Suede is great for shoes, chairs and more. It's soft and flexible and has a luxurious look. However, because suede is so soft, it tends to be not as durable as other types of leather. It can absorb stains easily and tends to get scuffed. That doesn't mean you should avoid suede products. Here's a look at the basics of suede and how to clean suede.
What is Suede?
Suede is a type of leather that softer and more flexible than full-grain leather. Unfortunately, this softness also means that suede is not quite as durable as full-grain leather. It stains easily and is highly susceptible to water damage, and as such needs to be properly taken care of to remain vibrant and beautiful. That's where Leather Honey comes in. Cleaning suede is easy if you follow this guide:
Materials Needed for Cleaning Suede
- Leather Honey Suede & Nubuck Care Kit
- Lint-free cloth
- Small, handheld vacuum
How to Clean Suede in 5 Steps
1. Remove Dirt and Debris
The first thing to do when cleaning suede is to make sure there is no loose dirt or debris covering the couch, shoes, etc. Use a small, handheld vacuum to remove any loose dirt from the suede. Make sure you use a soft-bristle attachment to avoid scuffing the suede.
2. Use a Suede Brush
After you've used your small vacuum, the next step in cleaning suede is to remove additional dirt with a suede brush. Inside your Leathery Honey Suede & Nubuck Care Kit you'll find a premium, horsehair suede brush. When using the brush, make small, circular motions over the suede. Don't press too hard; a small amount of pressure should do the trick.
3. Remove Stains with the Eraser
If your suede item has stains on it, use the suede eraser included in your kit to gently remove them. You do not want to use water on your suede, as it will make the stains much worse. Again, don't press too hard with the eraser.
4. Spot Test Your Cleaner
Now that your suede is free from loose dirt and stains, do a spot test with Leather Honey Suede & Nubuck Cleaner. Choose a small, inconspicuous spot and apply some of the cleaner with a lint-free cloth. Leather Honey Suede & Nubuck Cleaner is specifically engineered for suede and nubuck, so there should be no adverse impact. However, it's always a good idea to spot test before cleaning anything.
5. Apply Leather Honey Suede & Nubuck Cleaner
Grab your lint-free cloth and spray Leather Honey Suede & Nubuck Cleaner onto it. Next, gently clean the suede item with the cloth. Make sure you cover the entire suede product. Once you have finished, allow the suede to completely dry before using it. Ideally, you should wait 24 hours.
What Not to Use When Cleaning Suede
When cleaning suede, it's important to remember not to get them wet. Water can easily ruin suede. You also don't want to use any household products, like vinegar or baking soda. You really only want to use a premade suede cleaner to clean suede.
Storing and Transporting Suede
Suede is also susceptible to damage when being stored or transported. The soft leather is easily scratched. When storing or transporting your suede garments, place them in a pillowcase before storing them. Store the suede in a dark place where it will not fade, and make sure it is completely dry before storing it if you have tried to clean it.
More to Know About Cleaning Suede
Some common questions people have about how to clean suede.
What is the best thing to clean suede with?
The best thing to clean suede with is a premade suede cleaner, like Leather Honey Suede & Nubuck Cleaner.
Does vinegar clean suede?
Vinegar does not clean suede. It will ruin the suede.
Can I clean suede myself?
Yes, you can clean suede yourself. Suede is not difficult to clean as long as you use the right products. A suede brush, suede eraser and suede cleaner will do the job and keep your suede looking great.
