Description of eco-leather: its differences from genuine leather and its substitutes

A lot of things are made of artificial materials. From winter to summer clothes. This article talks about how to care for eco-leather and what is needed for this.

What is eco-leather

The fabric is made of two layers, and a woven fabric is used as the base. A polyurethane coating is applied on top, which is painted in the desired tone and thus structures the fabric. Polymer is a solution consisting of a large number of organic and inorganic compounds. For example, it can be cellulose, rubber, jute.

Advantages of eco-leather products

When creating eco-leather, no special costs are needed to breed animals - only material and chemicals are needed. Other advantages include:

• Strength of the canvas;
• Does not cause allergies;
• Stretchability;
• Large selection of colors and patterns;
• The material holds its shape;
• Easy to care for;
• It lets water through, so it's not hot;
• Air circulation;
• Frost resistant;
• You can choose any size of fabric;
• No animals were harmed in production;
• A little worse than genuine leather, but much cheaper;
• No chemical smells.

How to distinguish leather from eco-leather

The difference between leather and eco-leather can be understood only by touch. Eco-leather is quite breathable and pleasant, unlike real leather. When buying things, it is difficult to understand how natural fabric will differ from artificial, but knowing some nuances, it is quite possible.

Furniture or car covers. If you put your palm on the product, it will start to heat up and sweat, this only happens with natural material. Quilted eco-leather is usually purchased for covers. It can be distinguished by the use of linings.

When buying bags, you need to carefully examine the seams and zippers. The edges of natural fabrics will be clearly visible. When buying clothes, you need to look at the label. Products made of natural fabric will have a leather sample sewn on. Natural material is more durable than artificial. Types of eco-leather can be perforated or self-adhesive. It can contain polyurethane or polymer. In production, it can be pressed or made with foam rubber. Certain types are distinguished by the type of thread used.

How to distinguish eco-leather from leatherette

Eco-leather is a material that is made from PVC fabric, so it is harder and denser. Such fabric is used to produce cheap, poor quality products. You need to hold the product in your hands, eco-leather will be pleasant and warm, and leatherette will be like a piece of plastic. Leatherette emits a pungent chemical smell.

General principles of care

Caring for eco-leather involves following general rules.

Basic care instructions:

• Clean the product regularly with a soft cloth;
• Remove fresh stains only with a soft sponge or flannel cloth, avoiding the use of brushes;
• Buy non-aggressive cleaning products that do not contain abrasive additives or bleaches;
• Wipe the surface with circular movements;
• Use special solutions to protect the fabric from drying out, prevent dryness and give it softness and shine;
• Protect eco-leather fabrics from exposure to ultraviolet radiation;
• Dry the items naturally, away from radiators.

Car interior care

Caring for eco-leather in a car involves wet cleaning. You need to care for the interior as it gets dirty. Complex cleaning can be done about 2 times a month. In this case, the covers will last a very long time. But you can’t wash car covers too often. If dirt appears, it is advisable to remove it immediately, because it can penetrate deep into the fabric.

It is important to purchase products specifically for cleaning car interiors, do not use acetones or solvents. Clean only with microfiber. Before starting, be sure to vacuum the interior with a thin nozzle.

How to care for an eco-leather sofa

Eco-leather sofas can be corner, quilted, straight or diamond-shaped. They are mainly produced in Turkey and Belarus. Basic rules:

• It is forbidden to place sofas near radiators or under direct ultraviolet light. In sunlight, the upholstery quickly fades and cracks form on it;
• Remove dust with a damp cloth;
• If there are a lot of stains, they can be removed with soapy water;
• Greasy stains can be removed well with shaving foam;
• Ink and paint can be removed with ammonia mixed with water;
• A beige sofa can be wiped with warm milk;
• Brown eco-leather is cleaned with peroxide.

For sofas, armchairs and beds, stretch eco-leather is mainly used.

The subtleties of shoe care

Description of care rules:

• Wipe regularly with a damp cloth; for stubborn stains, use a special spray;
• Water should not get inside the shoes;
• Use water-repellent impregnations;
• Use shoe spray paint occasionally.

Eco-leather for bags and shoes is taken of the same type.

How to clean eco-leather items quickly and easily

This material almost never gets dirty and does not collect dust, but it needs to be cleaned at least twice a month.

Before starting any care, you need to read the information on the label.

Basically, manufacturers write washing rules up to spinning. Some materials can be washed at any temperature and also dried. And others only require delicate care.

How to clean a white eco-leather sofa

Basic cleaning rules:

• It is advisable to perform dry cleaning only. Spilled water should be removed immediately, otherwise the coating may swell;
• Fresh stains should be wiped with a sponge soaked in a soap solution;
• Heavy stains are best removed with shaving foam or ammonia;
• You cannot wash eco-leather with hot water.

Fighting stains

It is not always necessary to do a full wash. Even difficult stains can be removed in zones. It is only important to start cleaning immediately, and not to delay until the stain is absorbed. Before starting cleaning, you need to determine the type of contamination (paint, ink, grease, juice, etc.) And only then choose a method of removal.

Washing rules

Not all stains can be removed with a wet cloth. Also, many items, such as winter jackets and demi-season coats, sundresses, sweaters and pants, are made of different materials or decorated with small inserts. In this case, many people wonder whether it is possible to wash the item in the machine.

Whether washing is allowed or not is indicated on the label and nowhere else. Washing is allowed at a temperature of 40 degrees, with liquid powders. Drying should be horizontal. If eco-leather with foam rubber, then washing is prohibited.

Can eco-leather be washed in a washing machine?

Basically, most factories indicate in the instructions permissions for washing eco-leather. Some materials require only delicate care and drying.

Prohibited care products for eco-leather

What should not be used:

• It is forbidden to use gasoline and White Spirit, they will immediately ruin the fabric;
• Do not use rough sponges or brushes that will scratch the surface;
• Do not dry near heating appliances or UV rays;
• Ironing is contraindicated.

How to dry

Basic drying rules:

• After washing, the water should drain on its own, do not wring it out;
• Next, the product must be placed on a thick towel;
• Place another identical towel on top;
• Soak up excess water;
• Light items should be dried on hangers, and heavy items on the surface;
• Black eco-leather dries at room temperature.

Smoothing it out

Some items can be ironed, but you need to monitor the temperature. The iron should be heated to 90 degrees. It is not advisable to use a steamer.

Storage Features

It is better to store eco-leather items in fabric bags. It is better not to put them in regular bags. The room should be cool, no higher than 20 degrees, and there should be no sunlight.

It is better to store outerwear on hangers in the closet. It should be hung according to the size of the product so that it does not wrinkle. It is better to store bags or sundresses folded in a box.

In conclusion, it should be noted that eco-leather is quite popular at the moment. It is almost as good as natural leather, although it is much cheaper. With proper care, it can last for several years. You can glue various products from it yourself.