How to clean a leatherette sofa

Imitation leather, commonly called faux leather, is a material that, over the years, has been increasingly successful all over the world thanks to its characteristics of economy, ecology, durability, and versatility of use.

Today it is widely used, especially in the furniture and fashion sectors, for the upholstery of sofas and creating the most varied products, from furniture to car upholstery to clothing accessories. This material is certainly less ” demanding ” than others, such as real leather or fabrics, but it is good to take small precautions in its daily maintenance not to damage it.

Here are some simple and inexpensive tips on cleaning a leatherette sofa, keeping it looking like new over time.

Microfiber cloth

To clean an imitation leather sofa, even in the presence of stubborn stains, it is advisable never to use too aggressive products such as bleach and chemical solvents. The risk is to ruin it permanently, scratching it and altering its original color.

If it’s not particularly dirty, a great way to make it shine again is to wipe a damp microfiber cloth over the entire surface in a circular motion to remove the dust. Once this has been done, it can be dried with a soft clean cloth to avoid halos’ formation.

Marseille soap

If the sofa has stains, the damp cloth alone may not be enough. Marseille soap comes to the rescue, an ingredient that is both effective, delicate, and fragrant. Just pour a few flakes into a basin with a little warm water, moisten the microfibre cloth and then wipe it over the entire surface to be cleaned with circular movements.

Vinegar

But against halos, dust, and stains – even the most stubborn – there is another home remedy, infallible and inexpensive: vinegar. Just use a little to moisten the microfiber cloth to pass well on the surface of the sofa. In a short time, it will be perfectly clean thanks to its natural degreasing power.

Cleanser

Another great remedy, easy but less known, is to use cleansing milk for the face. Thanks to its denser consistency, it can be poured directly on stains, removed gradually by rubbing a cloth. Also, there are various specific detergents on the market designed specifically for cleaning imitation leather products. They have relatively low-cost and can be easily found in supermarkets, laundry, and online shops.