There is nothing better than a gorgeous pair of suede boots or a sleek suede jacket. They’re comfortable, luxurious & super functional………… Until it rains or they get dirty that is. Suede is great but it can feel like a bit of a challenge to keep clean. Apart from watching the weather like a toddler or having a backup pair of shoes you constantly carry to trade on and off with, the reality is that your suede shoes or jacket are going to get dirty. These 2 (yup just 2!) tips will help with some of the inevitable suede heartache.
Dried Stains or Dirt Stains – The first thing you will want to do is purchase a decent suede brush. You can find these little babies all over the place. I got mine off of Amazon. With your brush, vigorously scrub the stained area until all the excess dirt is gone. Once the dirt has been removed take a nail file and buff the discolored area, this will help restore the suede’s natural appearance.
Liquid Stains – With a dry clean cloth, quickly blot the area of the spill. Using talcum powder or cornmeal, apply a thin layer to the offending area. Let the cornmeal or powder sit overnight. The next day, use your suede brush to dust off the remaining powder.
Good Rule of Thumb – When you purchase a product that is made of suede, it’s always a good idea to have the item sealed or purchase a suede sealant and do it yourself. Often times, the retailer in which you bought the item will sell a product so, make sure you ask. Also, you should never use water to treat a stain. In most cases it’s counterproductive and causes more discoloration.