How To Clean Suede: 5 Steps to Remove Stains and Dirt

How to Clean Suede

As a cleaning consultant, I know how tough it can be to keep suede looking fresh and clean. When it comes to cleaning suede, I’ve got a solution that’ll have it looking good as new in no time.

My cleaning solutions have been tried and tested and have consistently proven to be effective at removing even the toughest stains and grime. Just ask my clients – they’ll tell you that my solutions have saved them time, energy, and money, and have left their surfaces sparkling clean. Trust me, if there’s one thing I know, it’s how to get the job done right.

What is Suede and what makes it hard to clean?

Suede is a soft, napped material that’s made from the underside of animals like lambs and calves, and it’s often used in fashion for things like boots, bags, and hats. The thing is, suede can be really delicate and prone to staining, so it’s not always the easiest thing to clean.

It’s also a bit of a challenge to get the napped texture just right after you’ve cleaned it. But even with all that, I still love working with suede. It’s just got this unique look and feel that’s really hard to replicate with other materials, and when you get it clean and looking its best, it’s so worth it.

Cleaning Suede

Are you ready to learn how to clean your suede shoes, bags, furniture, or other items? Follow these four easy steps to keep your suede looking its best: remove any surface dirt, tackle stains with a pencil eraser or a small amount of white vinegar or rubbing alcohol, allow the suede to dry completely, and use a suede protectant spray to protect it from future stains and damage. Keep reading for more detailed instructions on each step.

Steps:

Here are the five steps we will be covering:

  1. Rub with clean towel
  2. Erase stains or blot with vinegar or alcohol
  3. Allow suede to dry
  4. Brush with dry towel
  5. Protect with spray

You Will Need:

To clean suede, you will need the following tools and supplies:

  • Clean towel
  • Pencil eraser
  • White vinegar or rubbing alcohol
  • Soft cloth
  • Suede protectant spray (optional)
  • Dry towel

Pro Tip: Buying a suede care kit is a game-changer. Not only will it help you get rid of stains and grime, but it’ll also help your suede last longer. It usually comes with a special soap, eraser, and brush that can handle just about anything. Water spots, dirt, you name it. And the best part is, you don’t even have to be a pro at cleaning to use it. Just follow the instructions and watch as your suede is transformed before your eyes.

Step 1: Rub with clean towel

photograph of a person gently rubbing a clean towel over a pair of suede shoes in a circular motion, lifting away dirt and debris from the surface of the shoes. The background should be a neutral color, such as white or light gray.

The first step in cleaning your suede is to grab a clean towel and give it a good rub. Now, I know this might not seem like it’s doing much, but trust me, it’s an important step. The towel helps to brush up the napped texture of the suede, which helps to expose any dirt or stains that might be hiding under the fibers. So don’t skimp on this step! A little elbow grease goes a long way.

When using a towel to clean suede, it’s important to be gentle and not scrub too hard. The fibers of the suede are delicate and can be easily damaged if you’re too rough. Instead, use a gentle, circular motion to rub the towel over the surface of the suede. This will help to lift any dirt or stains without damaging the material.

It’s also a good idea to use a clean, dry towel to avoid transferring any dirt or stains from the towel to the suede. If you don’t have a clean towel on hand, you can also use a soft brush specifically designed for cleaning suede.

Work on small sections of the suede at a time, rather than trying to clean the entire piece all at once. This will help you focus on any specific stains or areas of dirt, and will also make the task feel more manageable.

Step 2: Erase stains or blot with vinegar or alcohol

photograph of a person seated on a couch, using a pencil eraser to rub away a stain on a piece of suede furniture in front of them, or blotting the stain with a cloth dampened with white vinegar or rubbing alcohol. The background should be a room setting, with furniture and other objects in the background to give context.

A pencil eraser can be a pretty useful tool when it comes to suede.

Here’s how it works: If you’ve got a stain on your suede that’s not too deep, you can try using a pencil eraser to gently rub it away. Just be sure to go slowly and be gentle, so you don’t end up making the stain worse. Most surface-level stains should be able to be erased with a little bit of effort and a trusty pencil eraser.

If the eraser isn’t doing the trick
If you’ve got a deep stain on your suede, you’re going to need some extra cleaning power. That’s where white vinegar and rubbing alcohol come in. You can try using a small amount of white vinegar or rubbing alcohol applied to a soft cloth to gently rub the stain. Just be sure to blot, rather than scrub, to avoid damaging the suede.

Now, don’t go rubbing too hard – you don’t want to damage the material. Just gently blot the stain until it starts to disappear.

Step 3: Allow suede to dry

photograph of a piece of suede furniture or clothing hanging in a well-ventilated area, such as a laundry room or closet, with a fan or open window included to show that air circulation is important for the drying process. The background should be a neutral color or could show additional laundry or storage items.

Once you’re done, allow the suede to dry completely.

Trust me, I’ve tried to rush things and it never ends well. The suede ends up looking worse than it did before, and I end up feeling like a total failure.

So, if you want to avoid making the same mistakes as me, make sure you give your suede plenty of time to dry before you do anything else. If you’re in a hurry, try using a fan or a hair dryer on the lowest heat setting to speed things up. Just be patient, because rushing things will only lead to frustration and disappointment. Trust me, I know from experience.

So, let your suede dry completely before moving on to the next step. Your future self will thank you.

Step 4: Brush with dry towel

photograph of a person standing in front of a piece of suede furniture or clothing, holding a soft-bristled brush specifically designed for cleaning suede. The person should be gently brushing the surface of the suede with the brush, removing any remaining dirt or stains. The background should be a neutral color or could show additional furniture or clothing items.

Okay, so you’ve removed the dirt and stains and allowed your suede to dry completely. The next step is to bring back that soft, napped texture that we all love about suede. And the best way to do that is with a good old-fashioned dry towel brushing.

Just gently brush the material in a circular motion to fluff up the fibers. It’s like giving your suede a fresh haircut. Your suede will be looking and feeling like new in no time.

Step 5: Protect with spray

photograph of a female standing in front of a pair of suede shoes or a suede bag, holding a can of suede protectant spray. The person should be spraying the protectant over the surface of the suede, creating a protective layer to prevent future stains and damage. The background should be a neutral color or could show additional shoes or bags.

With the right preventative measures, you can keep your beloved suede items looking fresh and new for longer. And the secret to doing so? A suede protectant spray.

Now, I know what you’re thinking. “Do I really need to spend money on another cleaning product? Can’t I just use what I already have at home?” Trust me, I get it. But trust me when I say that this little bottle of magic will save you so much time and effort in the long run.

By repelling water, oil, and grime, your suede will be protected from future stains and require fewer routine cleanings. And who doesn’t want to spend less time scrubbing and more time, I don’t know, playing video games or something?

So go ahead and invest in a suede protectant spray.

Things to Avoid (What not to do)

I’ve made my fair share of mistakes over the years. When it comes to cleaning suede, there are a few things you’ll definitely want to avoid.

  1. Don’t use water: Water is the enemy of suede. It can cause the material to become stiff and discolored, and it’s nearly impossible to reverse the damage once it’s been done. So if you get a stain on your suede, skip the water and opt for a cleaner like white vinegar or rubbing alcohol instead.
  2. Don’t scrub: Suede is a delicate material, so it’s important to be gentle when cleaning it. Avoid scrubbing or rubbing too hard, as this can cause the fibers to become damaged and discolored. Instead, blot the stain gently to remove it.
  3. Don’t use harsh chemicals: Suede can be sensitive to certain chemicals, so it’s important to choose your cleaners carefully. Avoid using harsh chemicals or detergents on your suede, as they can strip the material of its natural oils and cause it to become dry and brittle.

Additional Cleaning Tips & Advice

So, if you’re looking to get the most out of your cleaning experience, here’s what the experts say you can expect:

  1. Suede is a delicate material: It’s important to be gentle when cleaning suede, as it can easily become damaged if you’re too rough with it. Be sure to use a soft cloth and gentle, blotting motions when removing stains, rather than scrubbing or rubbing too hard.
  2. Avoid getting suede wet: If you wear suede shoes in the rain or step in a puddle, the moisture can ruin the material. To protect your suede, you can use a suede protectant spray to help repel water and keep your shoes looking their best.
  3. White vinegar and rubbing alcohol can be helpful: If you don’t have a suede cleaning kit on hand, you can use household cleaners such as white vinegar or rubbing alcohol to remove stains and dirt from suede. Just be sure to use them sparingly and allow the suede to dry completely before wearing or using it again.
  4. Protect your suede: To keep your suede looking its best for as long as possible, be sure to protect it from the elements and clean it regularly. This will help to prevent stains and extend the life of the material.
  5. Don’t machine wash suede: Most manufacturers recommend against washing suede in a washing machine, as the water and soap can damage the material. If you need to wash your suede, it’s generally best to spot-clean it using a cleaning kit or household cleaners.

Keeping Your Suede Clean

I’ve learned a thing or two about keeping suede clean and looking its best. And let me tell you, it’s not always easy. Suede can be a bit finicky, and it’s easy to accidentally damage it if you’re not careful. \

Prevention is key. Suede is prone to staining, so it’s important to take steps to protect it from the elements. If you’re wearing suede shoes, consider using a water-repellent spray to help keep them dry in wet conditions. And if you’re carrying a suede bag or purse, try to keep it away from spills and other potential stains.

Clean up stains as soon as possible. The longer a stain sits on suede, the harder it will be to remove. So if you spill something on your suede shoes or bag, don’t wait to clean it up. Use a soft cloth or brush to blot the stain, and try to lift it off the material as much as possible.

Be Gentile. When it comes time to give your suede a more thorough cleaning, be gentle. Avoid using harsh soaps or chemicals, as these can damage the material. Instead, opt for a specialized suede cleaner or a mild, water-based soap. And when brushing the suede to restore its texture, use a soft, dry brush or towel to gently stroke the material.

With these expert tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to keeping your suede looking its best. Just remember to be gentle, stay proactive, and clean up stains as soon as they happen, and your suede will stay looking as good as new.

Time to Start Cleaning

It’s true that suede does require some regular upkeep to stay in top condition. But with the right tools and techniques, taking care of your suede is a breeze. Just follow my tips and guidelines, and your favorite suede boots or jackets will stay looking brand new for years to come.

So don’t be afraid of suede! With a little bit of love and care, it can be a durable and stylish material that lasts for ages. Just remember to moisturize regularly and protect your suede from water damage, and you’ll be good to go.

You might be surprised to find that cleaning suede isn’t as hard as you might think. With a little bit of care and attention, you can keep your suede looking as good as it did when you first bought it. So don’t be afraid to give it a try – I promise it’s worth it!

People Also Ask

What household items can be used to clean suede shoes?
Suede shoes are no match for Mother Nature. Whether it’s rain, snow, or just a dirty sidewalk, those precious suede kicks are bound to get a little beat up. But fear not, a little bit of plain white vinegar or rubbing alcohol can go a long way in removing dirt, grime, salt, and water stains from suede. Just follow the steps I outlined earlier and you’ll be on your way to a sparkling-clean pair of shoes in no time.

Is it okay for suede to get wet?
I’ve seen firsthand the damage that water can do to suede. If you wear your suede shoes in the rain, snow, or even just step in a puddle, the moisture can ruin them. The texture can become stiff and difficult to reverse, and before you know it, your once-beautiful shoes are a soggy mess. There’s a simple solution: suede protectant spray. Just give your shoes a quick spritz, and any water will just roll right off. No more water damage, no more ruined shoes.

While it’s generally best to avoid getting suede wet, sometimes accidents happen. If your suede shoes do get wet, be sure to let them dry completely before wearing them again.

How can you restore the original appearance of suede?
There are ways to keep your suede looking fresh and new. If you want to keep your suede looking good, clean it regularly. I know, cleaning can be a pain, but it’s totally worth it to keep your suede looking its best. Just follow the steps I shared earlier to remove any stains and restore the napped texture.

Is it possible to wash suede in a washing machine?
Avoid the washing machine at all costs. I know it’s tempting to just toss everything in there and call it a day. But trust me, when it comes to suede, the washing machine is a no-go. The water and soap can really mess with the delicate surface of the material, leaving it looking worse than when you started.

But don’t just take my word for it – always check the washing instructions on your clothes to be sure. Some suede items may have special chemicals applied to protect them from water and soap damage, so they can withstand a trip through the washing machine. But if you’re not sure, it’s always better to err on the side of caution. After all, you don’t want to end up with a ruined pair of shoes or a tattered bag, do you? So take it from me, a seasoned cleaning consultant – when it comes to suede, it’s best to stick to more gentle cleaning methods.

What is the most effective suede cleaning kit?
If you really want to keep your suede looking its absolute best, you’ll want to use something specifically designed for suede care. I’ve tried a lot of different suede cleaners in my day. But the one that really stands out is the Jason Markk 3691 Suede Shoe Cleaner. Not only does it get the job done, but it’s also eco-friendly, non-toxic, and biodegradable. That’s right, you can clean your suede without harming the environment or your own health. Now that’s something to feel good about.

So if you want to keep your suede looking fresh and clean, give the Jason Markk 3691 Suede Shoe Cleaner a try. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed.

Is it okay to use soap and water to clean suede shoes?
While soap and water can be used to clean some types of suede, it’s generally best to avoid using water on the material. Instead, try using a cleaner specifically designed for suede, or a household cleaner like white vinegar or rubbing alcohol.

Can baking soda be used to clean suede shoes?
Baking soda is not just for baking or making your fridge smell fresh. It’s also a great choice for cleaning suede shoes because it can absorb dirt, grease, and salt. Just sprinkle a little bit of baking soda on the stains and rub it in with a soft brush. Don’t have a special suede brush? No problem. An old toothbrush will work just fine.

Now, here’s the important part: let the powder sit on the shoes for about 15 minutes. This will give it time to work its magic and absorb all that dirt and grime. Then, simply brush it away. When you brush off the baking soda, the dirt and oil should easily fall away as well!

How do you clean light-colored suede without damaging it?
Cleaning light-colored suede can be a bit trickier, as the material is more prone to staining and discoloration. To clean light-colored suede shoes, try using a cleaner specifically designed for the material, or a small amount of white vinegar or rubbing alcohol applied to a soft cloth.

How can you moisturize suede to keep it soft and supple?
When suede gets too dry, it starts to look worn out and faded. But don’t worry, there’s a simple solution to this problem: mink oil! Just pour a small amount onto a cloth and rub it all over your suede. Not only will this moisturize the material, but it will also protect it from water damage and keep it looking vibrant and bright.

Can I use a suede brush to remove stains?
Yes, you can use a suede brush to remove stains from suede. Just be sure to use a gentle, circular motion to avoid damaging the material.

Is it okay to use a hair dryer to dry wet suede?
It’s generally not recommended to use a hair dryer to dry wet suede, as the heat can damage the material. Instead, you can try blotting the wet suede with a clean, dry towel and allowing it to air dry.

Can I use baby powder to absorb oil stains on suede?
Yes, baby powder can be used to absorb oil stains on suede. Just sprinkle a small amount of powder over the stain, let it sit for a few hours, and then brush it away.

Is it possible to restore the color of faded or discolored suede?
In some cases, it may be possible to restore the color of faded or discolored suede. One option is to use a suede dye to recolor the material, or you can try using a color restorer product specifically designed for suede.

Can I use a steam cleaner to clean suede?
It’s generally not recommended to use a steam cleaner to clean suede, as the heat and moisture can damage the material. Instead, you can try using a suede cleaning kit or household cleaners such as white vinegar or rubbing alcohol to remove stains and dirt.

How do I store suede to keep it in good condition?
To store suede and keep it in good condition, it’s important to keep it away from heat and moisture. You can store it in a cool, dry place, or use a breathable fabric bag or box to protect it.

How do I remove scuff marks from suede shoes?
To remove scuff marks from suede shoes, you can try using a pencil eraser or a suede cleaning kit to gently rub away the marks. You can also try using a small amount of white vinegar or rubbing alcohol applied to a soft cloth to remove the marks.

Is it possible to repair holes or tears in suede?
In some cases, it may be possible to repair holes or tears in suede. You can try using a suede patch or glue to fill the hole or repair the tear, or you can take the item to a professional to have it repaired.

Can I dye suede to change its color?
Yes, it is possible to dye suede to change its color. You can use a suede dye specifically designed for the material, or you can take the item to a professional to have it dyed.

How do I remove mold or mildew from suede?
To remove mold or mildew from suede, you can try using a small amount of white vinegar or rubbing alcohol applied to a soft cloth to gently rub away the stains. You can also try using a mold and mildew remover specifically designed for suede. Just be sure to follow the instructions carefully to avoid damaging the material.

Betsy Cline

Betsy Cline has been a professional house cleaner for 15 years and also a mother of 4 amazing kids (who make lots of messes). She is the founder of How to Clean It and loves to share tips and advice for cleaning up anything life throws at you.

Recent Posts