- Cleaning suede at home can be successful and can save you money. Use a towel or soft cloth to absorb as much of the stain or soil as possible. If the suede is wet, allow it to dry before attempting to clean it. With an old toothbrush, brush the suede, removing the dirt while lifting the nap of the suede. A regular pencil eraser is a good tool to use to remove dirt and stains. For tough stains, gently rub with fine grade sandpaper or steel wool. A little white vinegar on a damp cloth is another method to use on stains. Always test this on a hidden spot and allow to dry before proceeding to clean the entire item. For small ink stains, use a window cleaner. Once the item has been cleaned and is dry, use a toothbrush or nail brush to gently brush over the suede to restore the natural look. Caution should be used when home cleaning suede as it can result in permanent damage to your favorite jacket, pair of shoes or sofa.
- Be sure to read any cleaning labels or manufacturer's warnings before attempting to clean a stain or a water mark on the suede article. Products and tools to purchase are a suede cleaning spray or liquid, suede eraser, suede brush and suede degreaser. Use the suede eraser to lift the nap and rub the suede to remove dirt. With gentle rubbing strokes, there should be no damage to the item. Once cleaned, use a suede brush to get the "suede look" restored. Before using any cleaner, be sure to read the directions, and it is always a good idea to spot test a hidden area first. Heavily soiled areas around the collar from body oils will require a suede degreaser product. For stubborn stains, a professional dry cleaner will be the best solution.
- To keep the suede garment, shoes or furniture looking like new, a regular maintenance of brushing should be used to keep the nap fluffed up. A waterproofing spray should be used every 6 months, and professional cleaning is recommended every 2 years.
