Keeping suede items looking their best requires specific care techniques to preserve their unique texture and appearance. This guide provides essential tips for cleaning, reviving, and storing your suede possessions to ensure their longevity. For more helpful household advice, explore the InktasticMerch homepage.
What is Suede?
Suede is a luxurious type of leather made from the soft underside of animal hides, giving it a characteristic velvety texture and an invitingly smooth feel. While it may be thinner than traditional leather, suede is surprisingly durable and well-loved for its unique qualities. The surface of suede features a raised finish referred to as “nap,” which can differ in texture and size based on the animal it originates from as well as the specific manufacturing process. Thanks to its lightweight and breathable nature, suede is often favored for items such as footwear and accessories, including gloves.
There’s also microsuede, a synthetic version made from polyester fibers designed to replicate the soft, supple feel of genuine suede. This alternative has advantages like improved stain resistance and ease of maintenance, making it popular for upholstery. Unlike authentic suede, many microsuede products can be washed or spot-treated, offering an additional layer of convenience.
Care Instructions for Suede
When it comes to cleaning suede, careful consideration is essential. It’s crucial to check the manufacturer’s label on your suede items—such as jackets or shoes—before attempting any cleaning. The diverse finishes and linings can influence how to properly maintain them.
Not Washable: If the label specifies “not washable” or “dry clean only,” refrain from washing or spot-treating the item. Generally, real suede should avoid water and harsh chemical solvents as these can irreversibly damage its finish. Some items labeled as “not washable” may still contain spot-treatable linings made of silk or synthetic materials. Employing a specially designed suede brush or suede eraser can effectively manage dirt on shoes and other similar items. Always consult a leather care professional if you’re unsure about handling cleaning at home.
Washable: For items labeled “washable,” cleaning is possible. It’s recommended to perform a water test by moistening a clean cloth and carefully blotting an inconspicuous area, like the inside of a cuff or collar. If no discoloration occurs once dried, you may proceed with the regular cleaning process. For most washable suede items, utilize cool water and a gentle detergent, such as Wool & Cashmere Shampoo. Even if an item is marked “machine dry,” it is wise to avoid prolonged machine drying to prevent fabric damage.
Leather Trim: Many garments with leather trim can be washed if labeled as “machine washable.” If your item features suede trim specifically marked as washable, ensure to use cold water and a gentle, enzyme-free detergent.
Spot Treating: Some instances may require careful spot treatment for stains and dirt. Remember, it’s best to avoid rubbing at stains, as this can worsen the damage. Always refer to care instructions prior to any treatment.
Sticky Stains: For removing sticky residues from stickers or tags, carefully lift the adhesive and then address any remaining sticker residue with a suede brush or a clean, dry brush using gentle strokes. An eraser can also assist in this process, provided it’s used lightly.
Tough Stains: If a tough stain occurs, consult a leather care expert before acting. Start treating the area with a clean, dry cotton ball to absorb excess residue gently, following up with rubbing alcohol for oily stains—always dab, and avoid rubbing the suede.
Reviving and Freshening Up Suede
A common concern is whether or not you can iron suede, which requires special attention due to its heat-sensitive nature. High temperatures and standard ironing pressures can damage the suede finish by crushing the nap. If you’re facing wrinkles, steaming is the preferred method. Steaming not only helps eliminate wrinkles but also removes embedded dirt and odors. Position the steamer a few inches from the garment to avoid oversaturating the material, allowing it to dry completely before wear or storage.
If you find that steaming isn’t sufficient and feel the need to iron, proceed with utmost caution. Set the iron to low or medium heat, placing a cotton cloth between the iron and the suede to protect it. Be sure you’re ironing on the nap side and apply gentle pressure for just a moment to avoid flattening the material. After ironing, use a suede brush to restore the texture by lightly fluffing the nap.
Additionally, freshen your suede items between uses by lightly misting the lining or underside with fabric refresher, avoiding direct contact with the suede to prevent water marks.
Storing Your Suede Items
When it comes to storing suede items, cleanliness is key. Giving your jackets and shoes a quick steam before putting them away for an extended period can refresh them. After steaming, allow the item to dry fully before storage and look for any dirt or stains that need attention.
For optimal protection, store your suede items in breathable cotton or canvas bags to safeguard them against pests, dust, and moisture, all of which can compromise their integrity. Avoid plastic storage, as it tends to trap humidity and can lead to mildew. Adding a lavender sachet to your storage setup can help maintain a fresh scent.
Remember, while these techniques are supported by textile science, every garment may react differently to care practices.
We hope these suede cleaning tips help you maintain your beloved items. For more useful guides and articles, be sure to explore the rest of our Blog.
