Category
Dr. Bronner's

Cleaning Microsuede

Cleaning Microsuede

My microsuede barstools and sofa rank at the top of my very short list of ultra-durable furniture. These pieces have withstood repeated and intense scrubbings. Everything from red Jell-O, ink, crayon, dog funk, peanut butter, chocolate, and countless other food products come off easily with the help of my Sal Suds.

Microsuede is a tightly woven fabric made from plant or synthetic materials. In look and feel it greatly resembles suede, without the cost, animal-impact, or uncleanability.

Here’s the recipe for my All-Purpose Cleaning Spray with Sal Suds to which I refer in the video:

  • Fill a spray bottle with 1 quart (1L) of water. Add 1 Tbsp. (15 mL) Sal Suds. (The water goes in first, or else you’ll be fighting the outpouring of bubbles if you try to fill it after the Sal Suds.)

Also, always test your fabric in an inconspicuous spot to make sure of color-fastness. Let your test spot dry before proceeding.

Further reading

Sal Suds cleaner shows >60% biodegradation after 28 days per ISO 14593

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Sherri says:

Will this help with dog odors on micro fiber couches?
Thanks
Sherri

Lisa Bronner says:

Hi Sherri- Yes, if you clean the microfiber, the dog odors will diminish. Another trick with odors is to sprinkle baking soda over the fabric and brush it in lightly. Let it sit for about 10 minutes and then vacuum it out.

Sal Suds Dilution Cheat Sheet says:

[…] Microsuede: Spray and scrub with a gentle circular motion. Cleaning Microsuede […]

Mindi says:

Hi, Lisa –

Does Sal Suds lift out skin oils that seem to show up at the top of the furniture as well as the arm rests on microsuede?

Lisa Bronner says:

Hi Mindi – Yes, it would be able to do this well. Use the same technique as in the video, except perhaps use a soft bristled brush after you spray the microsuede.

Lisa Bronner says:

Hi Shannon – I am very sorry for my delay here. Sal Suds does not have another name. In natural product stores, it would be in the house cleaning section – not with our castile soaps which are primarily for the body. It is also available online at Frontier Natural Foods, the Dr. Bronner’s website http://www.drbronner.com, Amazon and other sites. Google it and you will find a lot

All the best,
Lisa

Shannon says:

Where do I find this Sal Suds product and could it be listed as any other name?

Thank you,
Shannon

Lisa Bronner says:

Hi Tree – To prevent waterspots on microsuede, be sure to blend the edges of the wet part into the dry part with a dry cloth, using circular motions. You may want to do this a couple of times as it dries. Since microfiber has a nap to it (i.e. it looks different if you brush it in different directions), you may need to re-fluff the nap, if you will, after it dries. Take a dry cloth – perhaps a terry cloth with a little roughness to it (not too much) – and rub the fabric with circular motions.

All the best,
Lisa

Tree says:

I have always had water spots on micrsuede after cleaning (although I only last week purchased my first bottle of Dr Bronner’s). So, how do you prevent the water marks?

Tom says:

Another great video! Sal Suds is the best. What do you recommend to use on finished wood for polishing and or dusting?

Lisa Bronner says:

On a regular basis, a slightly damp microfiber cloth is the best option for polishing wood. However, for an occasional extra gleam, I have a mixture of olive oil, vinegar, lemon oil, and water (has to be shaken before each application). It’s about 2 tsp. olive oil, 1/4 c. vinegar, 20 drops lemon essential oil. Add it to a spray bottle and fill with water to 16 oz. Shake it up, spray it on and buff it off.

All the best,
Lisa

About Lisa Bronner

My grandfather was Dr. Bronner, my family makes soap, and I share ways to use it plus tips on greener living.

Learn about my book, Soap & Soul!

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