Suede is a luxurious and delicate fabric that commands a high price.
However, you don’t have to spend a fortune on suede clothing to enjoy its soft texture and beautiful drape. Faux suede items look and feel just like the real thing but are more affordable and animal-friendly.
Even though faux suede is less expensive, it still requires special care and attention to keep it looking its best. So if you’re thinking of adding one or two faux suede pieces to your wardrobe this season, read on for some top tips on how to take care of them.
Table of Contents:
What is faux suede?
How to care for faux suede
How to wash faux suede
How to clean faux suede accessories
What is faux suede?
Faux suede is a polyester microfibre, carefully woven to create a thin, synthetic fabric perfect for several clothing items, including ponchos, jackets and coats, gilets and accessories.
A durable fabric, it’s tougher than genuine suede, which due to its delicate nature, can be known to tear and break. Faux suede is a more affordable fabric, too, and with the right maintenance, it is incredibly easy to care for.
With regular cleaning and the prompt removal of marks and deep stains, your faux suede garments will stay stunning and wearable for years to come.
How to care for faux suede
Faux suede is pretty robust and much more stain-resistant than real suede, making it easy to maintain.
Although most faux suede is machine washable, it’s important to check your garment’s care labels before putting it in the washing machine. If the label is missing or difficult to read, always handwash your garment with a gentle detergent and lay it flat to dry to be on the safe side.
Before you hand wash your faux suede, it’s sensible to spot-test it with the detergent you plan to use to ensure it doesn’t stain or damage your fabric.
How to spot test your faux suede
- Choose an area that won’t be seen, such as an inside lining of a jacket or the inside hem of a skirt.
- Apply a small amount of your chosen cleaner to the area and let it sit for ten minutes.
- Blot the area dry with a clean, dry, white cloth
- Check the area for signs of colour bleeding or shrinking.
- If there are no signs of damage, your chosen detergent should be fine.
How to spot clean stains on faux suede
Now you know that your cleaning product can safely be used on your faux suede, you can concentrate first on removing any stubborn stains.
Here’s how to spot clean your faux suede garments:
- Spot clean with a clear alcohol such as rubbing alcohol (Isopropyl) or vodka for stubborn stains. Diluted detergent is also useful here; simply add one teaspoon of detergent to a mug of water.
- Take a clean sponge and use it to apply cleaner to the fabric. Rub the cleaner in with a lint-free cloth or sponge, or if you prefer to brush out the stain, a clean, fine toothbrush or a soft-bristled brush.
- Always use a sponge or cloth that is undyed to prevent colour transfer.
- For more stubborn stains such as deodorant or stains from sweat, rub your detergent into these larger areas and allow to soak for ten minutes before washing. For food and drink stains, cleaners that contain enzymes work best to lift stains.
Once you’ve completed your spot cleaning, it’s time to wash your faux suede!
How to wash faux suede
If your faux suede is machine washable, wash it on its own or with similar fabrics to prevent lint from collecting on its surface.
Unless the care label suggests otherwise, always opt for a gentle or delicate cycle to clean your garments and a mild detergent.
If your suede requires handwashing, fill a sink or large basin with warm water and a capful of your gentle detergent. Mix up the water, place your faux suede item in the water and leave it to soak for ten minutes. Move the fabric around in the water, and concentrate on gently rubbing areas with heavy staining.
Once washed, rinse your fabric with warm water to remove the detergent; then, unless your faux suede’s care label suggests it can be tumble dried, towel dry, or dry on a clothesline.
Once your item of clothing is dry, if it feels stiff, brush the surface of the fabric with a soft-bristled brush to soften it back up.
How to clean faux suede accessories
If you have items made from faux suede that can’t be machine washed, such as handbags or shoes, the good news is that these can still be treated and cleaned.
Start by taking a soft-bristled brush or a clean, dry cloth and remove any dirt and grime from your garment.
Spot clean any deep stains, again using rubbing alcohol or your diluted detergent mix. Then, dip a clean washcloth into your detergent solution, wring out excess water and rub the fabric’s surface with the damp cloth. Then rinse and dampen again until the appearance of any stains has lifted.
Let the item dry out fully. If you’re cleaning faux suede shoes, stuff them with newspaper so they’ll retain their shape and lay other handbags and accessories flat to dry out. Much like your faux suede clothing, brush the surface of your accessory’s fabric to allow it to soften if it feels stiff to the touch.
Shop faux suede at Jayley and update your collection
Now you know how to care for faux suede correctly, why not invest in some piece for your wardrobe? From coats and gilets to stunning accessories, you’ll find the best faux suede to suit a multitude of tastes and preferences at Jayley.
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