A pair of soft suede boots or a fluffy suede jacket is a luxurious addition to your wardrobe. But suede, a type of leather made from the soft underside of an animal hide, isn’t as durable as traditional leather and tends to scratch and stain more easily. Fortunately, you can keep your suede looking its best by cleaning and protecting it regularly.
How to care for suede
Suede is a natural material that is difficult to keep in good condition for long. However, don’t be put off – it can usually be cleaned without the use of liquids, as we all know that suede and liquids don’t mix. Whether you want to keep old suede objects (a pair of shoes, clothes, hats, furnishings, accessories…) looking like new or rejuvenate them, all you need to do is follow the right method to restore them to their original appearance.
Waterproofing suede
Suede should never be cleaned with water. Using water alone to clean suede will affect both its color and texture. When it loses its texture, it loses its value.
Protecting your suede
To minimize damage, always protect your suede properly. Get yourself a protective spray. A thin application should provide several months’ protection. Don’t forget to brush before and after spraying.
Brush your suede
To remove the small traces of dirt and dust that accumulate daily, use a soft bristle brush with light, quick strokes to avoid damaging the delicate fabric. You can also use a suede eraser to remove small imperfections.
Use a toothbrush to revive suede
If your suede is starting to look flattened and tired, use a clean toothbrush to scrub it. If it’s in very poor condition, steam dampen your suede for a few seconds, then brush it vigorously.
Remove stains from suede
There will be times when water or other liquid spills onto your precious suede. To treat this, pat the area with a clean cloth or towel, then apply talcum powder or corn flour to the affected area. Leave overnight, then brush dry with a suede brush to remove the powder and restore the suede’s fluffy feel.
Treating a dry stain on suede
Dry scab-forming stains need to be treated differently from liquid stains. First, rub the dirt away with a professional suede eraser or scraper, then wipe with a clean cloth soaked in white vinegar, then leave to dry. Repeat until the stain disappears.
Get professional help
If your stain is too old or too deep and none of these tips has worked for you, you’re left with “dry-cleaning“.
How to preserve suede?
The final factor in maintaining suede items is to know how to store them, and there are a few golden rules to follow to achieve this:
- keep them out of direct sunlight to avoid discoloration ;
- keep them in a cool, dry place away from humidity;
- keep them away from heat sources such as radiators;
- let them air-dry if they get wet;
- store them in bags when not in use.
Follow these steps to care for your suede and you can be sure that it will be kept in the best possible condition and last as long as possible.
