What Is Faux Leather? Understanding Your Sofa

Otherwise called PU leather, faux leather refers to a synthetic material made to feel and look in the same way as leather. This material comes from polyurethane film or polyvinyl chloride, which mimics genuine leather then used in items, like sofas set, to make them more affordable yet durable.

Compared to faux leather, faux leather is less expensive and is hassle-free to take care of and maintain. This material comes in a couple of types:

• PVC (polyvinyl chloride), which is non-porous and durable, as well as water-resistant and sturdy, promotes ease in cleaning. It is prone to cracking or peeling, though.
• PU (polyurethane) leather which is more sustainable and breathable compared to PVC. PU leather is also noticeably flexible and soft, and generally easy to maintain and clean. In addition, it can resist tears and scratches.

If you want to make faux leather a part of your home, you can invest in a sofa made from the material. It is crucial to learn various ways to clean a faux leather sofa, so you can keep it clean, hygienic, and in tip-top condition for a long time.

Tools and Supplies You’ll Need:

Source: freepik

Here are the things that you often need when cleaning a faux leather sofa:

• Soft and non-abrasive microfiber cloth
• Spray bottle with warm water
• Mild dish soap or leather cleaner
• Use white vinegar or rubbing alcohol to remove stains
• Soft bristle brush to reach crevices
• Coconut oil or conditioner (optional) – Use this if you want to add shine to your faux leather sofa.

Step-by-Step Guide on How to Clean a Faux Leather Sofa

Step 1 – Get a dry microfiber cloth and use it to dust off the sofa. Alternatively, you can use a vacuum featuring a brush attachment to tackle crumbs and dust.

Step 2 – Make the cleaning solution by adding a few drops of mild dish soap into the spray bottle, then mix it with warm water.

Step 3 – Spray the cleaning solution onto the sofa, especially in areas that require deep cleaning. Dampen a microfiber cloth and then use it to wipe the sofa using circular motions. Prioritize the arms and cushions.

Step 4 – Clean up even areas that are difficult to reach, like seams, folds, and crevices, with the help of a soft brush.

Step 5 – Wipe it again using a damp and clean cloth, then use a towel to dry the surface thoroughly.

Removing Tough Stains from a Faux Leather Sofa

When determining the difference between an umbrella and a parasol, you may discover that their differences include the ways of protecting and maintaining each one. The same goes for a faux leather sofa, which you can maintain and protect by removing its tough stains.

In this case, you can use the following solutions to get rid of different types of tough stains:

Rubbing Alcohol

Use rubbing alcohol to remove ink stains. Just dab a cotton ball with rubbing alcohol, then use it to wipe the stained spot clean. 

Baking Soda

Baking soda is the best cleaning solution for stains caused by grease or oil. Just sprinkle it on the area that requires cleaning, then allow it to sit for a while. After that, wipe the spot clean using soapy water.

Mild Soap and Water

For tough stains caused by coffee or juice, a solution made by mixing water and mild soap can help remove them. Just blot this solution gently on the affected spot, and you will notice it giving the area a good clean.

Source: pearja

White Vinegar Solution

The types of tough stains that white vinegar can clean are often caused by pets. To clean pet stains, mix white vinegar and water first, then use it to blot the area. Let it dry, and you will notice the white vinegar and water solution fading away the pet stains.

Magic Eraser

It is highly advisable to use a magic eraser to clean stains as tough as those caused by dye. You can often see these stains in jeans, but expect them to be noticeable in faux leather sofas, too. Clean up the stain by applying the magic eraser with light pressure, and then follow it with soap.

Do-Nots for a Faux Leather Sofa

When attempting to clean your faux leather sofa and maintain its good condition in the same way as the different maintenance and cleaning tips for loveseat vs sofa, you must remember a few things you should avoid doing.

Do not do any of the following to prevent causing more harm than good to your living room furniture sale item:

1. Using bleach or ammonia

Avoid using bleach or ammonia on your faux leather sofa as it can damage and harm the material, specifically its finish.

Bleach and ammonia contain harsh chemicals that may cause the material to incur damages, like discoloration or cracks. Use mild soap, commercial cleaners for faux leather, or white vinegar instead. 

2. Overwetting

Be extra careful when cleaning faux leather sofas, especially in terms of moisture, since it has to be controlled. Note that the material can’t handle excess water, so you should be able to control moisture. 

In that case, you should use damp cloths only, not wet ones, to prevent water from getting absorbed by faux leather, eventually causing its deterioration. Once done with thorough cleaning, dry the area. 

3. Scrubbing hard

Aside from the possibility of scratching the surface, scrubbing the faux leather sofa too hard may only end up pushing the stain more deeply into the material. This will make it even harder to clean.

Your goal, therefore, is to avoid scrubbing too hard and instead, use gentle circular motions. Also, do not use sharp tools when cleaning the sofa to avoid scratches.

Source: user6724086

4. Ignoring care tags

Some faux leather sofas come with care tags that will teach you the basics of cleaning, caring for, and maintaining the materials.

Note that these care tags vary based on the sofa and the overall design. This is why you should read and follow what’s indicated in the tags when cleaning up the sofa, as this will give you proper guidance throughout the process.

Wrap Up

Learning how to clean a faux leather sofa, in the same way you are trying to learn how to care for furniture, will surely help you give the furniture proper care and attention.

Note that maintaining a sofa made of faux leather requires regular cleaning, as well as extra care and attention, to avoid damage. 

Dust and vacuum regularly and use damp cloths to clean it every day. You may employ white vinegar or mild soap solutions to remove stains, deodorize with baking soda, or use baby wipes to give them quick touch-ups.

By doing all these tips, and probably more, you have an assurance that the faux leather sofa will look its best for a long time. 

FAQs

What maintenance tips can I apply to guarantee the long life of my faux leather sofa?

1. Use a soft brush attachment to vacuum the sofa once every week.
2. Lessen the possibility of fading by not exposing the sofa to direct sunlight.
3. Make sure to use a non-abrasive and soft cloth when cleaning the area to prevent it from getting marks or scratches. 
4. Do not put any wet towel, printed newspaper, or damp clothing directly on the faux leather sofa.
5. Clean surface contact from oily residues and excessive perspiration immediately to prevent the sofa from getting stained permanently.

Can I use household products to clean faux leather?

Yes, you can. The household product you can use for this purpose is dish soap mixed in water or mild, unscented hand soap. Apply it to the affected spot then wipe it off gently with a damp wash cloth to eradicate stains.

Why should you avoid exposing your faux leather sofa to direct sunlight?

The reason is that the material may only dry out when directly exposed to sunlight. Rotate it every once in a while, if it is in a sunny area, so it won’t directly sit in midday heat.