Suede is a unique and alluring material, known for its soft, fuzzy texture that adds depth to any outfit. However, this charm comes with challenges! While suede can soften bold colors like red, yellow, and green, making them more wearable, its texture also makes it susceptible to stains and damage. Plus, suede is highly absorbent, prone to mold, and fades more quickly than smooth leather.
So, how do you keep this delicate fabric looking its best?
Spray for Protection Against Dust and Water
As the saying goes, "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure," and this is especially true for suede. Before you don your new suede jacket or shoes, take the time to apply a dust- and water-repellent spray. This extra step will protect your investment.
After about 5-10 wears, give your suede items a thorough clean with a specialized brush and reapply the protective spray. Some reliable options for repellents include Crep, Jason Markk Repel, and Saphir Nano Invulner Protector. Simply spray from a distance of 10-15 cm and let the item dry for around five hours before use.
Mastering the Brushing Technique
Caring for suede effectively often involves dry cleaning methods rather than liquid solutions. Unlike smooth leather, suede features a soft, uneven surface, making the right brush essential. Soft-bristle brushes, preferably horsehair or pig bristle, are ideal. Some specialized suede brushes come with copper bristles that can help lift stains embedded in the fabric. However, be cautious with modern suede garments, as thinner materials may be damaged by these brushes.
Brushing suede takes patience; always brush in the direction of the fibers to achieve the best results. For tough grease stains, combine brushing with a professional eraser, rubbing the stain gently before brushing again.
For a reliable suede brush, I recommend the Saphir Crepe. It has never let me down, even with heavily soiled shoes. I replace it annually, but if you’re interested in premium options, Saphir also has an MDO line.
For stubborn stains, I’ve found the Saphir Gommadin eraser to be incredibly effective over nearly a decade. While Crep makes decent erasers, they’re better suited for sneakers.
Let Suede Dry Naturally if Caught in the Rain
If your suede item gets caught in the rain, don’t reach for a hairdryer to speed up drying. Heat can distort the shape and stretch the fabric. Instead, let your suede dry naturally, possibly stuffing it with newspaper for shape retention. Just remember, no heat!
“Rescue” for Stained Suede
“Accidents happen,” right? Once your suede is completely dry, you can use your specialized brush and eraser to clean it up.
Proper Storage
When storing suede items during the humid rainy season, ensure they are thoroughly cleaned first. Hang jackets on wide wooden hangers to avoid shoulder stretching, which also helps with moisture absorption. For shoes, place them in fabric bags with moisture-absorbing packets in each pair. Store your shoes in a dry area, away from direct sunlight, to keep them in great condition.
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