So, its upkeep requires a proper set of actions. LeatherFact illustrates the easiest faux leather couch cleaning technique for you. We have outlined some vital maintenance instructions too. Let’s get going.
How often should you clean a PU leather couch?
You must vacuum clean the artificial leather couch every week. Regular cleaning goes a long way in ensuring its durability. Pay special attention to all cracks and crevices, to bring out the last remnants of dust and debris.
Uplift the cushion and vacuum the underside. But this is not the deep clean we are going to discuss in this write-up. Deep cleaning, once in about 6 months, can get you the desired outcomes.
What is needed for faux leather couch cleaning?
It really depends on which method you are adopting. Also, general cleaning and purposeful cleaning call for a variation. Here we are listing the things required for special cleaning.
-Vacuum with a brush
-Faux leather cleaner/ mild detergent/ rubbing alcohol/ distilled white vinegar/ baking soda/ Vinyl stain remover/ rubbing alcohol/ vinegar+olive oil
-White clean rag or paper towel.
-Liquid dish soap
-Laundry detergent
-Spray bottle
-Baby wipes
-Conditioner specified for your couch
Our experts have picked all the cleaning components for the task. You can buy either a commercial product or introduce a homemade patch to serve the purpose. It is entirely up to you.
How to clean a faux leather couch?
Before we get straight into business, check out the manufacturer-provided care tag real quick. It will give you valuable insights into which ingredients suit your artificial leather couch. Now, we will discuss the leather cleaning phases in detail. You can do it both ways, machine wash or manual in case the manufacturer allows it.
Machine wash method:
This is all too simple. Get the stuffing out if it has removable covers. Mix the cleaning solution into the washer. Put the machine on a cold and gentle cycle. Air-dry the covers afterward. You can condition it if necessary.
Manual wash method:
The label or instructions might say otherwise by standing against machine wash. You have the manual guidelines here as well.
Vacuum it:
First off, mop up the surface with a vacuum cleaner. It removes all the visible particles and some of the invisible ones too. Thus, you get a spruced-up couch top to work on.
Cleaning solution:
You may buy the best faux leather cleaner. But many people opt for a homemade component. Whatever you pick, apply a small amount in an inconspicuous area. This test will give you a clear idea of what is about to show up.
In absence of a professional leather cleaner, soap and water perform the best, for polyurethane leather. On the other side, vinyl leather does well with baking soda onto a rag. These are valuable tips for you to keep in mind in case the label or instruction goes missing.
All the cleaning ingredients are basically okay, except for rubbing alcohol. It might leave the pleather couch as dry as dust. Alcohol sucks out oils and blows a scorched-up look on it. So, if you choose it, do not use it frequently.
Leather cleaner, mild detergent, dish soap, distilled white vinegar, and baking soda are good. Put a few drops of dish soap or a tablespoon full of detergent into warm water. You are pretty much done with the solution. These are heavyweight combatants against sneaky oils and grease. It also snaps enduring food stains.
Spray & pat the surface:
But the solution works better if you spray it on the surface. It guarantees even distribution. You can use a soft and non-abrasive cloth for dusting off. Get to the stains and leftover food marks and keep busy there for a longer period of time. This is where you need to pay attention. Initially, do not just scrub along but pat the cloth, on those sensitive places.
Wipe it:
After you have almost finished discarding the visible marks and spots and specks of dust off the surface. Spray some more of the cleaning solution if necessary. The couch should not get soaked in water. A little wetness is enough to clean it up.
Be careful about residue soap. The goal is to completely freshen up the couch, from the remnants of soapy water. Use a damp white cloth for swabbing the top. Colored rags might render their traces of dye to the pleather couch.
Condition it:
Give it plenty of time to air dry. You may resort to a fresh piece of clothing to soak up the water. Then, go for conditioning. Water exposure often reveals cracks and gets the couch all dried up.
Conditioning provides the necessary oils to retrieve its shiny appearance. A gentle massage of the best artificial leather conditioner can do the trick. Besides, consider a protective finish as it safeguards the couch from UV rays.
How to maintain pleather couch cleanliness?
There are several techniques from our leather experts. These are designed to ensure the durability of the product, in the long run.
No detergent:
If possible, do not resort to harsh detergent cleaners. It introduces dryness. Regular use of it will cause irreversible disruptions on the surface.
No abrasive cloth:
An abrasive or colorful cloth can damage the exterior quite badly, with rough scratches and patches of dyes. Stay away from them even while you are going for those mild weekly clean-ups. Microfiber cloth is always the top choice, in this regard. Also, use a damp cloth and not wet cloth. Wring out the extra water.
Test it:
Do not introduce a new leather component or solution all over the place, at the very first go. It might cause havoc, with adverse reactions. Always test them in an invisible area and dry. If it is satisfying, you can apply it, in other places.
Insignificant stain:
For tiny stains, you may use baby wipes. It has wonderful properties that instantly remove the spots. Jump into action as soon as you see things falling on the sofa surface. It increases the probability of complete removal of the stain.
No bleach:
Regardless of the incident, you should never resort to bleach. It dries up leather, in an instant. Its corrosive effects also downplay the fabric structure of the couch, making it vulnerable to future accidents and spots. Flashy stain removal capacity can end up in a total loss, with cracks and compromised surface.
UV hazard:
Direct sunlight greatly damages the artificial leather sofa. Place it away from doors or windows that expose it to the sunlight. UV rays are mostly responsible for cracks and discoloration.
Conditioner & protectant:
Use of conditioner and protectants serve your purpose. Conditioners hold onto necessary moisture and repel cracks. Protectants prevent harsh weather impacts, dust, and debris, reducing the need for regular cleaning.
Conclusion:
Well, you have figured out the easiest way to cleaning up a faux leather couch. Now, save your pretty penny and do it all by yourself. Stick to the guidelines, provided by the manufacturer and this article. You will be fine. Besides, it will inject new life into the artificial leather sofa, with a strong vibe and great look.