By Jenny Smith 
If you’ve found yourself typing how to wash suede sofa into a search bar, you’re not alone. While suede’s soft, velvety finish is one of the reasons we love this type of sofa, it also makes cleaning feel like a high-stakes mission.
In this guide, we’ll break down exactly how to care for a suede sofa—from basic maintenance and spot-cleaning to deep-cleaning tips that work without damaging the fabric. Whether yours is real suede or a microsuede alternative, we’ll help you keep it looking as elegant as the day you brought it home.
Understanding Suede: Real vs. Microsuede
Before diving into cleaning methods, it’s essential to determine whether your sofa is made from real suede or synthetic microsuede.
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Real suede is crafted from the underside of animal hides. It’s breathable and beautifully soft, but also sensitive to moisture, oils, and friction.
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Microsuede, on the other hand, is a synthetic fabric designed to look and feel like real suede. It’s generally more durable, easier to clean, and often more affordable.
How to tell the difference: Gently run your hand across the surface. Real suede will show subtle nap direction changes, while microsuede tends to feel smoother and more uniform. When in doubt, check the manufacturer’s tag or care label.
Regular Maintenance: Brushing and Vacuuming
To keep your suede sofa looking fresh and clean, begin with the basics:
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Use a suede brush: Gently brush your sofa once a week to lift dirt, restore the nap, and prevent fabric matting.
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Vacuum carefully: Use a vacuum with a soft brush attachment to remove pet hair, dust, and crumbs. Be gentle—high suction can wear down the surface over time.
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Rotate cushions to ensure even wear and minimize sagging or fabric aging in specific spots.
Spot Cleaning: Dealing with Light Stains
Minor spills and surface marks are inevitable, but here’s how to treat them without damage:
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Blot, don’t rub: Use a dry microfiber cloth to blot up spills as quickly as possible. Rubbing spreads the stain and may damage the nap.
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Use white vinegar or rubbing alcohol: Dampen a cloth with a small amount of white vinegar or 70% isopropyl alcohol. Gently dab the stain and let it air dry.
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Brush after drying: Once dry, use your suede brush to restore the nap’s texture.
Pro tip: For small scuff marks, a clean pencil eraser or dedicated suede eraser can help buff them out.
Odor Removal Tips: Keep It Fresh
If your suede sofa has developed odors (from pets, food, or daily use), try this:
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Sprinkle a light layer of baking soda across the surface.
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Let it sit for 15–20 minutes to absorb moisture and odors.
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Vacuum gently with a brush attachment.
This method is safe for both real and faux suede, and it’s a great way to refresh your living room without chemical sprays.
Removing Oil or Grease Stains
Greasy stains can be tricky on suede. Here’s a gentle home method:
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Pat a thin layer of cornstarch over the greasy area.
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Let it sit for several hours or overnight to absorb the oil.
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Vacuum and lightly brush the spot.
Avoid using water on oil-based stains, as it can cause them to spread.
Deep Cleaning a Suede Sofa
For Microsuede:
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Mix a small amount of mild dish soap with lukewarm water.
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Dip a microfiber cloth into the solution, wring out excess water, and wipe the surface in small circular motions.
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Rinse with another damp cloth and allow the sofa to air dry fully.
For Real Suede:
Because of its delicate nature, real suede is best handled by a professional upholstery cleaner. However, if you must DIY:
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Only use suede-safe cleaners (e.g., Bickmore Suede Cleaner, Guardsman Suede & Nubuck Cleaner).
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Never oversaturate the fabric.
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Always test any product on a hidden area first to prevent discoloration.
Fabric Protection: Prevent Future Stains
Once your sofa is clean, consider applying a suede protector spray to prevent future staining. These sprays create an invisible barrier against liquids and dirt. Again, always test on a hidden area before treating the full surface.
Pet-Proof Sofa Alternatives That Are Easier to Clean
If you’re tired of worrying about stains or fur buildup, consider switching to a pet-friendly option that still looks luxurious. For instance, the Sailboat Sofa with Adjustable Backrest Dog-Proof Couch features anti-scratch, waterproof fabric that mimics the look of suede while standing up to claws, spills, and daily wear. It’s ideal for households with kids and pets, and arrives fully assembled.
Another great option is the 2-3 Seater Modern Sleeper Gray Sofa Set, a large sofa designed with easy-care upholstery and built-in smart features. From movie nights to lazy Sundays, it’s perfect for modern lifestyles—and like all Povison sofas, it’s delivered fully assembled for maximum convenience.
Why Povison?
At Povison, we believe that elegance and practicality should go hand in hand. That’s why our sofas combine stunning design with family-friendly features like stain-resistant fabrics, pet-proof construction, and full assembly at delivery. Whether you’re searching for a suede-style couch or something completely maintenance-free, Povison’s fully assembled furniture offers peace of mind and lasting beauty.
Final Thoughts
Learning how to wash a suede sofa the right way can help extend the life of your furniture and keep it looking stylish for years. From quick fixes like baking soda and vinegar to smart upgrades like Povison’s easy-care designs, you have more options than ever for keeping your living room spotless and inviting.
Explore our full collection of fully assembled sofas and smart furniture solutions today at Povison—where comfort meets craftsmanship.
This breakdown of real suede vs. microsuede was really helpful—it’s easy to forget how different the cleaning methods can be depending on the material. One thing I’ve found useful for spot-cleaning microsuede is gently using a white pencil eraser before applying any moisture, especially on older stains.