How to Care for Faux Leather & Faux Suede Clothing

🧼 How to Care for Faux Leather & Faux Suede Clothing

Your ultimate guide to keeping vegan fabrics looking fresh

Faux leather and faux suede offer all the sleek, luxurious style of real leather—without the cruelty or high maintenance. But while they’re both easier to care for than their animal-based counterparts, they still need a little love to stay at their best.

Here’s how to clean, condition, and protect your shiny pieces for the long haul.

🖤 Faux Leather Care Guide

  • Detergent: Use a gentle detergent
  • Water Temperature: Cold to warm (never hot!)
  • Drying: Always air-dry — avoid the dryer
  • Special Treatments: Apply a faux leather conditioner occasionally to prevent cracking
  • How Often to Wash: After each use or when visibly soiled
  • Iron Settings: Low heat only (read below for safe ironing)

👉 Ironing Faux Leather

  • Turn the garment inside out
  • Place a pressing cloth (like a cotton pillowcase) over it
  • Use the lowest heat setting on your iron
  • Never leave the iron in one place too long — faux leather can melt, and once it does, it can’t be fixed

🤎 Faux Suede Care Guide

  • Detergent: Mild detergent or specialty suede cleaner
  • Water Temperature: Cold water only
  • Washing Method: Hand-wash preferred; use a mesh bag if machine washing
  • Drying: Lay flat to air-dry — never tumble dry
  • Special Tools: Use a suede brush to lift the nap after drying
  • How Often to Wash: Only when needed — spot clean whenever possible

👉 Extra Faux Suede Tips

  • Never soak faux suede for long periods
  • For oil-based stains, sprinkle cornstarch and let sit before brushing off
  • Always store in a cool, dry place to avoid warping or odor

💡 Bonus Tips for Both Materials

  • Avoid harsh chemicals or bleach
  • Spot test any cleaner before applying it to the full garment
  • Store hanging or folded with tissue paper to prevent creases
  • Keep away from direct sunlight for long periods (it can fade or dry the material)

🧽 Keep It Shiny, Not Stressed

Faux leather and suede are built to last — and with just a bit of mindful care, your pieces from Your Shiny Clothes will stay smooth, soft, and stylish for seasons to come.

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