Q&A for How to Clean Suede

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  • Question
    How can I use soap to clean suede?
    Daniel Olin
    Home Cleaning Specialist
    Daniel Olin is a Home Cleaning Specialist and the CEO of Easyway Maid Service, a home-cleaning company based in Austin, Texas. With over four years of experience, Daniel and Easyway Maid Service specialize in executive-quality maid service, as well as vacation rental cleaning and overall home deep cleaning. Daniel holds a BA in Psychology from The University of California, Los Angeles.
    Home Cleaning Specialist
    Expert Answer
    Apply a layer of detergent to the surface of the stain. Using a wet microfiber cloth, alternate between blotting and rubbing in circles across the suede surface. Then, use a second, dry microfiber cloth to blot up and wipe away the remainder of the detergent.
  • Question
    Can I use soap to clean suede?
    Daniel Olin
    Home Cleaning Specialist
    Daniel Olin is a Home Cleaning Specialist and the CEO of Easyway Maid Service, a home-cleaning company based in Austin, Texas. With over four years of experience, Daniel and Easyway Maid Service specialize in executive-quality maid service, as well as vacation rental cleaning and overall home deep cleaning. Daniel holds a BA in Psychology from The University of California, Los Angeles.
    Home Cleaning Specialist
    Expert Answer
    Definitely! Just about any detergent or scent-free dish soap will work, as long as you're using a microfiber rag.
  • Question
    How do I clean a suede couch? It has a lot of grease and food stains.
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    Try soaking up the grease stains with baking soda or cornstarch. You may also be able to get out some of the stains with suede shampoo. However, check the label on the couch to see if there are any specific instructions, since not all suede has the same cleaning requirements.
  • Question
    I have a scuff on my suede boots possibly caused by rubbing and a small patch is bald. Can you help, please?
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    Try gently buffing the area with a suede brush. That may be enough to restore the suede's nap so it no longer has a "bald" appearance.
  • Question
    I accidentally used too much suede cleaning solution and it’s left a faint mark. Is there any way to remove it?
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    Try buffing the stain out with an eraser or suede brush. If that doesn't work, you may need to use a damp cloth to gently rub out any remaining suede shampoo. If all else fails, see an expert for advice on getting the stain out.
  • Question
    Can I wash suede shoes in the washing machine and air dry them?
    Community Answer
    No! Doing this will cause the leather to crack and my even make them unwearable. Don't wash them in the washing machine.
  • Question
    Can I wash suede in the washer and dry it in the dryer?
    Community Answer
    No! The leather will go hard and stiff, possibly even crack. It will almost certainly be unwearable.
  • Question
    How do I remove finger marks from a suede hat?
    Community Answer
    Try the solution for oil, because finger marks usually happen because of oils on the skin.
  • Question
    I burnt my suede stamping out a trash can fire - how can I repair the burn marks?
    Community Answer
    You can't repair burn marks. Those are permanent. Best to get it professionally covered up at your local shoe repair store.
  • Question
    How can I make a suede item that was washed in water soft again?
    Community Answer
    If you haven't already tried, you can use a somewhat stiff brush to pick up the nap again. If it is still feeling stiff, you can try re-washing it and picking up the nap in intervals as it dries.
  • Question
    Can I take a stained suede cushion to the dry-cleaner?
    Community Answer
    Only if the dry cleaner is willing or able to clean suede. Some offer this service, while others do not.
  • Question
    For a white wine stain, do you treat it like a water stain?
    Community Answer
    No, that's very different. Get a baking soda solution and soak it in the solution for about 2 days.
  • Question
    How do I freshen the smell on a suede jacket?
    Community Answer
    I would recommend making a weak mixture of lemon juice and water. Then, sponge your jacket down with it. Rinse it under a cold water tap for a few minutes, then leave it to dry on a washing line for a few hours.
  • Question
    How do I remove sweat stains from a suede hat?
    Community Answer
    Blot with white vinegar. Brush the suede with a suede stone if the nap is clearly present, or lightly with a wire brush if the suede has been damaged and become smooth. Allow to dry completely. Repeat until the stains are gone and the nap is restored.
  • Question
    How do I clean toothpaste off the suede portion of my Vans sneakers?
    Community Answer
    You can try throwing them in the wash on gentle/light flow and let them sit to dry. I did this with my Converse sneakers and it didn't harm them.
  • Question
    What do I do if suede is stained with ink? How do I clean it?
    Community Answer
    Try cuticle remover and a soft brush. Let the cuticle remover sit for about half an hour on the stain, then work gently with the brush. Wipe away with a rag you're prepared to lose, as the ink may stain it. Repeat if you see any positive results.
  • Question
    How do I clean grease out of suede?
    Community Answer
    You could try using white spirits but if it is a shoe, then keep it away from where the upper is joined to the sole because the glue might dissolve.
  • Question
    How do I get candle wax out of suede?
    Community Answer
    Put the suede in the freezer and then peel the wax off once fully hardened. To stop stains on the suede, put the suede item inside a plastic bag before adding to the freezer.
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