Faux leather, also known as vegan leather or pleather, offers a stylish, cost-effective, and often more sustainable alternative to genuine leather. It also boasts the advantage of being simpler to clean and maintain. Here’s a comprehensive guide to caring for your faux leather items.
Can you wash faux leather?
Unlike genuine leather, which typically requires professional dry cleaning, faux leather can usually be washed. In fact, the chemicals used in dry cleaning can sometimes damage the synthetic materials that make up faux leather. Always consult the item’s care label before washing, as care instructions can vary. If you’re unsure, professional cleaning services can offer guidance.
How to wash faux leather
Even when machine washing is an option, faux leather garments need gentle handling. Avoid simply tossing them into a regular wash cycle. Follow these steps for effective home washing:
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Turn your faux leather item (such as pants, jackets, or dresses) inside out before washing.
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Place the garment inside a mesh laundry bag. This protective step prevents the material from snagging or tearing on other items or parts of the washing machine.
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Select the delicate cycle on your washing machine. Use cold water and the lowest spin speed setting. Opt for a detergent specifically formulated for delicate fabrics.
How to dry faux leather
While faux leather generally holds up well in the wash, it should never be placed in a machine dryer. Instead, air dry your items by laying them flat on a drying rack or hanging them on a hanger.
How to remove wrinkles from faux leather
Wrinkles can appear on faux leather after drying. Fortunately, several methods can help smooth them out:
Use a steamer on faux leather
A garment steamer is the most effective tool for removing wrinkles from faux leather. If a steamer isn’t available, you can use an iron on its steam setting. Hold the iron a few inches above the fabric, allowing the steam to relax the wrinkles without the iron directly touching the material.
Use freshening spray on faux leather
Commercial freshening sprays can be used to gently smooth out minor wrinkles or to refresh your faux leather items between washes. These sprays are particularly useful for eliminating odors and bacteria when full washing isn’t necessary after each wear.
Consider professional laundry services
For items that require specialized care or for your peace of mind, professional laundry services can be a reliable option. Many services offer gentle washing solutions tailored for synthetic materials like faux leather, ensuring your garments are cleaned effectively and safely.
We hope this guide has equipped you with the knowledge to keep your faux leather looking its best; for more tips on maintaining your wardrobe, explore our Blog.
