Content

• To step
• Method 1 of 3: Daily suede care
• Method 2 of 3: Remove stains from suede
• Method 3 of 3: Tackle stubborn stains
• Warnings
• Necessities

In contrast to synthetic suede, suede is made from the soft inside of cow, deer or pig hide. Garments, shoes, handbags and other accessories made from suede are delicate and beautiful, but wear out easily and are very prone to staining. This article will give you information about daily suede care and how to remove dirt and stains.

To step

Method 1 of 3: Daily suede care

1. Use a suede brush. A suede brush usually has one side with iron bristles to brush away debris and one side with rubber bristles to brush up the fibers of the suede. Gently brush your suede jacket, shoes or accessories first with the soft side and then the side with iron bristles.
   • Use the brush to remove the dirt and dust that has accumulated on the suede. You can also repair scuffs with the brush.
   • If the suede is muddy, let the mud dry before brushing it off.
   • Brush in the direction of the fibers to avoid tearing or damaging the suede.
   • Avoid brushing too hard with the iron bristles. Use gentle, short strokes to restore the fibers so that they rise again.
   • You can also use a toothbrush or a rough cloth.
2. Use a suede protective spray. You can purchase suede protective sprays from leather stores or other suede stores. Such a spray protects the suede against water and other influences that could cause stains or damage.
   • Spray the entire surface of the suede with the protective spray. Make sure you do not soak any place while doing this. Let the suede dry as instructed on the spray packaging.
   • Use the protective spray at least once a year to keep the suede in excellent condition.
3. Wear the suede properly. Do not wear suede in conditions where it could be damaged, such as when it rains or snows. Hot, humid weather is also not optimal for suede.
   • Do not spray the suede with perfume, eau de toilette, hairspray or other products containing chemicals that could damage the suede.
   • Protect suede from sweat and skin oil by wearing a layer of clothing between the suede and your skin.Socks, shirts and scarves all come in handy to protect the suede from this type of stain.
4. Store the suede properly. Do not leave suede clothing and shoes in the sun. This can cause the leather to fade and warp. Store suede clothing and shoes in a cool, dark closet.
   • Wrap items you don't often use in sheets or pillowcases, or store them between sheets of white paper.
   • Do not wrap suede items in newspapers. The ink can penetrate into the leather.

Method 2 of 3: Remove stains from suede

1. Do not allow stains to set. Treat stains immediately after they appear. The longer a stain remains in the suede, the greater the chance that the stain will be permanently set into the leather.
2. Prepare the suede item for cleaning. Before using techniques or products to remove the stain from the suede, rub the surface of the object with a clean towel. This will raise the fibers and prepare the surface for cleaning.
3. Remove dry stains with a pencil eraser. Do not use a pink eraser. This can cause pink dye to get onto the suede. Instead, use a colorless, white, or brown pencil eraser.
   • If you cannot remove the stain with a pencil eraser, gently rub the dry stain with a nail file.
   • Do not use chemical stain remover. This could cause even more damage to the suede, especially if it is not intended for suede.
4. Remove water stains by dabbing up the water immediately. Use a cloth to blot up the moisture. Do not exert too much pressure. This allows the water to penetrate deeper into the leather. Let the water dry after dabbing.
   • If a dried water stain is a different color from the rest of the suede, try spraying a thin mist of water all over the item. Then let the object dry. This way, the stain will no longer stand out.
   • If your suede shoes get soaked, put paper or a shoehorn in them before letting them dry. This way you prevent the suede from deforming.
5. Remove coffee, juice and tea stains with a paper towel. Place a piece of paper towel directly on top of the stain and then place a second piece of paper towel over it. Apply pressure to the stain with your hands or by placing books on top of paper towels.
   • Try rubbing the stain out of the suede with a wet paper towel dipped in white vinegar. Do not wet the suede completely. Only use the damp paper towel to wipe the suede.
6. Remove oil and grease stains with baking soda. Blot up the excess oil and sprinkle baking soda on the area. Leave this on for a few hours and then brush it away with a suede brush.

Method 3 of 3: Tackle stubborn stains

1. Use a leather cleaner specifically designed for suede. If none of the techniques you've tried seem to work, get a special leather cleaner. Such a cleaner can be used to remove oil and grease stains from suede shoes and clothing.
   • If possible, use a cleanser that consists of natural ingredients. Some leather cleaners do more harm than good.
2. Consider getting the suede professionally cleaned. This can be expensive, but sometimes getting the help of an expert is the safest and most effective way to care for suede items.
   • If you have suede garments, take them to a dry cleaner that also cleans suede. Ask a dry cleaner if they also clean suede handbags and other accessories.
   • If you have suede shoes, take them to a shoe repairman. Shoe repairers have the right skills and equipment to tackle the toughest stains.

Warnings

• Never keep suede clothing, shoes and other items in plastic.
• Not all suede items can be cleaned in the same way. Make sure to read labels and follow cleaning instructions.

Necessities

• Clean towel
• Suede brush / toothbrush / nail file
• White or brown eraser
• White vinegar
• Leather cleaner for suede
• Protective spray