HOW TO CLEAN AND TREAT STAINS ON SUEDE
Suede is a plush fabric known for its softness and luxury. It is commonly used for garments such as shoes, jackets, hats and household items like pillows and couches. Because of its delicate nature, maintaining suede can be challenging. However, its aesthetic appeal and soft feel make it ideal for enhancing your home or wardrobe.
Explore this guide to learn how to clean your suede products and help make them last through the years.
WHAT IS SUEDE?
Suede is a premium material made from animal hides and used in jackets, shoes, purses, upholstery and other items. Microsuede is an artificial imitation of authentic suede and is made from microfiber polyester fabric.
Microsuede is more durable and easier to clean than genuine suede. Always refer to the care label when cleaning any suede item to ensure proper maintenance.
CAN SUEDE BE CLEANED?
To clean suede, use a bristle brush, suede eraser and household items like cornstarch for oil stains and white vinegar or rubbing alcohol for other stains. Be gentle and patient while cleaning, as suede is delicate and can be damaged if not cleaned properly. With a bit of care and attention, your suede items can continue looking their best.
Genuine suede is a natural fabric that quickly absorbs moisture and dirt, making it notorious for being tough to clean. But don’t worry; there are ways to restore most of your soiled suede items. The key is to clean them as soon as you spot any dirt or grime. The longer you wait, the harder it can be to restore the suede to its original state.
HOW TO CLEAN SUEDE
Knowing how to clean suede is essential if you own suede sneakers or have suede upholstery in your home. By learning which solutions may work for suede and using gentle cleaning techniques, you can help keep this delicate fabric looking new for years.
SUPPLIES
Baking soda
Rubbing alcohol
White vinegar
Cornstarch
Hydrogen peroxide
Dish soap
TOOLS
Suede water-repellent treatment
Bristle brush
Microfiber towel
Suede eraser
STEP 1: CHECK CARE TAG
If your suede item comes with a care label, check it to determine the best way to care for the item. This can help you figure out if your suede item is authentic or made of synthetic material like microsuede.
If you’re unsure what the care label symbols mean, consult a laundry symbols guide for more information. Your care tag may suggest a particular cleaning method or it may recommend exclusively dry-cleaning your suede item.
STEP 2: USE BRUSH TO REMOVE EXCESS DIRT
Removing any loose particles or dirt buildup is essential to begin cleaning a dirty suede item. You can use a soft bristle brush or a clean microfiber towel. Gently brush your item with either tool to remove dirt or grime using light pressure. This step will help your cleaning solutions restore your suede item.
STEP 3: USE SUEDE ERASER TO LIFT AWAY DIRT
Suede erasers are rubber and can effectively remove dried dirt or grime from suede items. Like a regular eraser, the suede eraser lifts away particles. To use, gently rub the eraser against your suede in the same direction as the fibers. This should help remove any remaining stains.
STEP 4: SPOT CLEAN YOUR SUEDE
The cleaning solution you use on suede depends on the type of stain. Spot cleaning is generally the best way to clean suede, as putting suede items in the washing machine is not recommended. Products that may help in cleaning suede include white vinegar, dish soap, baking soda and cornstarch.
For dried oil or grease stains, you can use a small amount of dish soap, blotting it and wiping it away, but avoid soaking the suede in water. For a wet oil stain, sprinkle cornstarch on it and let sit to absorb the oil before brushing it away gently. To remove water stains, blot them with a towel soaked in rubbing alcohol or white vinegar.
Do not place your suede items in the dryer. If they need to dry when you are done cleaning them, allow them to air dry.
STEP 5: TREAT THE ITEM WITH A WATER REPELLENT
After cleaning stains and dirt from your suede item, applying a water repellent designed for suede is a good idea. Water stains are a common issue with suede and treating them time and time again can be frustrating. Using a water repellent can help prevent excessive water damage.
Follow the directions on your chosen water-repellent product to ensure you apply it correctly. Avoid exposing your suede item to water as much as possible. Suede is still a delicate fabric and can become damaged if it gets soaked with water, even with a water repellent.
CAN YOU WASH SUEDE SHOES WITH SOAP AND WATER?
It is recommended to use dry cleaning methods on your suede items, if possible. Begin using a dry brush, then move on to a rubber eraser. If any stubborn stains remain, try using rubbing alcohol, white vinegar or a suede-specific cleaning solution instead of water to remove them. To learn more about how to wash and dry shoes, explore this in-depth guide.
WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO CLEAN SUEDE SHOES?
To clean your suede shoes, use a suede brush or other soft bristle brush to brush away any dirt or debris on the surface gently. If you don’t have a brush, use a clean cloth instead, but avoid using water, as it can make the mess worse.
Remove minor scuff marks from suede shoes by brushing back and forth to help loosen any soils.
For stubborn stains, try using an acidic liquid like suede cleaner, rubbing alcohol, or white vinegar. Take care not to saturate the shoe with any liquid but lightly moisten it. Dampen the corner of a dry cloth with a small amount of the liquid. Gently massage the shoe side-to-side before letting the suede dry. Repeat these steps if the stain persists.
HOW DO YOU CLEAN SUEDE FURNITURE?
Cleaning suede furniture is much like cleaning other suede items. The first step is to vacuum any loose dirt or debris. Then use a soft bristle brush or a clean towel to brush away anything that remains. Do your best to address spills immediately to help prevent permanent stains.
Always refer to the manufacturer’s instructions to determine which cleaners are safe for your suede or microsuede furniture. In the event of a spill, use a clean, dry microfiber cloth to blot the affected area and absorb the moisture. Be sure to lift the material as you blot to prevent the liquid from penetrating the fabric. To help prevent a ring from forming, blot from the outside in.
Next, apply a suede cleaner or white vinegar to a soft, clean microfiber rag and dab the spot thoroughly. Let it dry and repeat the process if the stain persists.
For best results, have your suede furniture professionally cleaned once a year. To help prevent spots and stains from forming in the future, follow up with a suede protective spray.
EXPLORE MAYTAG® WASHERS
With select Maytag® washing machines, you’ll enjoy the stain-fighting performance of the Extra Power button on any wash cycle with a dual-temperature wash. Choose from features on select models like the Optimal Dose dispenser system, which adds the right amount of detergent for up to 8 loads in a row1 and cycles like Sanitize and Deep Water Wash to help tackle tough loads.
DISCOVER MORE CLEANING GUIDES FROM MAYTAG BRAND
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1. Based on an 8-lb load
