How to care for suede – clean, protect, and make your suede favorites last longer
When spring arrives, many people bring out their suede garments again. Suede jackets, shoes, and bags hold a special place in the wardrobe – soft, matte, and timeless all at once.
But suede is also a material that requires a little more care than many others. With the right care, it can stay beautiful for many years.
What is suede and why is it more sensitive than regular leather?
Suede is a leather where the soft inner side of the hide is buffed to create its characteristic matte and velvety surface.
Unlike smooth leather, suede has a more open structure, which makes the material soft and pliable but also more susceptible to moisture, dirt, and stains. This is why suede shoes, jackets, and bags often need a bit more daily care.
Use a suede brush regularly
A suede brush is one of the simplest and most effective tools for caring for suede. A good suede brush is often a small investment that makes a big difference over time.
It helps to:
- lift the fibers
- remove surface dirt
- restore the soft surface
Brush gently in one direction to avoid damaging the material.
How to clean suede?
When suede gets dirty, it's important to start gently. Many people are afraid to clean suede, but there's no real need to be. With cleaning products designed for suede, it's often possible to clean the material without damaging it.
Always start with the mildest methods and work your way up if needed.
- Brush off loose dirt with a suede brush
- Treat stains locally instead of wetting the entire material
- If the material needs more thorough cleaning, you can use a cleaner designed for suede
- Allow the material to air dry naturally if it has become damp
Once the suede has dried, you can use the suede brush again to brush up the fibers and restore its soft, characteristic surface.
The gentler the treatment, the better for the suede's structure.
How to remove odor from suede?
Suede is often used in shoes and jackets where moisture can easily build up over time. When the material comes into contact with the body, heat and moisture are generated, which can create an environment where odors arise.
If the material isn't dirty but starts to smell or feels less fresh, it's often enough to air the garment or freshen it up between uses. Pure Effect Textile Spray helps to break down odors in the material without affecting color or texture.
It's best to spray on the inside of the jacket, blazer, or shoes, as that's usually where the odor is located since it originates where the material meets the body. If necessary, the outside can also be lightly sprayed, but in many cases, treating the inside is sufficient to make the odor disappear and the garment feel fresh again.
Protect suede by waterproofing
Waterproofing is one of the best ways to protect suede. A waterproofing spray makes the surface more water-repellent and reduces the risk of stains.
The waterproofing forms a protective layer on the material's surface, but this gradually wears off as the garment, bag, or shoes are used. Therefore, the treatment needs to be repeated regularly for the protection to continue to work.
For best results:
- waterproof before first use
- repeat the treatment during the season
- allow the material to dry thoroughly between treatments
Avoid common mistakes
When caring for suede, it's easy to do too much.
Avoid:
- wetting the material unnecessarily
- rubbing hard on stains
- using strong chemicals
- drying suede on radiators or in direct heat
Gentle treatment almost always works better.
Suede is a soft and beautiful material that can last a long time with proper care. Brush regularly, treat stains gently, and protect the material with waterproofing.
Small routines make a big difference – both for appearance and longevity.
If you want to remove odor and freshen up suede between uses, you can read more about Pure Effect Textile Spray here.
Common questions about suede
How to clean suede?
Start with a suede brush to remove surface dirt. Treat stains locally and avoid wetting the entire material.
Can you machine wash suede?
No, suede should not be machine washed. Instead, clean the material gently and locally.
How to protect suede from dirt and water?
By regularly waterproofing the material with a waterproofing spray.
How to remove odor from suede shoes?
Air out the shoes and let them dry thoroughly. Neutralize the odor with Pure Effect Textile Spray and repeat if necessary.
