Suede has an almost magnetic pull. It’s the softer, more understated cousin of leather, with a velvety texture that feels as luxurious as it looks. Whether it’s a timeless women’s suede moto jacket or a pair of chic ankle boots, suede adds a touch of effortless sophistication to any outfit.
But let’s be honest. For every person who loves suede, there’s another who’s terrified of it. I’ve been there myself, staring at a gorgeous jacket in a store, my brain screaming, “Don’t do it! You’ll spill coffee on it the first day!” That single fear—the fear of ruining this beautiful, delicate material—stops so many of us from taking the plunge.
The good news is that caring for suede isn’t some dark art known only to a select few. It’s a skill, and like any skill, you can learn it. This guide is here to demystify the process. We’ll walk you through everything you need to know, from the right tools to the step-by-step cleaning methods that will keep your suede looking pristine for years. It’s time to stop being afraid and start enjoying one of fashion’s most elegant materials.
Understanding Your Suede
Before you can properly care for your suede, it helps to know what you’re working with. Not all suede is created equal. The term “suede” refers to the soft, fibrous underside of animal hide, which is sanded to create its signature napped finish. Think of it like a peach—smooth skin on the outside, fuzzy texture on the inside.
Here are the most common types you’ll encounter:
- Cowhide Suede: This is the most durable and rugged type of suede. It’s thicker and has a rougher nap, making it a popular choice for items like a sturdy women’s suede jacket or work boots. It can handle a bit more wear and tear than other varieties.
- Pigskin Suede: Similar to cowhide in durability, pigskin is also quite firm and thick. You’ll often find it used for gloves and other accessories that need to be tough.
- Sheepskin and Lambskin Suede: This is the crème de la crème of suede. It’s incredibly soft, lightweight, and has a fine, velvety nap. This is the material that gives luxury items that buttery-soft feel. Because it’s more delicate, it requires a gentle touch.
Knowing the type of suede you own helps you tailor your cleaning and care routine. A rugged cowhide jacket can withstand more vigorous brushing than a delicate lambskin one.
Your Essential Suede Cleaning Toolkit
You wouldn’t try to fix a car without the right tools, and the same principle applies to suede care. Having a few essential items on hand will make the process much easier and more effective. Forget household hacks you’ve seen online—using the wrong products can cause irreversible damage.
Here’s what you need for your genuine suede care guide:
- Suede Brush: This is your most important tool. A good suede brush has two sides: one with soft bristles (often nylon or brass) for general cleaning and raising the nap, and another with firmer rubber bristles for tackling tougher scuffs and stains.
- Suede Eraser: Think of this as a magic eraser for your suede. It works wonders on small, dry stains and scuff marks. You simply rub it over the spot like you would a pencil mark.
- Suede Cleaning Solution: For more serious stains like water marks or oil, you’ll need a specialized cleaning liquid. Always choose a product specifically formulated for suede.
- Microfiber Cloths: You’ll need a few clean, dry cloths for blotting stains and applying cleaning solutions. Microfiber is ideal because it’s highly absorbent and won’t leave lint behind.
- Suede Protector Spray: This is your first line of defense. A quality protector spray creates an invisible barrier against water and stains, making your suede much easier to clean.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Suede
Accidents happen. A drop of rain, a splash of wine, or a scuff from a crowded subway—it’s all part of life. Here’s how to tackle common issues without panicking.
1. The Basic Clean-Up (For Dust and Dirt)
For regular maintenance, all you need is your suede brush.
- Ensure the Suede is Dry: Never try to clean wet suede. Let it air dry completely first.
- Brush Gently: Using the soft-bristled side of your brush, gently sweep the entire surface in one direction. This removes loose dirt and dust while lifting the nap.
- Tackle Scuffs: For any scuffed areas, switch to the rubber side of the brush and rub back and forth with a bit more pressure. This will help restore the suede’s original texture.
2. Removing Dry Stains (Like Scuffs and Smudges)
For minor dry stains, the suede eraser is your best friend.
- Rub the Stain: Gently rub the suede eraser over the stain. Don’t be too aggressive; let the eraser do the work.
- Brush Away Residue: After rubbing, use your suede brush to sweep away any eraser crumbs and restore the nap.
3. Tackling Wet Stains (Like Water or Spills)
The key here is to act fast.
- Blot Immediately: As soon as the spill happens, grab a clean microfiber cloth and blot the area. Don’t rub! Blotting absorbs the excess liquid without spreading the stain.
- Let it Dry Naturally: Allow the suede to air dry completely. Don’t use a hairdryer or place it near a radiator, as direct heat can cause the suede to stiffen and shrink.
- Brush it Out: Once dry, use your suede brush to gently restore the nap. If a faint stain remains, you can try the suede eraser.
4. Dealing with Tough Stains (Oil, Grease, or Ink)
These are the stains that strike fear into our hearts, but they aren’t always a death sentence.
- Apply Cornstarch (for Oil/Grease): For fresh oil or grease stains, sprinkle a generous amount of cornstarch directly onto the spot. Let it sit for a few hours (or even overnight) to absorb the oil.
- Brush it Off: Gently brush the cornstarch off with your suede brush.
- Use a Cleaning Solution: If the stain persists, it’s time for the heavy artillery. Dampen a clean cloth with a small amount of suede cleaning solution and gently dab the stain. Work from the outside in to avoid spreading it.
- Blot and Dry: Use a separate, clean, damp cloth to blot the area, then let it air dry completely. Once dry, brush the nap to restore its texture.
Keeping Your Suede Looking New
The best way to clean suede is to prevent it from getting dirty in the first place. A little proactive care goes a long way.
- Protect It: Before you wear your new crop suede jacket for the first time, treat it with a suede protector spray. Hold the can about six inches away and apply a light, even coat. Let it dry completely. Reapply every few months, especially if you live in a wet climate.
- Store It Properly: Don’t cram your suede items into a crowded closet. Suede needs to breathe. Hang jackets on wide, padded hangers to maintain their shape. Store shoes with shoe trees to absorb moisture and keep them from losing their form.
- Avoid Bad Weather: This one is a no-brainer. Suede and heavy rain are not friends. Check the forecast before you head out. If you do get caught in a downpour, follow the wet stain cleaning steps as soon as you get home.
- Rotate Your Wear: Try not to wear the same suede item every single day. Giving it a day or two off allows the material to breathe and recover.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
In my time, I’ve seen some real suede horror stories. Here are the most common mistakes people make:
- Using Water to Clean: It’s tempting to grab a wet cloth, but water can stain and stiffen suede. Only use water sparingly as part of a cleaning solution.
- Cleaning with Household Products: Window cleaner, soap, or all-purpose sprays are not designed for suede and can cause discoloration and damage.
- Applying Heat to Dry: Patience is a virtue. Using a hairdryer or radiator will ruin the texture of your suede. Always air dry.
- Scrubbing Too Hard: Suede is delicate. Aggressive scrubbing can remove the nap and leave a bald spot. Always use a gentle touch.
Invest in Suede, Not Fear
A beautiful suede piece is an investment. It’s a staple that can elevate your style for years—if you care for it correctly. The mocha suede fashion trend might be hot right now, but a classic suede jacket truly never goes out of style, whether you’re navigating the streets of NYC or just heading to a local cafe.
By following this guide, you can confidently wear and enjoy your suede without the constant worry of ruining it. So go ahead, buy that jacket you’ve been eyeing. With the right tools and knowledge, you’ll be able to keep it looking as good as the day you bought it.
