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The velvety, smooth texture of suede can look (and feel) so luxurious. Whether it’s a jacket, boots or some other item of clothing, it’s one of those materials that adds richness and depth to your style. That said, suede can also scare some people away due to its reputation for being tricky to care for. After all, it’s not like you can simply throw suede into the washing machine with your favorite laundry detergent. However, you shouldn’t let a slightly more complicated take-care routine scare you off this luxurious material. Experts say that taking care of suede is easier than you might think — as long as you know what to do.
It’s as simple as learning how to avoid things that put your suede items at risk and cleaning them. To help you do that, we asked experts for their top tips on handling this material. We also included some highly rated suede protectors and tools to make it easier to do the job.
SKIP AHEAD How to protect suede | How to clean suede | When to take your suede to a professional cleaner
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How to protect suede
The first step to caring for suede is to learn how to protect it. Our experts all agree that reversing damage once it’s done is harder than protecting suede. One of the best things you can do to safeguard this material is to spray it down with a protective spray before you start wearing it, says Eric Neuner, CEO of the shoe repair company NuShoe, who adds that these sprays can repel water and other things that may stain your suede. Suede protector sprays can easily be found at retailers like Amazon, Walmart and Target and must be reapplied regularly to maintain effectiveness. How often depends on how often you wear the item, says Neuner. Start seasonally and increase frequency to every other month if you wear the item frequently. One other note: Before applying a new suede protector all over, test it in a small, hidden area first to ensure it works for your item, says Neuner.
Highly rated suede protector sprays
How to clean suede
“Suede requires frequent brushing to keep it clean and looking good,” says Eliana Coca, owner of E.C. House Cleaning. “Brushing restores the nap (also known as the texture) and removes surface dirt.” When looking for a suede brush, opt for one with natural bristles, which tend to be more flexible—inflexible bristles may damage the fabric. Similar to applying a protector spray, how frequently you should brush depends on how often you use the item. If you use it regularly, try to brush it every few weeks or when you notice an accumulation of dirt or dust. If it’s an item you don’t use as frequently, every few months should be fine.
Brushing suede is good for maintenance, but if you spot a stain on your suede, you’ll need to go a step further. “If you have a small stain, try a suede eraser,” says Simon Elliott, the founder and operations director of custom clothing brand Clifton. Suede erasers don’t look all that different from pencil erasers. They’re made with a crumbly rubber material that can penetrate the suede texture. Wait until your stain is dry and then use medium to firm pressure to rub the suede eraser over the spot. The eraser will leave behind some white debris. Dust it off with a suede brush, going toward the grain, and your spot should be gone — or at least less obvious, says Elliott.
Best suede brushes
Best suede erasers
When to take your suede to a professional
Oops — you got caught in a rainstorm with your suede boots on or spilled a cup of coffee on your favorite suede armchair. Some stains or damage are just too big to handle on your own. If you’ve tried brushing your suede or using an eraser and it’s not helping, it’s time to get help from a professional. “For deep cleaning, professional wet cleaning or steaming is best,” says Salvador Villarreal, owner of VIP Dry Cleaners in San Diego, California. Just make sure you find someone reliable who has experience cleaning suede. “I always tell people to look for reviews that note positive experiences having similar items as yours cleaned,” says Elliott.
Meet our experts
At NBC Select, we work with experts with specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and experience. We also ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
- Eric Neuner is the CEO of the shoe repair company NuShoe.
- Eliana Coca is the owner of E.C. House Cleaning and has worked in cleaning and organizing for over 20 years.
- Simon Elliott is the founder and operations director of custom clothing brand Clifton.
- Salvador Villarreal is the owner of VIP Dry Cleaners in San Diego, California.
Why trust NBC Select?
Bethany Heitman is a contributor at NBC Select and a journalist who regularly covers beauty, home and lifestyle. For this story, she interviewed experts on how to take care of suede.
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