Content

• To step
• Method 1 of 3: Remove stains from suede with a brush and an eraser
• Method 2 of 3: Remove stubborn stains from suede
• Method 3 of 3: Getting oil stains out of suede
• Tips

Suede is a type of leather with a soft, brushed finish. Just like leather, suede must be cared for in a special way and cleaned by hand. When removing stains from suede you work as efficiently and quickly as possible to damage the suede as little as possible and to leave as little residue as possible. Since water and cleaners can stain suede, you need to be careful about what you use when cleaning.

To step

Method 1 of 3: Remove stains from suede with a brush and an eraser

1. Brush the dirty spots on the suede. You can purchase brushes specifically designed for cleaning suede at home and shoe stores. However, you can also use a toothbrush or a regular scrubbing brush.
   • The bristles on the brush must be quite hard to properly clean the suede.
   • This method works well to remove black streaks and dirty marks from suede shoes, which is important to restore suede.
   • First, lightly brush the suede in a single direction to remove the top layer of dirt.
   • Then brush back and forth over the area with the stain. Use short, quick strokes to avoid leaving marks on the suede.
2. Treat the stain with an eraser. When you have removed as much dirt as possible, run an eraser over the stain.
   • A pencil eraser is best for this. Do not use a colored eraser, as this can actually make the stain worse instead of removing it.
   • Don't be afraid to rub the stain vigorously.
   • Consider placing a towel where you work, as small pieces of eraser can fall on the floor, the table, and your clothes.
3. Repeat the process. Treat the stain in the suede several times with a brush and eraser before trying any other stain removal method. It can take a while and take some effort to really get rid of a stain.
   • This is a good method because you do not use any agents that can stain the suede and damage the suede.

Method 2 of 3: Remove stubborn stains from suede

1. Apply white vinegar to the stain. The vinegar will help break down the stain and bring it to the surface so you can wipe it away.
   • Vinegar does not stain and is therefore suitable for cleaning suede. It is also a natural remedy.
   • Dampen a clean cloth or cotton ball with vinegar and lightly wipe the stain.
   • If the cloth or cotton ball gets dirty while cleaning, get a new one so you don't rub the dirt back on the suede.
2. Use rubbing alcohol to remove ink stains. If the stain is still wet, try to absorb as much ink as possible with a clean cloth first. Then use rubbing alcohol.
   • Put rubbing alcohol on a cotton ball. Then dab the stain with it.
   • Repeat this a few times with clean cotton balls.
   • Make sure you don't put a lot of pressure on the suede.
3. Repeat the process and be patient. Instead of rubbing hard with a cotton ball or cloth and vinegar or rubbing alcohol, keep repeating the process gently.
   • Get a clean cotton ball often to remove as much of the stain as possible.
   • It may help to brush the stain first and use a pencil eraser to get as much of the stain off as possible. You then have to remove less dirt with the help of alcohol or vinegar.

Method 3 of 3: Getting oil stains out of suede

1. Use a cloth or napkin to remove as much oil as possible. This is especially important if you notice a stain immediately after it develops.
   • Dab with the cloth or napkin instead of rubbing it to prevent the stain from penetrating deeper into the suede.
2. Cover the stain with cornstarch or baking soda. Use a considerable amount to make a small mound that completely covers the stain.
   • The cornstarch or baking soda pulls the oil from the suede.
   • Leave it on for at least ten minutes.
3. Brush the cornstarch or baking soda off the suede. You can use a brush or cloth for this. Remove all the powder so that you can view the stain underneath.
   • If it was a small stain, it should be gone by now.
   • If you see a lot of oil or fat residue, repeat the process with the cornstarch or baking soda.
4. Use vinegar. If you have used powder several times and there is still some oil in the suede, you can remove the residue with vinegar.
   • Just dampen a clean cloth with white vinegar and gently wipe the suede.
   • When the stain has been removed, let the suede dry completely.
5. Use a special suede degreaser. You can buy such a cleaner at shops in leather goods and shoe stores. A suede degreaser is formulated to remove the excess oil from the pores in the suede and bring the oil to the surface where you can dab the residue on.
   • You will probably need a suede cleaner to remove very stubborn and old stains.

Tips

• For an expensive suede item or stubborn stains, go to a dry cleaner.
• To prevent more stains in the suede, treat the suede with a special suede protective spray.
• It may also help to use a different cleaning technique based on the type of suede item, such as gloves, shoes, and coats.