market.

Tools or Supplies You’ll Need To Clean Faux Leather?

Starting work without the right tools is a completely a bad idea. Like playing cricket without a bat and a ball. Choosing a right cleaning product by considering its impact on the nature is very important. Let’s see what tools or supplies you’ll need.

• Microfiber Cloth – You need a very soft cloth that doesn’t scratch, microfiber is the best!
• Mild Soap or Dishwashing Liquid – Don’t use a very strong chemical, otherwise the real color of the leather will also go away. Use a mild soap!
• Water (Light Lukewarm) – Don’t use hot water, use mild lukewarm water.
• White Vinegar (If there is too much dirt) – If the leather feels too chipped or smells, then vinegar will help.
• Soft Bristle Brush or Old Toothbrush – A very soft brush is needed, which does not scratch too much!
• Leather Conditioner (Optional, but it is a good thing) – This makes the leather look very smooth and new.

Just collect all this and get going!

Step-By-Step Guide To Clean Faux Leather

Every work has to be done in a right manner, if you start scrubbing without thinking then your fake leather can be exposed. So follow this simple method:

1. First remove the dust, then start the work

• First of all take a dry microfiber cloth and lightly rub it on the leather.
• This step is important because it will remove any dust, dirt or light particles.
• If you put water directly, the dirt will stick and become more dirty.

2. Make a solution of soap and water

• Take a bowl, add lukewarm water to it.
• Add one or two drops of dishwashing liquid or mild shampoo to it and mix it well.
• Be careful, do not put too much soap otherwise residue will remain on the leather.

3. Wipe the leather with microfiber cloth

• Use this cloth and soak it in the solution and squeeze it lightly.
• Now clean the leather by rubbing it gently.
• Do it very gently, there is no need to rub it too much, otherwise the shine will go away.

4. If there is too much dirt, use a brush

• If there is too much dirt stuck near any corner or stitching, take a soft brush or an old toothbrush.
• Lightly dip it in the solution and scrub it with soft strokes.
• Be careful – do not rub it too hard, otherwise the leather will peel off!

5. Take a clean and dry cloth, wipe off the water

• Now, take another clean microfiber cloth, keep it dry and wipe off any wet water on the leather thoroughly.
• This step is important otherwise any water left over can damage the leather.

6. Apply Leather Conditioner (if any)

• If your budget allows, take a good leather conditioner and apply it lightly.
• This will make the leather shine and prevent it from cracking.
• Just rub it lightly and leave it for some time so that it can be absorbed.

7. Polish it once more with a dry cloth

• Everything is done, now give it a light polish with a final dry cloth.
• Your faux leather will now shine like new and is ready for flexing!

A Quick Tip Before Moving Forward!

If you want your faux leather to look tip-top, shine and have no flaw in style, then just cleaning it is not enough! It is equally important to keep and maintain it in the right manner.

Till now we have seen how to clean it, which tools are needed and also understood the step-by-step guide. But, the real game is yet to come! Many people make mistakes and spoil the faux leather. So let’s take full proof tips today which will make your faux leather feel absolutely royal, and will also avoid the mistakes that everyone else makes. Are you ready? Let’s start!

Extra Tips To Keep Faux Leather in Good Condition

• Clean it regularly – Don’t do this only when your faux leather is already worn out. Wipe it with a light cloth once every week so that the dust doesn’t stick and the shine remains.
• Clean it without adding too much water – Fake leather and real leather both look like friends, but real leather absorbs water, and faux leather doesn’t. If you add too much water, it can become sticky at the bottom and the leather will slowly start to wear off.
• Do not allow direct sunlight – If your faux or vegan leather furniture or bag is exposed to the scorching heat every day, it will also lose its original colour! So take care to protect it from sunlight.
• Applying Leather Conditioner – Use a good leather conditioner, this is a must! This will make the leather flexible and soft and prevent cracking.
• Do not spray perfume or alcohol – Many people spray perfume on faux leather thinking it will look good. But all these chemicals destroy the leather very quickly. So avoid it!
• Keep away from children and pets – If you have a child or pet in your house, then keep an eye on the leather. Small children will mess with it, and cats and dogs can make a mess of leather with their nails.

Just follow these small things, your faux leather will remain absolutely tip-top!

Common Mistake To Avoid While Cleaning

Now understand carefully! Many people make such mistakes that ruin their faux leather. So you must understand these major mistakes which should never be done:

Using too much chemical cleaner

• If you use strong chemicals then your leather will first become dull, then it will start getting sticky and will gradually become thin.
• A mixture of mild soap and water is the best, do not use strong chemicals!

Rubbing with a hard brush or steel wool

• This is not a scrubber which will get damaged with force! If you use a hard brush or steel wool then the outer layer of the leather will become thin.
• Always use a soft bristle brush or microfiber cloth!

Using excessive water

• If you put too much water, the moisture will go inside and it will become sticky again. That’s why use a slightly wet cloth and dry it immediately.

Leave it in sunlight

• Faux leather and sunlight don’t go well! If you get too much direct sunlight, the color of the leather will fade and cracks will start appearing.

• That’s why always keep it in a slightly dark or shaded place.

Don’t apply conditioner every time

Leather conditioner is necessary, but if you apply it every week, the layer of leather will start becoming sticky.

• Apply it once or twice a month. If you apply it too much, your clothes might feel chipped.
• If you avoid these mistakes, your faux leather will last a long time.

How To Store Faux Leather After Cleaning

You have cleaned it, but if you do not store it properly then the dirt can stick again and all your work will go waste! So remember, there are rules for storage too:

• Store only after drying – Do not just fold it after cleaning and throw it away. Let it dry completely first, otherwise there will be moisture inside and it will start smelling.
• Use a plastic bag – Many people pack faux leather bags or jackets in plastic, but this is the biggest mistake. Air does not enter the plastic and the faux leather starts sticking from inside. Use a cotton cover.
• Don’t fold, keep it hanging – If it is a faux leather jacket or pants, then store it hanging on a hanger. If you fold it, it will crease at one place and that line will never be there.
• Occasionally go out and ventilate – Don’t forget to just keep it! Ventilate it once or twice a month so that there is no moisture.

Secret Of Overall Care Of Faux Leather

1. It is necessary to wipe it lightly regularly – once every week.
2. Use soft microfiber cloth and mild cleaner – not too much chemicals!
3. Keep away from sunlight – sunlight and leather are enemies of each other.
4. Apply leather conditioner occasionally – once or twice a month.
5. Keep it properly – keep it away from moisture and plastic cover.
6. If you follow this, your faux leather will always look like brand new!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is it necessary to clean faux leather everyday?

There is no need to clean it everyday, but do a light dusting once every 4-5 days. If it gets too dirty then use a solution of mild soap and water. Don’t clean it too much otherwise the natural texture of the leather can become dull.

2. Which products should not be used on faux leather at all?

Stay away from bleach, ammonia-based cleaners, alcohol sprays and hard brushes. All these make the outer layer of faux leather fat and slowly its original shine fades away. Always clean it with mild soap, vinegar solution and microfiber cloth, otherwise the material will be ruined.

3. What to do if faux leather gets scratched?

If the scratch is light, apply coconut oil or petroleum jelly and rub it lightly, it will improve a little. If the scratch is big, then buy a faux leather repair kit, patch it and fix it well. First test it in a small place, otherwise it can become useless.

4. Is it safe to dry faux leather in the sun?

Absolutely not! If dried directly in the sun, the color of the leather will fade and cracks will appear. Always keep it in the shade to get air or under a fan. If you want to dry it quickly, wipe it with a soft dry cloth and keep it in natural air flow.

5. How to maintain faux leather furniture for longer?

First of all, keep it in a dust-free environment. Clean it with a dry cloth once every week. Avoid excessive water spills and if something falls, clean it immediately. Apply leather conditioner once a month and lightly polish it, the furniture will look completely fresh and there will be no cracks.

6. If faux leather gets stained, how to remove it?

It is important to react quickly. Take a solution of water and mild soap, soak a soft cloth and dab it on the stain – no need to rub. If the stain is stubborn, mix white vinegar and water and use it. Do not use too many chemicals, otherwise it can cause more damage.

Conclusion

Now, you have a complete master plan of faux leather maintenance! How to clean, how to store, what mistakes to avoid and how to keep it long-lasting, we have explained everything. Now all you need to do is to pay attention everyday and don’t make any mistake.

Faux leather is a very stylish thing, it just needs a little love and care.