HOW TO: Clean Alcantara (Faux Suede)
07-21-2010 | 09:02 PM
#1
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FormerVendor
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 1,134
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From: Boulder, Colorado
HOW TO: Clean Alcantara (Faux Suede)
The question gets asked so often I figured I might as well pound out a writeup... though I no longer own a TBSS the amount of new cars that have alcantara inserts is increasing.
FIRST OFF -- WHAT IS ALCANTARA?
Alcantara is the name given to a composite material used to cover surfaces in a variety of situations and applications, but most commonly seating surfaces in automobiles. It looks and feels like suede leather, many people make the mistake of assuming it is leather, and is commonly featured as an upgrade in many car models. Its also featured in higher end exotics, sports, and luxury cars, as well as custom aftermarket interiors.
HOW DO I CLEAN IT?
Its important to understand Alcantara does not respond well to most chemical cleaners, as a matter of fact, many chemical cleaners will actually discolor or change the texture of the material permanently ruining the benefit of having such a nice material on the interior surfaces of a vehicle.
Prevention of stains is the most important thing to keeping an Alcantara surface clean, but accidents happen. In the event you do spill something or do notice a discolored spot the sooner you act the better. The longer a stain is allowed to sit the less likely you'll be able to remove it.
In the event you do get a stain, act quickly (within 30 minutes) and begin treating the stain from the outside edge into the center in order to avoid
the stain spreading. Never pour a cleaning product directly onto Alcantara!!
Before attempting to remove the stain, remove any of the excess spill or substance that has fallen on the upholstery:
If the stain is no longer water soluble:
Depending on the type of stain start with the specific recommendations above. (water or lemon juice) In the event these do not work pure ethyl alcohol (available at most pharmacies) and follow the instructions below. Keep in mind this is a method of last resort and should only be attempted if none of the previous methods have worked.
Rub with ethyl alcohol, then with water and rinse. Leave the vehicle in a dry environment with the doors or windows open and allow the area to dry. Repeat the alcohol treatment as needed or until there is no longer any improvement in the stains appearance.
FIRST OFF -- WHAT IS ALCANTARA?
Alcantara is the name given to a composite material used to cover surfaces in a variety of situations and applications, but most commonly seating surfaces in automobiles. It looks and feels like suede leather, many people make the mistake of assuming it is leather, and is commonly featured as an upgrade in many car models. Its also featured in higher end exotics, sports, and luxury cars, as well as custom aftermarket interiors.
HOW DO I CLEAN IT?
Its important to understand Alcantara does not respond well to most chemical cleaners, as a matter of fact, many chemical cleaners will actually discolor or change the texture of the material permanently ruining the benefit of having such a nice material on the interior surfaces of a vehicle.
Daily cleaning and regular maintenance - I recommend the use of a medium-soft bristled brush, like the Adam’s Interior Brush, to essentially fluff and renew the material. As you sit on the seat the material will become matted or tired looking, a quick brushing will revive the material and bring it back to life. Be sure to vacuum first to remove and debris then brush in both directions. In the event you do not have a brush a clean, dry, lint free, microfiber towel will work.
For a more thorough cleaning - Start with a clean, lint free, microfiber towel and spray a light mist of Adam's Carpet & Upholstery Cleaner onto the towel. Gently wipe at any soiled areas or wipe the entire surface if its been awhile since the previous cleaning. NEVER SPRAY THE CLEANER DIRETLY ONTO THE ALCANTARA!! Flip the towel to a clean side and repeat as needed.
After the surface has been cleaned use a 2nd, dry, lint free, microfiber towel to remove any moisture and follow with a brush to re-fluff the material. Its important not to use too much product, a very light misting of cleaner onto the towel is all thats needed.
BUT WHAT IF I HAVE STAINS?For a more thorough cleaning - Start with a clean, lint free, microfiber towel and spray a light mist of Adam's Carpet & Upholstery Cleaner onto the towel. Gently wipe at any soiled areas or wipe the entire surface if its been awhile since the previous cleaning. NEVER SPRAY THE CLEANER DIRETLY ONTO THE ALCANTARA!! Flip the towel to a clean side and repeat as needed.
After the surface has been cleaned use a 2nd, dry, lint free, microfiber towel to remove any moisture and follow with a brush to re-fluff the material. Its important not to use too much product, a very light misting of cleaner onto the towel is all thats needed.
Prevention of stains is the most important thing to keeping an Alcantara surface clean, but accidents happen. In the event you do spill something or do notice a discolored spot the sooner you act the better. The longer a stain is allowed to sit the less likely you'll be able to remove it.
In the event you do get a stain, act quickly (within 30 minutes) and begin treating the stain from the outside edge into the center in order to avoid
the stain spreading. Never pour a cleaning product directly onto Alcantara!!
Before attempting to remove the stain, remove any of the excess spill or substance that has fallen on the upholstery:
If its a very liquid substance like soda or juice use an absorbent towel, a waffle weave microfiber being ideal. You can also use a sponge or synthetic chamois (water sprite, absorber, etc.)
If its a thicker substance, yogurt, milk shake, smoothie, etc. use a spatula or spoon to scrape as much off of the surface as you can. If you have a wet/dry shop vac use that to remove the excess. Avoid rubbing to prevent the stain from spreading or going deeper into the material.
After the bulk of the spill or contamination is removed use a white cloth or a well wrung sponge for the removal of as much of the stain as you can. If you use a sponge, rinse it in clean water and wring it well between each pass. Try to wipe as little as possible, blot as much as possible, apply pressure to get any liquid up into the sponge.
For the specific treatment of the different types of stains follow the instructions below:If its a thicker substance, yogurt, milk shake, smoothie, etc. use a spatula or spoon to scrape as much off of the surface as you can. If you have a wet/dry shop vac use that to remove the excess. Avoid rubbing to prevent the stain from spreading or going deeper into the material.
After the bulk of the spill or contamination is removed use a white cloth or a well wrung sponge for the removal of as much of the stain as you can. If you use a sponge, rinse it in clean water and wring it well between each pass. Try to wipe as little as possible, blot as much as possible, apply pressure to get any liquid up into the sponge.
- Fruit juice, jam, jelly, syrup, ketchup: Use lukewarm water, rinse by dabbing with clean water, rinsing and wringing the towel or sponge often.
- Blood, egg, excrement, urine: Use cold water; avoid warm water because it makes these substances coagulate, rinse by dabbing with clean water, rinsing and wringing the towel or sponge often.
- Liquors, alcoholic beverages, wine, beer, coke and tea: Use lukewarm water; if the colour mark remains, treat it with lemon juice and then rinse it well.
- Pencil, pastry, cream, chocolate, ice-cream, mustard: Use lukewarm water; rinse by dabbing with clean water rinsing and wringing the towel or sponge often.
- Hair gel, tomato sauce, coffee with sugar: Use lemon juice and then wipe with lukewarm water; rinse by dabbing with clean water, rinsing and wringing the towel or sponge often.
If the stain is no longer water soluble:
Depending on the type of stain start with the specific recommendations above. (water or lemon juice) In the event these do not work pure ethyl alcohol (available at most pharmacies) and follow the instructions below. Keep in mind this is a method of last resort and should only be attempted if none of the previous methods have worked.
Rub with ethyl alcohol, then with water and rinse. Leave the vehicle in a dry environment with the doors or windows open and allow the area to dry. Repeat the alcohol treatment as needed or until there is no longer any improvement in the stains appearance.
07-24-2010 | 11:36 PM
#4
I dont touch alcantara when I detail a car, excapt for a vacuuming and brushing. I personally have never seen the stuff cleaned with a cleaner and come out looking the same. Ill have to try the light misting on a MF and wiping as you suggested. Thanks!
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