How to Clean and Care for Suede

Suede is soft, stylish, and luxurious, making it a favorite for jackets, shoes, handbags, and furniture. But many people shy away from wearing or using suede regularly because they fear it will get dirty, stain easily, and be difficult (or expensive) to clean. Good news – cleaning dirty suede can be cleaned at home! While professional cleaning is an option (and sometimes necessary for major stains), you don’t need to spend a fortune to keep your suede looking fresh. With the right care and techniques, you can keep your suede in top shape.

Let’s break down everything you need to know about cleaning, maintaining, and protecting suede.

Before You Start: Read the Manufacturer’s Instructions

Not all suede is created equal! Different manufacturers may have specific care instructions for cleaning dirty suede. Always check the label on your shoes, jackets, handbags, or furniture before attempting any cleaning method.

If there are no instructions, test any cleaning method on a small, hidden area first to avoid accidental damage.

Step 1: Brushing Suede

Before tackling stains, give your suede a refresh by brushing the nap (the soft, fuzzy surface).

• Use a suede brush (available at shoe stores) or a clean bath towel to rub the suede and lift the nap.
• Brushing helps remove surface dirt and makes your suede look cleaner and fresher.
• For flattened suede, rub it gently in a circular motion with a suede brush or a dry sponge.

Step 2: Cleaning Dirty Suede of Common Stains

Dry Stains & Dirt

• Use a clean pencil eraser or a suede eraser (found at leather stores) to gently rub away stains.
• Brush the suede after erasing to restore the texture.

Water Stains

• If a water stain dries on your suede, dampen the entire area lightly with a clean cloth and let it dry naturally.
• Once dry, brush the suede to even out the texture.

Grease & Oil Stains (Including Body Oils)

• DO NOT use water! Water can spread the oil and make the stain worse.
• Sprinkle cornmeal or talcum powder on the stain and let it sit overnight.
• Brush it off the next day – repeat if necessary.
• For stubborn stains, try a leather degreaser (found at leather goods stores).

Ink Stains

• Blot (don’t rub!) excess ink immediately with a dry cloth.
• Lightly spray Windex on the stain and blot again.
• If the stain remains, try using a dry-cleaning solvent.

You can try this if you have nothing else on hand, some people have success with this, but it contains ammonia, which can dry out suede. A suede cleaner or rubbing alcohol is safer.

Wine or Coffee Stains

• Gently blot with a paper towel to soak up as much liquid as possible.
• Dab a small amount of white vinegar onto a clean, soft cloth and gently rub the stain.
• Let the suede dry completely, then brush to restore texture.

Wax or Gum

• Freeze the suede item by placing it in the freezer for a few hours.
• Once hardened, gently peel or scrape off the wax or gum.
• Use a suede brush to remove any remaining residue.

Scuffs & Flattened Nap

• Gently rub with an emery board (nail file) to lift the nap.
• Be cautious – too much rubbing can damage the suede!

Step 3: Deep Cleaning Dirty Suede

If your suede shoes, jacket, or furniture are looking dull all over, a deeper clean may be needed.

Steam Cleaning Dirty Suede

• Hold the suede about 6 inches above steam (like from a boiling pot of water).
• The heat will loosen dirt and revive the nap.
• Brush the suede afterward to refresh the texture.

Re-Wetting for Stubborn Stains

• Some stubborn stains can be “re-wet” by lightly misting the area with water and letting it dry naturally.
• Once dry, brush with a suede brush to blend the area back in.

Using Sandpaper to Clean Dirty Suede

• If your suede has become smooth or shiny, gently rub fine sandpaper over the area to restore texture.
• Be gentle – too much sanding can damage the suede permanently.

This can work, but it’s risky. Too much pressure can permanently damage the nap. Use very fine grit sandpaper (like 400+) and proceed with caution

Step 4: Protecting & Maintaining Suede

Now that your suede is clean, prevent future stains and damage with these simple steps:

• Use a suede protector spray. Apply a water- and stain-repellent spray to your suede items before wearing them. This helps prevent stains from setting in.
• Store suede properly. Keep suede clothing in breathable garment bags and away from direct sunlight to prevent fading. Store shoes in a cool, dry place.
• Avoid wearing suede in bad weather. If you must wear suede in rain or snow, apply a protective spray beforehand and let the item air dry if it gets wet.
• Keep suede away from body oils. If you wear suede near your face (like a jacket collar), wear a scarf or collared shirt underneath to avoid oil buildup.
• Dust suede furniture regularly. Use a soft cloth or suede brush to keep suede furniture clean and prevent grime from settling.

Cleaning Dirty Suede Shoes

Suede shoes tend to scuff easily and the nap can get mashed down. If your shoes need a refresh:

1. Hold them over steam (from a boiling pot of water) for about a minute.
2. Use a suede brush to lift the nap back up.
3. Allow them to air dry completely before wearing again.

Always spray new suede shoes with a protective spray before wearing them outside!

Suede doesn’t have to be a high-maintenance nightmare! With the right cleaning techniques and preventive care, you can wear your favorite suede pieces without fear.

• Protect suede before wearing
• Clean regularly with a suede brush
• Remove stains quickly using simple household items
• Seek professional help for major stains when needed

Cleaning dirty suede does not have to be a pain, with the right now-how, you can own and wear suede with pride.