A pleather couch is made of artificial or synthetic leather and it is commonly referred to as faux leather. Its market demand competes with that of genuine leather considering how economical and durable it is. It can withstand scratches and scrapes, is less prone to crack or peels, doesn’t fade when exposed to direct sunlight and is easier to maintain because it is stain resistant, unlike genuine leather.
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How to Care for a Pleather Couch with Soap and Water
Since pleather is easier to maintain, a well-maintained pleather couch would require just water and soap to clean.
Vacuum your couch thoroughly using the brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner. Make sure you reach every part of the couch including the back and in the crevices to remove all dirt particles. If possible, remove the cushions from the couch if they are removable.
Materials and Equipment
- Warm water
- Dishwashing soap
- Sponge
- Microfiber cloth
- Leather moisturizer
Time required: 8 minutes
Instructions
Step 1
Put about 1 gallon of warm water in a bucket and add in 2 tablespoons of dishwashing soap. Mix gently with a rod until the soap lathers.
Step 2
Dip the sponge in water and wring it out to remove excess water then wipe up your pleather couch to remove every dirt as possible. Repeat this process on every part of the couch until all dirt lifts.
Step 3
Replace the dirty water in the bucket with clean water, rinse the sponge (or use another) and again wipe up the pleather couch to remove excess soap.
Step 4
After inspecting and making sure there is no more dirt left on the couch, use a white microfiber cloth to blot dry the couch.
Step 5
Moisturize your leather couch with a product specifically meant for artificial or synthetic leather to prevent it from cracking. Olive oil is a perfect moisturizer but you will need to test it first in a small invisible area like the back of the couch to see if it will react with it.
How to Care for a Pleather Couch with Rubbing Alcohol
Rubbing alcohol works best at removing mild or tough stains. It’s the next best option if soap and water fail to eliminate all the dirt on your pleather couch.
Materials and Equipment
- Rubbing alcohol
- Sponge
- Microfiber cloth
- Spray bottle
- Warm water
Instructions
Step 1
Because it has a strong smell, mix warm water and rubbing alcohol in a spray bottle, then shake gently to form a rubbing alcohol solution.
Step 2
Spray the rubbing alcohol solution over the stain on your pleather couch and let it sit for about 8 minutes to break down the stain.
Step 3
Use a sponge to rub the stained area gently and in a circular motion until all the stain lifts.
Step 4
Rinse the sponge with clear water and use it to wipe out the excess rubbing alcohol solution. You will need to do this immediately to avoid damaging your pleather couch.
Step 5
Use a microfiber cloth to blot dry the area to remove excess moisture.
How to Care for a Pleather Couch with Vinegar and Baking Soda
If rubbing alcohol fails to eliminate the stain on your pleather couch, white vinegar and baking soda would be the best option. This solution not only removes stain but also eliminates odor regardless of the extent of the mess on your pleather couch.
Materials and Equipment
- White distilled vinegar
- Baking soda
- sponge
- Microfiber cloth
Instructions
Step 1
Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda on your pleather couch. Let it sit for about 8 minutes. The longer it stays the more effective the outcome.
Step 2
Apply vinegar on the sponge and rub it over the baking soda to get on as much dirt as possible. You will need to repeat this process at least twice until all the dirt lifts.
Step 3
Rinse the sponge with clear water and wipe up the couch to remove excess vinegar.
Step 4
Use a microfiber cloth to blot dry the area. Or since vinegar has a strong smell you can use a vacuum cleaner to vacuum up all the excess vinegar.
How to Maintain a Pleather Couch
- Vacuum regularly to remove all dirt particles to prevent abrasion that would otherwise cause dirt particles to scratch your pleather couch.
- Avoid using cleaners such as bleach as it can cause discoloration on your pleather couch
- Always use water based cleaners and only use solvent cleaner if the stain becomes persistent. Solvents are not usually safe as they can damage the upholstery and ruin its aesthetic.
- Always check on the manufacturers’ tag on your pleather to confirm the right cleaning measures.
- Always treat your pleather if it comes untreated. This will prevent it from cracking and fading.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Best to Clean a Pleather Couch with?
The safest way to clean a pleather couch or furniture is with water-based cleaners like warm water and dishwashing detergent. This should, however, be done regularly to prevent the accumulation of dust and to maintain it so as to guarantee its longevity.
How Do you Moisturize a Pleather Couch?
You can use olive oil to moisturize your pleather couch to prevent it from fading when exposed to direct sunlight. However, you can also use a store-bought moisturizer specifically meant for artificial or synthetic leather.
How Do you Keep a Pleather Couch from Peeling?
You can prevent your pleather couch from peeling by regularly applying oils such as coconut and olive oil. This will also prevent it from drying out and cracking. However, you can also apply a store-bought leather conditioner to keep it moisturized completely.
Can you Clean a Pleather Couch with Vinegar?
Besides water and soap, the next best cleaner for cleaning a pleather couch is vinegar. It is best at removing mild or tough stains including oil-based stains and also eliminating odors. However, if the stains are mild, it is safe to use warm water and dishwashing soap as they are guaranteed to not cause any reaction on the pleather.
Conclusion
There are different products that you can use to clean a pleather couch to maintain and keep it looking new. In this article, we have discussed 3 ways to care for your pleather couch depending on the extent of the stain.
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