Many people favour faux-suede curtains as a more ethical, cost-effective, and easy-to-maintain fabric. It is recommended that you use a specialist dry-cleaning service at least once a year to clean suede fabrics as there is the risk of damaging or shrinking them if you get it wrong.
However, the invention of handheld steam cleaners has made it easier for people to take care of their own cleaning without the hefty price tag. There are also steps you can take to avoid visiting the dry cleaner too regularly or employing the services of an in-home cleaner. We will look at the options in this article.
Regular Dusting
To keep your curtains looking clean, dusting them regularly should be part of your cleaning routine. You can use a soft brush to remove any debris and then wipe your curtains with a slightly damp cloth to get rid of any surface dirt without wetting the fabric too much.
You should shake out your curtains before cleaning them. Their textured surface attracts dust, so this is an effective way to remove dirt with minimal effort.
Spot Stain Removal
As with most stains, the best way to treat them is to act quickly. The first thing you want to do is blot the area with kitchen roll or paper towels to remove the liquid. Avoid rubbing the area, as this tends to push stains deeper into heavier fabrics. If you have spilled water, you will not need to do anything but blot it and let it dry naturally.
Using Vinegar
If the stain is caused by a water-based liquid, you might want to try white vinegar or apple cider vinegar to remove it. Using a solution that is one-part vinegar and one-part water, gently wipe the area with a cloth. Ensure you test an inconspicuous section of the fabric first to make sure your solution doesn’t mark it. Again, be mindful of rubbing the stain too hard so that you don’t push it further into the fabric.
You can also apply a tiny amount of apple cider vinegar or white vinegar directly onto a stain without diluting it, but it’s a good idea to test the effect of this on a small area of suede that won’t be easily seen first. Let the material dry and then rub a soft brush over the area to restore the pile. You can wipe down the area with a slightly damp cloth if the vinegar smell is too strong.
Using Cornstarch
If the stain was caused by the spillage of something oily, such as lotions, snack foods, or grease, you can try to absorb the residue by applying cornstarch to the area. Leave the cornstarch on the oily spot for up to ten minutes before removing it with a soft brush or vacuuming the powder away.
Repeat this process for as long as it takes to ensure the grease is absorbed. Use a solution of water and vinegar with the same concentration mentioned above and gently wipe the area with a clean cloth. If the stain remains, it might be time to visit a professional cleaner. If not, wait until the area has dried and fluff up the suede with a soft brush to restore its natural look.
Toothbrush or Pencil Eraser Technique
If you want to have a go at removing stains yourself, you could try the toothbrush technique. Using a dry, soft-bristle toothbrush, gently rub the soiled area using gentle, circular motions. Don’t be tempted to apply too much pressure.
If the toothbrush doesn’t lift the stain, you can try the pencil eraser technique. Depending on what caused the stain, a quick rub with an eraser might just shift it. However, if it does not appear to be working straight away, resist the temptation to keep rubbing the stain, as the friction could cause damage to the material.
Using a Hand-Held Steam Cleaner
Suede can be steam cleaned but, because suede doesn’t like moisture, it would be better to try the more gentle cleaning approaches before resorting to this method. Much like the advice with all other products, it is vital to do a patch test on an inconspicuous area first. Steam cleaning can be a very efficient way to remove dirt, odours, and stains from suede curtains, but improper care can cause damage.
Suede is a delicate fabric and it’s important to avoid too much heat or moisture so if you are using this method, you must set the cleaner to a low temperature. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to the letter and ensure you are standing a suitable distance away from the fabric before beginning to clean. Using a steam cleaner is not dissimilar to using a hairdryer.
In the same way that you wouldn’t hold the appliance too close to your head, or leave it in one place for too long, ensure you move the steam cleaner in gentle, circular motions to ensure the even distribution of pressure and heat in small areas. Once the curtains have dried, you can brush them gently to restore them to their normal state.
Water and Stain Repellents
Accidents happen, and even the most careful of people will spill things from time to time. To avoid the need for professional cleaning services to remove difficult stains, you can ask manufacturers if products have been treated with specialist stain repellents before you buy them. An extra barrier against inevitable stains and spills will make cleaning your suede curtains much easier.
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