Suede is a very popular fabric. Shoes, jackets, gloves, and other clothing made from suede are very fashionable and are practical as well because they are very warm. But cleaning suede without damaging it can be difficult. If you are not sure how to wash suede, there are some things you should know before you attempt to clean suede items at home. You can clean your suede clothing yourself, but it’s important that you know how to wash suede before you start so that you don’t damage any of your items. You can’t really wash suede the way that you wash other fabrics. Here is a quick overview of how to get stains off your suede items and make them look new again:

Start with a stiff brush: You should have a suede brush specifically for your suede items. You can buy one if you don’t already have one. Brush the suede firmly to fluff up the fibers and loosen any dirt or debris that is on the item. Brushing suede can make the suede look like new again so you should brush it regularly.

Spot treat any stains: If a stain on your suede item is a dry stain, you can remove it with a pencil eraser. Just use the eraser on the stains and then brush the suede again. Many dry stains and marks can be easily and quickly removed with an eraser. If the stain is a wet stain or is really set in, you can spot clean the stain with a paper towel soaked in cleaning solution. To make the solution, mix hot water, vinegar, and a few drops of a natural detergent. Gently pat, don’t rub, the paper towel onto the stain. Make sure the stain itself is damp but nothing else is. You can use a textured towel or the stiff brush to get the cleaning solution deep into the fibers. Then use the brush to brush out the stain as it is lifted to the surface.

Rinse the stain spot: Dip another paper towel into clean, cold water and then pat the spot that you just cleaned. Let it dry and then brush it hard to remove any detergent or any leftover bits of the stain. Your suede item should be clean and ready to wear again. If you are going to be wearing suede skirts, jackets, or other items that could easily get stained, consider pre-treating them with a stain resistant product made for suede to prevent bad stains.