When looking for upholstered furniture, there are a number of materials to choose from. One fabric that is popular for good reason is faux leather. Sometimes called vegan leather or pleather, faux leather provides a more affordable price point than genuine leather for those looking for a sleek and sophisticated couch, loveseat, chair or ottoman. Plus, faux leather is easy to clean. 

To keep your faux leather furniture in its best condition, follow these faux leather care instructions. 

What to Clean Your Faux Leather Couch With

Vacuum

The most regular cleaning of your faux leather couch will likely be done with a duster and vacuum. Dusting and vacuuming is an important part of faux leather furniture care, since faux leather can be scratched or damaged by dust or other debris. Make sure to vacuum the cushions and armrests and, if you have a faux leather sofa with removable cushions, underneath the cushions as well. To get rid of odour, you can sprinkle some baking soda on your furniture and let it sit for a couple minutes before vacuuming it away. 

Mild Soap or Detergent 

Another part of regular cleaning and upkeep of your faux leather furniture includes wiping it down with a mild soap or detergent. It’s important that the soap or detergent you use is mild, so that it doesn’t dry out or damage the faux leather. Don’t use dish soap with degreasing properties, since that won’t be good for the longevity of your faux leather. 

To clean your faux leather furniture, mix your mild soap or detergent with water to create a gentle solution. Then, get a soft cloth damp with the solution and use that to wipe down your furniture. Follow up with a cloth dampened with just water to make sure there is no residue left over. Finally, use a soft, dry cloth to dry your furniture off. 

It’s a good idea to do a patch test the first time you clean your faux leather furniture. While it is unlikely there will be an adverse reaction, it’s best to know for sure by testing your cleaning products on a small, unnoticeable section of your furniture before applying them all over. 

Rubbing Alcohol or White Vinegar 

To get rid of stains, you can enlist the help of two products you might already have at home: rubbing alcohol and white vinegar. 

You can take rubbing alcohol or white vinegar on a soft cloth and apply it to any stains on your couch. Once the stain is gone, get a soft cloth damp with just water to wipe down the area, then follow with a dry cloth. 

Just like with other cleaning products, it’s a good idea to do a patch test before you apply anything to a noticeable section of your furniture. 

How Often to Clean Faux Leather Furniture

Depending on how much use your faux leather furniture gets, you might need to clean it more often. Luckily, faux leather is relatively easy to clean. Vacuuming, dusting, and wiping down your furniture regularly is good practice to keep your furniture in its best condition. It’s a good idea to do this once or twice a week. Stain removal can be done when needed.