Washing Faux Suede: A Step-By-Step Guide To Cleaning Your Coat

Faux suede is a robust, stain-resistant fabric that's more durable and cheaper than traditional suede. It's also easy to care for and, with proper maintenance, can stay looking new for years. Before washing faux suede, it's important to check the care label. Most faux suede is machine washable, but if the label is missing or unreadable, handwashing with gentle soap or detergent is recommended. It's also a good idea to spot test the fabric before applying any cleaning product. To wash faux suede, turn the garment inside out and place it in a mesh washing bag to protect it from zippers or buttons. Use a gentle detergent and a delicate cycle with cold water to preserve the colour. After washing, lay the coat flat to dry, as hanging it or using a dryer could affect its shape.

Check the care label

When washing a faux suede coat, it is important to check the care label. While most faux suede fabrics are machine washable, it is always good to check the label to be sure. If the label is missing or too worn to read, hand wash the coat with a gentle detergent and hang it to dry.

A care label with a washing basin full of water means that the coat can be machine washed. If there is a number as well, this indicates the temperature at which to wash the coat.

A basin with a hand means that the coat should be washed by hand. A square with a circle inside means that the coat can be tumble dried. A single circle means dry clean only, and a triangle means that it is safe to use bleach. If any of these symbols appear with an X or cross through them, this means that you cannot use that method of cleaning.

Before washing or cleaning any fabric, it is important to do a spot test to ensure that the cleaning product does not damage the fabric. Choose a small, inconspicuous spot on the fabric and apply a small amount of the desired cleaner. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes, then blot the area with a clean, white cloth. Check for colour bleeding, discoloration, or shrinking. If there are no signs of damage, the detergent is safe to use.

Spot test detergent

Spot testing your faux suede coat with detergent is a crucial step before you proceed with cleaning the entire garment. Here is a detailed guide on how to do it:

Choose an Inconspicuous Area

Select a small area of the fabric that is not easily visible, such as the inside lining of a jacket or the inside hem of a skirt. This is important to ensure that any potential discolouration or damage during the spot test is not noticeable.

Apply a Small Amount of Detergent

Take a small amount of the detergent or soap you plan to use for cleaning the coat and apply it to the chosen area. Use only a tiny quantity, as you would during the regular cleaning process.

Let it Sit for 5-10 Minutes

Once you have applied the detergent, let it sit on the fabric for a short period. The ideal duration is somewhere between five to ten minutes. This waiting period will allow you to observe any potential reaction between the detergent and the fabric.

Blot the Area with a Clean, White Cloth

After the waiting period, use a clean, dry, white cloth to blot the area. This step helps to remove the detergent from the fabric gently. Make sure the cloth is undyed to prevent any potential colour transfer onto the faux suede.

Check for Colour Bleeding, Discolouration, or Shrinking

After blotting the area, carefully examine the fabric for any signs of colour bleeding, discolouration, or shrinking. These issues could indicate that the detergent is not suitable for your faux suede coat.

Remove the Detergent with a Damp Cloth

If you observe any adverse effects, use a damp cloth to remove the detergent from the fabric gently. This step will help prevent further damage to the fabric.

Proceed with Cleaning if No Issues are Observed

If, after the spot test, you do not notice any colour bleeding, discolouration, or shrinking, it is likely safe to use the chosen detergent for cleaning your faux suede coat. However, if you do observe any issues, it is best to choose a different detergent and repeat the spot test process.

Machine wash

Machine-washing a faux suede coat is a straightforward process. First, check the care tag to see if your coat is machine-washable. The tag may have a trapezoid-shaped symbol with a number inside, indicating the water temperature, or a hand, indicating that it should only be spot cleaned by hand. If the tag is missing, it's best to hand wash the coat or take it to a professional cleaner.

If your coat is machine-washable, turn it inside out to prevent the fibres from snagging on zippers or buttons. Place the coat in a mesh washing bag and add it to the washing machine with a gentle detergent. Wash on a delicate cycle with cold water to preserve the colour of the coat.

After the cycle is complete, lay the coat flat to dry. Hanging the coat or putting it in the dryer could affect its shape. Instead, lay it on a flat surface and let it air-dry.

Hand wash

How to Hand Wash a Faux Suede Coat

Faux suede is a robust and durable fabric that is easy to care for and maintain. It is also more stain-resistant than real suede, but it is always good to spot-test your garment before attempting to clean it.

Spot Testing

Choose a small area of the coat, such as the inside lining of a jacket or the inside hem of a skirt, and apply a small amount of your chosen detergent. Leave it for around ten minutes, then blot the area dry with a clean, dry, white cloth. Check for any colour bleeding or shrinking. If there is no damage, the detergent is safe to use.

Spot Cleaning

For stubborn stains, use a clear alcohol such as rubbing alcohol or vodka, or a diluted detergent mix (one teaspoon of detergent to one cup of water). Apply the cleaner to the fabric with a clean sponge, then rub it in with a lint-free cloth, sponge, or a soft-bristled brush or toothbrush. Always use a sponge or cloth that is undyed to prevent colour transfer.

For larger areas such as the armpits, rub in a small amount of detergent and allow it to soak for ten minutes before washing. For food and drink stains, use a detergent that contains enzymes to lift stains.

If your faux suede coat is not machine washable, fill a sink or large bowl with warm water and add a capful of gentle detergent. Mix the water, then place the coat in the water and leave to soak for around ten minutes. Move the fabric around in the water, concentrating on heavily stained areas.

Once washed, rinse the coat in warm water to remove the detergent. Unless the care label says it is safe to tumble dry, dry the coat on a towel or a clothesline.

Drying and Brushing

Once the coat is dry, if it feels stiff, brush the surface with a soft-bristled brush to soften the fabric.

Dry

Hang-drying

If your faux suede coat is machine washable, it is safe to hang-dry the item. However, avoid direct sunlight as this may cause the fabric to fade. Instead, opt for a shady spot with good airflow.

Lay-flat drying

You can also lay your faux suede coat flat on a towel to dry. This method is suitable for items that are hand-washed or spot-cleaned. Similar to hang-drying, avoid direct sunlight and choose a well-ventilated area to prevent discolouration and musty odours.

Blow-drying

For wet faux suede furniture, a blow dryer can be used to speed up the drying process. Set the blow dryer to a cool or cold setting to prevent water stains.

Newspaper

When drying faux suede shoes, stuff them with newspaper to help retain their shape while they dry. Replace the newspaper if it becomes damp.

If the care label on your faux suede coat indicates "dry-clean only", take the item to a professional cleaner. They will have the necessary equipment and expertise to safely dry your coat without causing any damage.

Frequently asked questions