How To Clean Vegan Leather At Home – DIY Tips & Guide

Vegan leather is the best alternative to real leather and the best part is that it is cruelty-free. But it does not mean that you can throw it away after using it. Vegan leather is also a type of synthetic material, which is made from plastic-based polyurethane (PU) or polyvinyl chloride (PVC).

These materials are sensitive and if you do not take proper care of them, their color can fade, texture can be lost, and cracks can also appear over time.

So if you want your vegan leather to always look new, then it is important to clean it on time by using the right cleaning products. In this article, we will give a complete breakdown of how to take proper care of vegan leather, what mistakes should not be made, and what should be the storage techniques.

Why is It Important To Clean On Time?

If you are thinking that even if you do not clean your vegan leather, it will still work, then you are absolutely wrong. If you don’t clean it on time, then these problems will arise:

1. Dullness – Your leather will slowly start looking dull. The biggest attraction of vegan leather is its smooth and fresh look, which will vanish if you don’t take proper care of it.
2. Cracks – If synthetic leather gets too dry or dirty, it can slowly develop cracks. You can avoid this problem by polishing your leather regularly.
3. Get Sticky – If you don’t clean it properly, oil, sweat, or dust will start accumulating on its surface. As time passes, which makes it look completely untidy.
4. Smelling – This is the fact that if you are using shoes or bags and do not clean them, a strange smell will start coming from them, which no one will like.

If you want your leather to always look good, then make a habit of cleaning it on time.

Tools or Supplies You’ll Need

The cleaning process will be great only if you have the right tools! So keep this list ready:

Cleaning Vegan Leather – With Vinegar And Water Solution

If there is normal dust or a stain in your leather, then a vinegar and water solution will work perfectly. But yes, make sure not to apply vinegar directly on your vegan leather surface.

Follow These Steps:

1. Make the solution – Take a spray bottle and add 2 tablespoons of vinegar with water in it. This will keep the mixture of vinegar and water balanced.
2. Spray and wipe – Take a microfiber cloth, spray evenly, and wipe it down gently. Do not use too much water, otherwise the shine will fade away.
3. Let it dry in the air – Let the leather dry in natural air after cleaning and do not expose it to direct sunlight, otherwise it will dry out and may crack.
4. Do not forget conditioning – If the leather looks rough, apply coconut oil or vegan leather conditioner gently.

Vinegar is very strong, so do not use it too much. Use it only when it’s needed, otherwise the leather may get damaged quickly.

Cleaning Vegan Leather – With Mild Soap And Water

If your vegan leather is little dirty, there is nothing better than mild soap and water to get rid of small dirt.

Follow These Steps:

1. Remove the Dust – wipe the leather once thoroughly with a dry microfiber cloth.
2. Make Soap Solution – Take lukewarm water in a bowl and add a small drop of liquid soap. Not too much, otherwise it will get sticky.
3. Take a Damp Cloth – Lightly soak the microfiber cloth in this solution and then squeeze it. The cloth should be wet, but the water should not be dripping.
4. Wipe Gently – Wipe down with the cloth gently on the leather and do not apply too much force, otherwise the shine will fade away.
5. Wipe with a dry cloth – Take another dry microfiber cloth and dry the leather properly.
6. Let it dry in the air – Everything is done, now let it dry in natural air. You can keep it under the fan, but not in the sunlight.

This method is best for daily cleaning. If you do it daily or once a week, the leather will always remain fresh.

Will Vinegar Cause Any Damage To Vegan Leather?

Vinegar is a good solution for cleaning but if it is used in a wrong way, the leather will get damaged. Keep these points in mind:

1. Use only diluted vinegar – Never use vinegar directly, always mix it with water.
2. Do not use too much – If you clean with vinegar everyday, then the texture of the leather may get ruined.
3. Do a patch test first – First test it on a small place and if it seems right, then only clean it thoroughly.
4. Forget conditioning – Do a little conditioning after using vinegar, otherwise the leather will look dry.

So yes, vinegar can damage your skin if not used properly. It is a matter of concern!

Removing Grease or Oil Stains From Vegan Leather?

Grease and oil stains are the most painful, they are very sticky and stubborn. But don’t worry, follow these simple steps and see the magic:

Follow These Steps:

1. Baking soda – This powder absorbs grease and oil. Just apply a small spoon of baking soda on the stain.
2. Give some time – Leave it for 2-3 hours or overnight so that the baking soda removes all the oil.
3. Clean lightly with a brush – Wipe off the powder with a soft brush or dry microfiber cloth.
4. Clean with a mild soap solution – If it still looks a little sticky, make a solution of soap and water and wipe gently.
5. Wipe with a dry cloth – After cleaning, wipe it thoroughly with a dry cloth.

If the grease stain is fresh, it will come out quickly, but if it is old, do this process twice until it’s not completely removed.

Quick Hacks to Make Vegan Leather Shine!

1. Do a light cleaning daily – Remove dust daily or once a week with a dry microfiber cloth.
2. Use Waterproof Spray – If your leather gets exposed to rain or moisture, apply a waterproof spray.
3. Keep it away from sunlight – Do not leave it in direct sunlight, otherwise the color of the leather will get dull.
4. Do not use strong chemicals – Do not use any alcohol or harsh cleaner, otherwise the texture of the leather can be lost.
5. Take care of storage – Always keep leather items in an airy place, the environment should not be too humid.

If you follow these tips, your vegan leather will always look very fresh. Keep it shining, keep it stylish!

Common Mistakes To Avoid While Cleaning

Cleaning is important, but if not done properly, leather can get damaged even faster. So read these mistakes carefully and how to avoid them:

Using too much water

The connection of water with the leather is quite risky. If you pour water directly on leather or use too much wet rag, the water can get absorbed inside and the surface can get damaged. Always use a slightly damp (slightly wet).

Using Rough Cloth or Brush

You might think that “rubbing with more force will remove the stain more efficiently,” but it’s not true. If you use a hard brush or rough cloth, the smooth surface of vegan leather will get damaged and scratches can appear on it.

Using Strong Chemicals

Make sure to use the right cleaning solution, if you use alcohol, bleach, or strong detergent, the color of the leather can fade and the surface can become weak. Always clean with a mild soap or vinegar-water solution.

Drying in Direct Sunlight

If you put leather to dry in the sun, then its color will fade quickly and the material can become hard. Always let it dry in the air at normal temperature.

Rubbing Repeatedly on the Same Place

If you start rubbing repeatedly on a stain, the surface there will get thin and can get damaged quickly. Always wipe smoothly and evenly for better results.

Storing Tips For Vegan Leather

Along with cleaning, storage is also very important. Because if you do not keep it in the right place, it can get damaged due to moisture or heat. Follow these tips and you will be hassle-free:

1. Always keep it in a dry and cool place – Leather does not suit a moisture-rich environment. Keep it in a place where there is air and no direct sunlight or excessive humidity.
2. Keep in proper cover – Do not pack shoes or bags in plastic, as plastic does not allow air to pass through and fungal growth can occur. Store in cloth dust bag or cotton cover.
3. Do not fold – Folding leather items can cause permanent creases on them. If possible, always keep them in a flat or hanging position.
4. Use Silica Gel Packets – Keep silica gel or activated charcoal packets for moisture control in storage. This will absorb excess moisture and the leather will remain safe.

If you follow these tips, your vegan leather will stay fresh for a long time.

Conclusion

Vegan leather is a stylish and budget-friendly alternative to real leather, but if it is not taken care of properly, it can get old soon. Understand the right principle of cleaning and storage, otherwise one day your favorite bag or jacket will start looking useless.

So, it is a simple thing –

• Do regular cleaning – Do not let a complete mess be created in one go, clean lightly once a week.
• Avoid mistakes – Stay away from water, sunlight, rough cloth, and harsh chemicals.
• Do the right storage – Keep it in a well-ventilated place, do not pressurize or fold, and take care of moisture control. – Remove dust daily or once a week with a dry microfiber cloth.
• Use Waterproof Spray – If your leather gets exposed to rain or moisture, apply a waterproof spray.