How To Wash Vegan Leather? 5 Easy Steps To Remove Stains & Dirt

Vegan leather uses artificial materials like polyurethane (PU) or PVC, which absorb moisture and dirt very quickly if you don’t take proper care of your leather items and keep ignoring to maintain it, then they can develop cracks, fading, and a strange chipping. But don’t worry, in this step-by-step, you will learn how to wash your vegan leather properly to make it fresh and stylish again.

Cleaning vegan leather is not a big deal. It just has to be cleaned and maintained properly using the right techniques, otherwise its appearance can be ruined.

Why is It Necessary To Wash Vegan Leather?

Let’s imagine you are roaming around with a leather jacket or bag, but dust, sweat, or even a little oil got on it accidentally. Now what? If you don’t clean it immediately, the stain or dirt mark could settle on your leather’s surface permanently.

Benefits of Cleaning Vegan Leather:

• Last long – It will not crack or get chipped.
• Retain Shine – it will look absolutely fresh, as if it is new.
• Less bacteria and odor – Sometimes a strange smell starts coming due to sweat or moisture, it is necessary to wash it to avoid a bad smell.

Step-by-Step Guide To Wash Vegan Leather

Now let’s get straight to the point, how can you make your vegan leather shine like new?

1. Remove The Dusts

The first thing to do is dry dusting! If your leather is completely covered in dust, first wipe it lightly with a soft microfiber cloth or soft brush. This is important, otherwise when you start washing without dusting, it will mix with the water and make a mess.

Clean gently with a dry cotton or microfiber cloth. If dust has accumulated in the corners, you can use a soft toothbrush or earbud. Don’t apply too much pressure, otherwise the texture may get ruined.

2. Prepare Soap Water Solution

Don’t pour water directly! Excess water is kind of an enemy to any type of leather, it is a good practice to maintain proper guidelines to avoid serious damage to your leather.

Make a simple solution that is neither too hard nor takes away the shine of vegan leather.

Take normal water in a bowl and add mild shampoo or hand wash into it. Do not add hard chemicals, otherwise the texture of the leather will get messed up. This solution should be very light as if you’re making a soap water solution for toddlers for bathing.

If your material has become too sticky, you can also add a little vinegar or baking soda (but very less, otherwise it can make a smell out of it).

3. Washing Vegan Leather

It is not about washing just a normal clothes, it is about treating vegan leather gently to avoid damages!

• Take a soft cotton cloth or sponge and dip it in the solution.
• Twist it lightly to remove excess water, and rub it on the leather in a gentle circular motion.
• Do not apply too much force otherwise the texture can become dull.
• Pay attention to the porous areas and stitching, dust tends to accumulate there.
• After cleaning the entire leather carefully, wipe it with a separate dry cotton cloth so that there is no extra moisture left.

4. Drying Vegan Leather

One important thing is that you should never dry vegan leather in direct sunlight! This can fade its color and cause cracks.

• Keep it in a ventilated place, but away from direct sun.
• Keep it on top of a dry towel or newspaper so the extra moisture can be absorbed.
• Never use a hair dryer or heater, otherwise the texture of the leather can be ruined.

5. Conditioning To Give Shine

Do you want your vegan leather to shine like a hero, right? So conditioning is a must. You can apply a light moisturizer or a light coat of coconut oil. To proceed with this step, you can take a few drops of coconut oil or vegan leather conditioner on a soft cloth.

Rub it on its surface using a circular motion and avoid applying too much oil. This will make vegan leather more flexible and fresh.

How to Store Vegan Leather After Washing

Once you’ve washed and polished it, it is important to store and handle it properly!

1. Store In Right Manner

Always keep it in a cool and dry place and avoid keeping it in a plastic bag. You can store it in a breathable cloth bag or on a normal open shelf.

Keep it away from places with excessive moisture (like bathroom or kitchen).

2. Avoid Sunlight

Don’t keep it in direct sunlight, otherwise the color may fade. If there is excessive exposure to sunlight, keep it covered with a light-colored cloth.

3. Don’t overload – Specially for handbags

Don’t keep handbags or jackets pressed on each other, the surface may be ruined or wrinkled. Stuff a newspaper or soft cloth inside the handbags to maintain the shape.

Removing Ink Stain During a Wash

The most dirty and sticky stain is caused by ink. Once it gets applied, it cannot be removed with normal water. But don’t worry, there is a tested formula that will help you to remove ink stain from vegan leather.

1. Using Alcohol

• Take a clean cotton or microfiber cloth.
• Put a little rubbing alcohol or nail polish remover in it (but it should be acetone-free).
• Now, you have to press it lightly, do not rub it, otherwise the stain may spread further.
• When the ink is being removed little by little, wipe it gently with a dry cloth.
• If the ink is not completely removed, you can repeat the process, but do not apply too much force at once.

2. Using Baking Soda and Lemon

• If you don’t have alcohol, then try cleaning with this method.
• Make a paste of 2 tablespoons of baking soda and lemon juice.
• Apply it on the stain and rub it gently in a circular motion (don’t press too much).
• Leave it for 5-10 minutes, then wipe it with a damp cloth.

This is a natural cleaner that will help in removing the ink slowly. Yes, it is slow but it is a tested and one of the more effective method to remove ink from vegan or faux leather.

3. Using Mild Soap and Water

• If the ink stain is quite old, follow this method step-by-step carefully.
• Mix a little mild shampoo or dish soap and water.
• Take a soft cloth, dip it in this solution and rub it lightly.
• Then clean it with a dry cloth and let it dry slightly.

That’s it, if you follow these steps properly, there will be no trace of the ink! And for instance, we also published a detailed explanation guide on how to remove ink stain, it will solve all your queries in one article.

How to Remove Stubborn Oil Stains From Leather

Oil stains are one of the stickiest and toughest to remove. If oil falls on vegan leather, it starts to soak inside and creates a stickiness. But don’t worry, there is a very effective way to clean it!

Cornstarch or Baking Soda

• If the oil stain is fresh, add a little amount of cornstarch or baking soda.
• Apply on the stained area using a circular motion, this powder will absorb the oil and reduce the stickiness.
• Leave it for 10-15 minutes, then wipe it with a dry cloth.
• If the stain is old, then you can also rub it gently using a dry toothbrush.

Using Mild Soap

• Mix mild dish soap with warm water in a bowl.
• Take a soft sponge and dip it in the solution and rub it on the stain.
• Then wipe it gently with a clean damp cloth.
• After drying, apply a light moisturizer or conditioner so that the leather stays soft.

How To Remove Water Stain From Leather

Water stains are strange, you might think that the water is clean, but in reality, if the water dries on vegan leather, it leaves a strange light stain. The right way to protect your leather from this is:

• As soon as the water falls, wipe it off with a dry cotton cloth or tissue.
• Never dry leather in direct sunlight, otherwise it can get more marks.
• If there is a stain, clean it lightly with mild soap and water, then wipe it with a dry cloth.
• Just keep in mind that vegan leather is not waterproof, so keeping it dry is the best option.

Seasonal Caring Tips For Vegan Leather

Just like you take care of your body in every season. Similarly, vegan or faux leather also needs proper care.

During Summer

• Don’t leave it in direct sunlight, otherwise the color may fade.
• To protect it from sweat and oil, use dry wipes regularly.
• You can apply a little talcum powder or cornstarch so that it does not get chipped.

During Rain (Monsoon)

• Use waterproof spray to protect it from water.
• If it gets wet, keep it in a well-ventilated place to dry, don’t use hairdryer, otherwise the leather can get hard.
• Store it with silica gel or newspaper to protect it from moisture.

During Winter

• Vegan leather can get a little stiff in winter, so apply a light moisturizer or leather conditioner.
• Wrap it in a soft cloth during storage so that cracks don’t appear.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is it necessary to clean vegan leather daily?

Not daily, but it would be best to clean it once a week with a dry cloth. If any stain gets stuck, clean it immediately otherwise it will make it difficult to remove it later if it gets dried.

2. Can vinegar or alcohol ruin vegan leather?

Yes, if used directly or in excess quantity, the texture can be ruined. So use a diluted solution and clean by pressing lightly.

3. What is the lifespan of vegan leather bags and jackets?

If you take proper care of it, it will last for 5-7 years. Just regular cleaning and proper storage is a must.

4. Why does vegan leather smell and how to get rid of it?

The smell comes from moisture or sweat. Use baking soda, vinegar spray, or activated charcoal to get rid of the smell.

5. What is the difference between synthetic leather and real leather?

Synthetic vegan leather is artificial, cruelty-free, and cheap. Real leather is real but is made from animals, which is not ethical.

Conclusion

Vegan leather is definitely one of the best inventions out there when it comes to protecting our beautiful nature and environment, you just need to treat your product with so much love while handling it. Try to avoid stains such as ink, oil, and water. Follow the proper storing techniques. Just keep these small things in mind, and your leather products will always look absolutely fresh and new.

Vegan leather is stylish and durable, it just needs a little love and care. If you clean and store it properly, its look will last long! Now stop worrying about how to wash vegan leather. Roll up your sleeves and start giving your vegan leather a treatment that it deserves.