How to Remove Stains From Suede Couch? Ultimate Guide

You whip out your phone and look up, how to remove stains from suede couch?

Congratulations! You just found the perfect vintage suede couch at the thrift store.

It is within your price range, big enough for all of your guests, and fits your desired aesthetic. You feel like you hit the jackpot with this thrift find.

You are ready to check out until you realize something that ruins the moment – stains.

Thankfully, there are answers. You can still get the couch of your dreams. With a little TLC, that couch will be good as new.

Suede can be difficult to clean, but it is possible. Use a slightly damp cloth to remove surface dust, dirt, or crumbs. Do not get the material too wet.

Then, you can use a Suede Block. For heavier stains, like oil, baking soda maybe your best friend. Finally, use a soft bristle suede brush to bring the couch back to its former glory.

How to Remove Stains From a Suede Couch

Suede is a beautiful material. It is also very delicate like many beautiful things are.

When cleaning stains out of a suede couch, one must be gentle and patient to receive the best results.

A list of things you will need to remove stains from suede:

• A clean, damp cloth
• A suede brush
• A suede cleaning block
• Baking soda
• White vinegar

The first thing to do to clean your suede couch is to use a damp cloth to remove any surface imperfections. Make sure the cloth is not too wet.

Note: Too much water can ruin the upholstery on your suede couch, and the last thing we want to do is damage the couch further. 

Lightly drag the cloth along the couch’s surface to clean off things like dust or old crumbs.

Tips on Cleaning Suede Couch

Dab, Do Not Rub.

You’ve probably heard your grandma say this once or twice before. To remove newer stains from a suede couch, avoid rubbing the affected area.

Rubbing may spread the stain around and push it further into the fabric making it harder to remove.

Dabbing the area of the stain with a clean cloth will pick up the spill without further damaging the fabric.

This is most effective on more recent stains that are still wet. If you happen to spill something on your suede couch, don’t panic!

Try blotting the wet stain by applying pressure downward to soak up as much of the spill as possible.

Use a Suede Block.

A suede block, also known as a suede eraser, is a piece of cleaning rubber used to remove surface stains on suede and other materials.

These can remove small scuffs or dry surface stains already set into the furniture.

To use one, ‘erase’ the stain by rubbing (dry stains you can rub, wet stains you should not) the block in a gentle circular motion on the stain.

Suede blocks work by breaking down the fibres of the stain, making them easier to wipe away. 

The blocks also provide a brushing effect that helps clear the shine of a well-used suede couch. Getting rid of the shine can result in fresher-looking suede.

Use a Suede Cleaning Brush.

A suede brush might do the trick on light stains. There are different brush types, and the one you use will depend on how short your suede is.

For shorter suede, you can use a wire or nylon suede brush. Additionally, you can use them to refresh your suede upholstery.

When brushing your couch remember to remain gentle, so you do not damage the suede.

For longer suede, a softer brush might be necessary. These brushes are made out of natural fibers and are more delicate in the material.

These brushes are great for buffing out stains and reviving the original texture of the couch.

Tip: To avoid matting your suede down over time, incorporate brushing your couch in your cleaning routine. 

Wiping your suede couch with a damp cloth will get rid of crumbs, and brushing it will make the texture good as new.

To Remove Tough Stains from Suede

Pizza for dinner in the living room seems like a great idea until you notice that your youngest child dripped pepperoni grease all over your favorite suede couch.

It wasn’t cleaned right away and sank into the couch leaving a hideous dark stain.

Don’t worry! There is hope!

If you notice you have a tough stain on your suede couch, like grease or oil, your savior might already be inside your kitchen.

The Power of Baking Soda for Stain Removal

Baking soda is the holy grail of cleaning supplies.

It has strong stain-fighting abilities, is relatively inexpensive, and can easily be found in any grocery store.

Its abrasive texture can help break down stains and leave your couch looking good as new.

To clean an oil stain on your couch, sprinkle baking soda onto the affected area. You can also lightly rub it into the deeper portions of the stain.

Let this sit for at least fifteen minutes. The baking soda will help absorb the oil, and when you wipe it away the stain should come with it.

Any remnants of the stain leftover can be cleaned using a bit of white vinegar on a clean cloth.

Rub the damp cloth in a circular motion on the location of the stain and let the area dry. Use a fabric brush to renew the natural texture in that area.

Protect your Suede Couch from Stains

Now that your suede couch is clean and stain-free, it’s time to protect it against future stains.

Whether you have pets, kids, or your couch receives a lot of love, protecting it against stains will make your life easier next time you clean it.

Treat your future self by investing in a fabric protector spray.

A fabric protector spray can keep your suede couch looking new. They increase durability and add longevity to your furniture.

These sprays work by repelling liquids that spill on the furniture so pesky stains can’t penetrate the fabric as well on the couch covers.

Before purchasing, read the label to ensure the spray is suitable for suede fabrics.

Note: Remember to re-apply the protecting spray after every time you clean your couch to ensure it is effective.

Step-by-Step: Removing Stains from Suede Couch

Step #1: Use a slightly damp cloth to remove things like dirt or crumbs.

Step #2: For surface stains, use a suede cleaning block.

Step #3: Dab or blot any wet stains to remove excess.

Step #4: Sprinkle baking soda on the stain. (Allow to sit for 15 minutes.)

Step #5: Wipe away baking soda using a clean cloth.

Step #6: Dampen a cloth with white vinegar. Rub the cloth in circular motions on the stain.

Step #7: After the area is dry, use a suede brush to renew the texture of the fabric.

Step #8: Use a fabric protector spray to prevent future stains!

Tip: Before using a new cleaning method, do a spot test in a discreet place on the couch. 

The same goes for using a fabric protector spray. This will ensure that the cleaning agent does not cause unwanted effects like damage, bleaching, or new stains.

Final Advice on How to Remove Stains From Suede Couch

Now you’re in the last part of this article you must now know how to remove stains from a suede couch!

No matter the material of your couch, stains are bound to happen.

To remove stains from a suede couch you must be gentle and understand the fabric.

The tips shared in this article should help you tackle even the toughest stains on your couch.