Question: “how do you clean cat throw up off of a suede bed spread?”
Suede is a type of leather that is created from the underside of the hide. The fibers are buffed and raised to give it a velvety touch. If stains develop on your suede pieces, it is best to have them professionally cleaned. However, if you choose to remove the cat vomit stain yourself, here are some methods and guidelines to help.
Removing Dried Stains
You Will Need:
- Soft cloth
- Pencil eraser
- Nail file or fine sandpaper
- Suede brush
The Removal Process:
*Because you can never be sure of the exact treatments used in the production of the suede fabric, always test a small, hidden area first to check for any damage or discoloration.
- Use the soft cloth to gently rub the area and remove as much of the stain as possible. This rubbing will also restore some of the texture to the nap.
- Rub the area gently with a pencil eraser to rub away the stain.
- If the stain requires more than a pencil eraser, gently rub the area with either a nail file or sandpaper to remove the stained area.
- When the stain is removed, brush the area with a suede brush.
Removing Wet Stains
You Will Need:
- Soft cloth
- Suede brush
The Removal Process:
- The first step is to draw out as much moisture as possible. Lay the soft cloth on top of the stain and apply a small amount of pressure to blot out as much of the moisture as possible.
- Allow the area to dry completely.
- If the stain remains, remove it following the steps for removing dried stains found above.
- When the stain is removed, brush with a suede brush to restore the nap.
Removing Vomit Stains
You Will Need:
- Spoon
- Mild soap
- Sponge
- Soft cloth
- Lukewarm water
- Suede brush
The Removal Process:
*Because you can never be sure of the exact treatments used in the production of the suede fabric, always test a small, hidden area first to check for any damage or discoloration.
- Carefully scrape away any solids using a spoon or similar dull edge.
- Mix a small amount of soap into the lukewarm water. Swish the water around until a good amount of suds form on the top.
- Use the sponge to apply ONLY the suds to the stained area.
- Dampen a soft cloth with clean water and use that to rinse the area.
- Wipe dry with a clean dry cloth.
- Allow to dry completely.
- Once dry, brush the area with a suede brush.
Additional Tips and Advice
- Folex Instant Carpet Spot Remover has been found helpful by some for removing large stains, such as pet stains, from suede furniture. As with any chemical cleaner, test a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure there is no damage or discoloration to the fabric.
- Dirt and some minor stains can be removed by rubbing a dry, stale piece of bread on the affected area. Allow the bread to dry a few days before use so that it is dry and hard.
- Applying a protective spray to your suede piece will help to minimize stains in the future.
- If ever you are unsure of how to treat the stain, seek professional advice and/or have the piece cleaned professionally.
Karen says
It works! The nail file option is the best. Thanks for posting!
Joyce says
Thank you! I can’t believe my cat threw up on a chair I upholstered myself with deer hide, with the suede-side up.
Toni says
I have a light blue suede upholstered bench. I just spilled something from dinner on it; no clue what it is. 🙁 I immediately put a dry cloth to pick up any wetness, then put cold water on it and tried to soak up any wetness again. I have a stain left. 🙁 Help????
Janey says
I bought a brand new pair of suede shoes and immediately spilled coffee on them. I tried everything I could think of, but the stains didn’t come out. I never would’ve thought to use a nail file. Thank you so much for the tip; you saved my shoes!
Hope says
I have an buckskin love seat and sofa. Our dog got blood on it from a sore and I have tried everything to get the blood out. No dry cleaners will clean the covers. What can I do to get the blood out?
Melanie says
Hope,
If the suede is faux suede, you can use an enzyme digester like Kids ‘N’ Pets or Nature’s Miracle. These are available on the pet aisle of most supermarkets, and also at pet stores. If it is genuine suede, try using hydrogen peroxide or a suede cleaner. If those don’t work, you can use a nail file to file off the stained areas on the suede, then use a suede brush or dry towel to rub up the nap. Good luck!