How to Clean and Restore Suede

Suede is a comfortable and stylish material used in everyday clothing. From shoes and jackets to handbags, suede gives a luxurious and polished look to any outfit. The only real drawback of suede is that it has a tendency to stain and scuff more easily than smooth leather. This can cause a small wave of panic in suede owners because many people assume that once damaged, their suede items can’t be repaired. This simply isn’t true.

Suede clothing can be restored with gentle care, the proper tools, and a bit of patience, and today we will teach you how! Below you will find the steps to safely clean and restore suede so that worn or stained items can regain their soft texture and appearance.

The Tools You Need To Clean Suede

Before you even begin cleaning suede, having the right tools and supplies on hand is important. You can either buy tools individually OR purchase a suede care kit, which will include supplies that are designed specifically to clean the material.

Here are a few common tools we suggest:

A Suede Brush: This is the most important tool for cleaning suede. These brushes have soft nylon or brass bristles that lift the fibers and remove surface dirt without damaging the material.

A Suede Eraser: While less critical than the brush, this is another helpful tool that allows you to rub away scuffs and marks without causing any damage.

A Designated Suede Cleaner: For deeper stains, you may also want to purchase a suede cleaner or create a mild solution using diluted white vinegar and rubbing alcohol. These sprays can break down stains and make them easier to lift.

Using products designed for suede is important as they are tough on stains and scuffs but gentle enough to avoid further damage to the fabric.

How to Brush Suede

Once you have gathered the appropriate tools, you can begin the restoration and cleaning process. The best place to start is with dry methods; in most cases, brushing alone is enough to remove any dust or dirt that has accumulated, improving the appearance.

To use a suede brush, gently sweep it across the surface in one direction. This motion loosens dirt that has settled into the fibers by lifting the nap. If you notice small scuffs or flattened areas, try using a suede eraser to remove them. Afterwards, use the brush again to get rid of residue and restore texture.

This step may seem simple, but it can make a big difference. Many marks on suede are only sitting on the surface and can be removed without using moisture at all.

How to Remove Stains From Suede

If brushing and erasing do not remove a stain, you can move on to a more targeted cleaning process. The most important thing to remember when doing so is to avoid soaking the item and to stick to gentle cleaners that are safe for suede.

Dampen a clean cloth with suede cleaner, white vinegar, or rubbing alcohol. Lightly blot the stained area rather than rubbing it. Work slowly and focus only on the affected section. Once the stain begins to fade, use a dry cloth to absorb any remaining moisture.

Let the suede air dry completely before doing anything else. Never apply heat to your suede, as it can damage the leather material and cause it to stiffen, losing its desirable soft texture.

How to Restore Suede

After the suede dries, the fibers often look slightly flat. This is normal and easy to fix. Take your suede brush and gently brush the surface again. As you do this, the fibers will begin to stand upright, bringing back the soft texture suede is known for.

If certain areas still appear matted, a small amount of steam can help. Holding the item briefly near steam from a kettle or steamer can loosen the fibers. Once the material is slightly warm and damp, brush it again to lift the nap.

Ready to Restore Your Favorite Suede Pieces?

There will be times when you just cannot restore your suede items to their original state. That’s when heading to a professional cleaning service may be the best course of action. Items that are heavily stained, delicate, or simply too valuable to risk cleaning on your own can be restored safely with the help of experienced specialists who have the equipment and products needed to treat suede without damaging the fibers.

If you’re looking for expert care, you can learn more about professional suede cleaning services at CD One Price Cleaners—a trusted and affordable cleaning service with various locations across the Midwest.