Download Article
Keep your suede jackets, shoes, and purses looking new and fresh
Download Article
Suede leather is a beautiful material made from the underside of animal skin that’s commonly used for garments, shoes, handbags, and other accessories. However, it's very easy to scuff and stain, and cleaning a delicate fabric can seem daunting. But don't fret! Cleaning suede items is a simple process that often only requires a suede brush or eraser. In this guide, we'll show you how to care for your suede items and remove dirt and stains.
Easy Way to Clean Suede Leather at Home
To remove dry stains and scuff marks, gently buff the surface of your suede jacket, shoes, or furniture with a suede brush to maintain its nap and remove loose dirt and debris. Then, go in with a suede eraser, which you use like a pencil eraser. A high-quality pink pencil eraser can also be used for this.
Steps
-
Remove loose debris with a dry suede brush. Before you start cleaning, gently buff the surface of your suede item to remove loose dirt and debris. Use a suede brush and drag it back and forth with light pressure so you don't damage the nap of the suede. Focus on the stained area, but brush the rest of the surface to even out the texture of the suede. [1] X Research source
- Alternatively, you can use an old, clean terrycloth or soft-bristle toothbrush instead of a suede brush.
- Suede brushes also help restore the texture of the suede, which can start to look messy or flat when it gets dirty, greasy, or wet.
- Just brushing the suede may be enough to remove most minor stains.
-
Rub a suede eraser to remove dry stains and scuff marks. Suede erasers are similar to high-quality pencil erasers (which can be used in addition to suede erasers). Gently rub the stain with the eraser to remove stubborn dirt and discoloration. Use the suede brush to clear away the eraser fibers as you go. Continue until the stain disappears. [2] X Research source
- Use a colorless white or brown gum eraser (which are often used for pencils and art) instead of a pink eraser, as it can transfer pink dye onto your suede items.
- If the pencil eraser doesn't work, gently rub a nail file over the dry stain.
- You can also rub the dirt out of suede with a slice of stale bread! Ensure the bread is stale enough to be hardened and rough so it can effectively buff out the stain. [3] X Research source
Advertisement
-
Blot away minor surface stains with a damp microfiber cloth. Some stains, such as mud, scuff marks, or water stains, may easily come out with a gentle spot cleaning. Spray a clean, white cloth with enough water that it's damp but not soaking wet. Pat the stained area gently to lift out the dirt, but try not to rub any water deep into the fibers of the suede. [4] X Research source
- Home Cleaning Specialist Daniel Olin advises against using cleaning products made with bleach as this can stain the suede and completely change its color. [5]
X
Expert Source
Daniel Olin
Home Cleaning Specialist Expert Interview. 12 October 2021.
- Home Cleaning Specialist Daniel Olin advises against using cleaning products made with bleach as this can stain the suede and completely change its color. [5]
X
Expert Source
Daniel Olin
-
Soak up excess water with a towel and let air dry overnight. Lay a towel on the item to soak up any excess water. Place something heavy on top, like a large book, to create better contact with the suede and soak up the moisture more effectively. Leave it to air dry for a few hours or overnight.
- Afterward, re-fluff the suede using a toothbrush or suede brush.
Advertisement
-
Remove coffee, juice, and tea stains with a cloth dipped in vinegar. Lightly dampen a clean, white cloth with white vinegar. The cloth should be moist but not sopping wet. Gently dab the stain to lift out the discoloration. [6] X Research source
-
Allow the damp areas to dry before inspecting the stain. With the stain lifted, leave your suede item in an area with good circulation to dry for a few hours or overnight. Once the surface is dry, inspect the item. If the stains persist, go in again with white vinegar. Allow the item to dry again before brushing the nap with a suede brush as it dries.
Advertisement
-
Mix 1 part suede shampoo in 2 parts of water for large stains. If nothing else works, try a suede shampoo or leather cleaner designed for suede. Follow the instructions on the bottle to ensure you're using the product correctly. [12] X Research source Typically, you'll need to dilute 1 part shampoo in 2 parts water, then work the mixture into the suede with a brush to create a nice lather.
- Focus on the stained area, but go over the rest of the surface of the suede item. This will prevent the suede from developing an uneven appearance when it dries. [13] X Research source
- If you're cleaning shoes, stuff them with paper towels before drying them. This will soak up excess water and help the shoes maintain their shape.
-
Rinse the shampoo and allow the material to air dry. Rinse the shampoo thoroughly with clean water when you're done, either by running water from a faucet over the suede or wiping it with a clean, damp cloth. When using running water, be careful not to saturate the suede. Allow it to air dry overnight [14] X Research source
Advertisement
-
Brush suede daily to remove scuffs and restore the nap. Suede brushes usually have a wire-bristled side for brushing off debris and a rubber-bristled side for buffing up the nap of the suede. Every day or after each wear, gently brush your suede jacket, shoes, or accessories with the soft side and then the wire-bristled side. Brush in the direction of the fabric's grain to avoid tearing or damaging it. [15] X Research source If you don't have a suede brush, use a toothbrush or white terrycloth towel.
- If your item is muddy, allow the mud to dry before brushing it off.
- Avoid brushing too hard with the wire-bristled side. Use gentle, short strokes to freshen the nap.
-
Spray your suede with a protectant spray. Suede protector sprays may be purchased at leather stores, shoe stores, or other places that sell suede. They protect the suede from water, oils, and other elements that might stain or damage it. [16] X Research source Spray the protector over the item, taking care not to soak any one area. Allow it to dry according to the instructions on the package.
- Use the suede protector at least once a year to keep the suede in top condition.
- Ideally, you should apply a protective spray to your new suede item before the first time you wear or use it. [17] X Research source
-
Blot away water immediately to prevent stains. Use a clean, white cloth to blot the liquid. Don't apply too much pressure, as this will force the water deeper into the fabric. Rough the area for 1-2 minutes with a soft suede brush or toothbrush. Allow the water to dry after blotting the area. [18] X Research source
- If possible, go over the surface of the suede with a blow dryer while you brush it.
- If the dried water stain is a different color from the rest of the item, try spraying the entire surface with a light mist of water and allowing it to dry. This will help the spot blend in.
- If your suede shoes got soaked, stuff them with paper or a shoehorn before letting them dry to prevent the suede from getting misshapen. [19] X Research source
-
Air dry your suede if it gets wet. If your suede gets wet, don't fret! You can usually buff out water stains with a suede brush or eraser. However, be careful about how you dry suede. Heat-drying your item could damage and warp it. Instead, gently shape the item and allow it to air dry lying flat or on a hanger. [20] X Research source
- If you're drying a garment, such as a jacket, hang it on a plastic hanger. A wood or metal hanger could stain the suede as it dries. [21] X Research source
-
Cover suede with a garment bag to protect it from dust. When you put away a suede item, place it in a box or breathable garment bag to keep it clean and safe. [22] X Research source Store it in a cool, dark place, away from heat, humidity, or sunlight.
- Avoid storing suede with newspaper since the ink may rub off on the leather and stain it.
- Wrap items you don't use often in sheets or pillow covers, or store them between sheets of white paper.
-
Apply flocking powder to bald spots. If there are spots where the nap has rubbed away thoroughly, gently sand the area down to smooth it and remove dirt. Paint fabric glue on the bald spot with a paintbrush, then sprinkle the area with flocking powder in a color that matches the suede. Allow the glue to dry for 12-24 hours before wearing or using the item again. [23] X Research source
- You can buy flocking powder and fabric glue online or at a craft supply store.
-
Restore lost color with a renovating spray. If your dyed suede is starting to fade, look for suede or nubuck renovating spray in a matching color. Before you start, brush the suede clean. Remove the laces if you're working with shoes. Follow the directions on the package to apply the spray. Typically, you'll need to spray the suede all over from about 7 or 8 inches (18 or 20 cm) away so that the color appears even and consistent over the entire surface. [24] X Research source
- Protect your work surface by laying down newspaper or paper towels under the suede item. You can also protect any areas of the item that you don't want to dye (such as the soles of your shoes) by covering them in masking tape. [25] X Research source
- Alternatively, you can dye the item with a liquid suede dye . These dyes often come with a wool dauber that you can use to apply the dye. [26] X Research source You may need to remove the original dye with a leather preparer and deglazer first.
Advertisement
Expert Q&A
Search
-
QuestionHow can I use soap to clean suede?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.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.
-
QuestionCan I use soap to clean suede?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.Definitely! Just about any detergent or scent-free dish soap will work, as long as you're using a microfiber rag.
-
QuestionHow do I clean a suede couch? It has a lot of grease and food stains.This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.wikiHow Staff EditorStaff AnswerTry 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.
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
Advertisement
Video
Tips
- If your item is made of faux suede, clean it with a mixture of detergent and water or check the label on the item for specific cleaning instructions. [27] X Research sourceThanks
- If you're unsure what you're dealing with, test your cleaner on an inconspicuous spot to ensure it doesn't damage or stain the fabric.Thanks
- Get your suede professionally cleaned if nothing else works. It may be expensive, but sometimes turning to an expert is the safest and most effective way to take care of suede items.Thanks
Submit a Tip
All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
Advertisement
References
- ↑ https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/guides/how-to-clean-leather-suede-shoes/
- ↑ https://cleaning.lovetoknow.com/cleaning-tips/how-clean-suede
- ↑ https://www.today.com/style/how-clean-suede-shoes-use-stale-bread-t119418
- ↑ https://cleaning.lovetoknow.com/cleaning-tips/how-clean-suede
- ↑ Daniel Olin. Home Cleaning Specialist. Expert Interview. 12 October 2021.
- ↑ https://youtu.be/UGcUbRw6p_E?t=10
- ↑ https://cleaning.lovetoknow.com/cleaning-tips/how-clean-suede
- ↑ https://www.esquire.com/style/mens-fashion/a55028/suede-shoes-stain/
- ↑ https://www.today.com/home/stain-guide-how-remove-stains-t212644#anchor-Bloodstains
- ↑ https://www.cbc.ca/life/style/an-expert-s-guide-to-stain-removal-pro-tips-to-get-clothes-clean-safely-1.4918271
- ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-remove-ink-stains/
- ↑ https://cleaning.lovetoknow.com/cleaning-tips/how-clean-suede
- ↑ https://youtu.be/vBJp3VKl7_M?t=98
- ↑ https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/guides/how-to-clean-leather-suede-shoes/
- ↑ https://www.seventeen.com/fashion/style-advice/a27393014/how-to-clean-suede-shoes-hacks/
- ↑ https://youtu.be/jXNjf8W3Pqc?t=53
- ↑ https://www.seventeen.com/fashion/style-advice/a27393014/how-to-clean-suede-shoes-hacks/
- ↑ https://www.gq.com/story/what-to-do-when-suede-shoes-get-wet
- ↑ https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/guides/how-to-clean-leather-suede-shoes/
- ↑ https://youtu.be/UqlJ28cSswE?t=336
- ↑ https://youtu.be/UqlJ28cSswE?t=320
- ↑ https://www.marieclaire.com/fashion/a29413615/how-to-care-for-suede/
- ↑ https://www.today.com/style/how-repair-your-scuffed-suede-heels-t112330
- ↑ https://youtu.be/oKRO1eMG7dE
- ↑ https://youtu.be/05hDgFzROSY?t=18
- ↑ https://youtu.be/ht822Q2lkXY?t=137
- ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-clean-a-suede-couch/
About This Article
Article Summary
X
No matter what you’ve got on your suede, clean it immediately by rubbing it with a clean towel. Then, for a dry stain try rubbing a white pencil eraser over it. If you’ve got a water stain, blot it with a dry cloth. Trying to remove a coffee, tea, or juice stain? Put a couple of paper towels over the stain and apply pressure with your hands or by putting a book on top. If you’re dealing with oil or grease, try blotting the excess, sprinkling baking soda on it, and letting it sit for 2-3 hours before brushing it away. If you want to learn how to use a suede brush to clean, keep reading!
Did this summary help you?
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 1,046,696 times.
Reader Success Stories
- "The step-by-step of cleaning of the suede helped. Thanks to your tips, I got the mud off my boots successfully. Again, thank you." ..." more
Advertisement
"The step-by-step of cleaning of the suede helped. Thanks to your tips, I got the mud off my boots successfully. Again, thank you."
..."
more
"I have had a couple of incidents in which I have needed to seek help, and I have always come to this site and been successful."
..."
more
"The two most helpful parts were the cleaver tip and baking soda to remove grease stains."
"The cheap homemade cleaning hints, baking soda."
"The general idea itself was very helpful."
