How do I clean a suede ottoman that just came out of storage?

Jeannie Bradley
by Jeannie Bradley
A friend gave me a dark green faux suede ottoman that had been stored in her garage. How do I clean it. I vaccumed it. Also could it be painted?

  7 answers
  • Dysko7710 Dysko7710 on Jul 16, 2017

    I have never painted cloth furniture, but I know people have, I have reupholstered stools/ottomans, it's easy you can either use a staple gun or, like I did, use a glue gun:

    https://www.suburble.com/2013/07/the-no-sew-way-to-recover-an-ottoman.html

    http://www.diynetwork.com/how-to/make-and-decorate/crafts/how-to-re-cover-an-upholstered-ottoman

  • Deanna Nassar Deanna Nassar on Jul 16, 2017

    There used to be a spray cleaner for suede. Lot of people used it when Hush Puppies were very popular. I wouldn't recommend paint. That would make the nap stiff and be hard to get into some spots. Maybe dye would work.

  • Yes, it can be painted. there are several fabric paints, including chalk paint. As for cleaning, maybe this link can help you

    http://www.wikihow.com/Clean-Microsuede-Furniture

  • Jewellmartin Jewellmartin on Jul 16, 2017

    Since it's faux suede, then it's probably some type of polyester. You could use spray carpet and upholstery cleaner, according to directions. Or you could make a stiff meringue of Dawn, vinegar, and water in equal amounts, using a mixer or a blender. The stuff suds will be used to clean the suede. You don't want the ottoman to get very wet because you don't know what the stuffing is. Leave the suds on until the bubbles start going down, scrub the surface with a cleaning brush, then wipe all the suds off. Let the ottoman dry overnight, although an electric fan or blow drier will help dry deeper. Once completely dry, then you can paint the fabric. If you want to drastically change the color, you may want to use Gesso or another primer, then whatever paint you wish, in several thin coats, drying after every coat, and finishing up with Scotch Guard. Or you can spray paint the whole thing a couple of times, but I wouldn't try to do any delicate stenciling. Best wishes 😇

  • Sally Sally on Jul 16, 2017

    would rubbing alcohol work? I saw something about that once.

  • Sally Sally on Jul 16, 2017

    I think you have to saturate the surface and rub it down really well with a similarly colored sponge.

  • Johnavallance82 Johnavallance82 on Jul 16, 2017

    Try Wet Wipes. If it doesn't work - Chalk Paint then Seal