Washing leatherette in a washing machine

High-quality imitation leather is virtually indistinguishable from genuine leather. It's just as smooth and durable, and looks expensive and sophisticated. The material is also practical to wear: it repels dirt, is moisture-resistant, and retains heat well. However, imitation leather also gets dirty over time and requires cleaning, which can be challenging. Let's find out whether imitation leather can be machine washed, what detergent to use, and how.

Can you get leatherette wet?

Standard washing, especially in a washing machine, is not recommended for leatherette items, and sometimes even prohibited. Although the material can withstand rain, soaking it is not recommended – 98% of leatherette items are water-intolerant. The manufacturer warns of this with a special symbol of a crossed-out basin on the tag.

The remaining 2% can be immersed in water, but with some restrictions. First, hand wash only. Second, avoid prolonged soaking; limit yourself to rinsing the item with a shower or ladle. Third, immediately remove all moisture from the fabric by blotting with a towel or napkin.

Products made from artificial leather cannot be washed in a washing machine – only surface wet cleaning is permitted!

However, full cleaning is usually not required – leatherette items are quite practical and can repel dirt and dust. To refresh your jacket or trousers, simply clean the garment quickly and with minimal use of water. The instructions are given below.

Cleaning without water

Waterless washing is a safe and equally effective alternative to machine washing. The key is to follow the instructions consistently and correctly. Dry cleaning begins with swabbing soiled areas with a cotton pad soaked in alcohol. Gently wipe the collar, cuffs, and pockets with the alcohol-soaked cotton pad.

Further actions depend on the degree and complexity of the existing contamination:

• shiny areas are treated with baking soda, which is mixed with water at room temperature and applied to the stains with a damp cloth;
• white streaks and greasy stains can be removed with lemon juice;
• Spilled wine is wiped off with a warm vinegar solution or soap with glycerin.

The cleaned areas of the leatherette are immediately treated with a damp cloth after the procedure and dried with flannel.

If a faux leather item gets stained on the lining, it's not necessary to wash the entire item. You can simply clean it on one side using a standard cleaning cycle: turn it inside out and blot the stain with soapy water or Vanish. White and light-colored fabrics can be bleached with oxygen bleach. Afterward, blot the fabric several times with a damp sponge and then dry.

Removing stubborn stains

Sometimes stubborn stains cannot be avoided. Stubborn stains can be removed using a mixture of liquid soap and glycerin. The instructions are as follows:

• mix two tablespoons of liquid soap and one portion of glycerin;
• apply a thin layer of the mixture to the stained area of ​​the jacket;
• leave the item for 10 minutes;
• rub the dirty area with a soft sponge;
• collect any remaining product with a damp cloth;
• wipe dry with a dry cloth.

To remove stubborn stains from leatherette, use Fill Inn cleaner or a mixture of glycerin and liquid soap.

Fill Inn, a special cleaner, is effective at removing stains from leatherette. It's completely safe for leather and easy to use. Simply shake the bottle, spray a thin, even layer over the stained area, rub in with a sponge, and let it sit for 2-3 minutes. Then, wipe away the stain and liquid with a dry cloth.

Getting rid of moisture

If you have to wash a leatherette item, it is important to ensure that it is completely and properly dried. To minimize the consequences of getting wet and protect the jacket from possible deformation, it is necessary to follow certain instructions. The following recommendations are in question:

• the leatherette is dried vertically (on a hanger) or horizontally (on an ironing board or a floor dryer);
• Leather skirts and trousers are dried inside out;
• Backpacks and bags made of faux leather are turned inside out before drying.

The leather substitute deforms at high temperatures and under direct ultraviolet light – it wrinkles and becomes covered with whitish spots.

• Artificial drying using a hair dryer or heating devices is prohibited;
• eco-leather does not tolerate direct sunlight (the material wrinkles in the sun);
• A ventilated room is selected for drying.

To speed up the drying of a faux leather item, stuff it with dry paper. The paper filling will quickly absorb moisture, so it's necessary to replace the filling periodically. It's best to use only white sheets, otherwise the ink from newspapers and magazines will transfer to the material, ruining it.

   

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