Suede footwear is expensive and difficult to care for. Suede is one of the few materials which cannot be cleaned successfully with water. In fact, weather can transform the smooth, velvety surface into one that is harsh and uneven.
These simple ideas will help to extend the life of suede boots. Never wear them in the rain or snow. A light application of silicon spray before wearing them for the first time will help prevent water from doing too much damage. After spraying, dry the boots away from direct heat, which may stiffen and crack the suede. After they are completely dry, restore the nap by gently rubbing with fine sandpaper or an emery board.
The silicon spray will also help protect against soil build up and rock salt stains. Loose dirt should be removed after every wearing by brushing the boots with a dry sponge, towel, gum eraser or suede brush. Fresh rock salt stains should also be removed before they have a chance to set. Dab the stain with a little clear water.
Grease stains can be removed by applying a bit of dry cleaning solvent mixed with an absorbent such as fuller's earth or sawdust. Never use a dry cleaning solvent alone, for it will leave rings and spots that cannot be removed. And even when used with an absorbent, dry cleaning solvent, should be used very cautiously. Solvents may remove color from suede, for the color is only on the surface. Always test the solvent mixture first on a tiny inconspicuous area of the shoe.
It may be best to have suede boots professionally cleaned by a reputable suede cleaning establishment. Resist the temptation to wear new footwear until you have polished them first with a stain-repellent product or plain shoe polish.
To remove salt stains from leather shoes and winter boots, wipe them with a solution of 1 cup water and 1 tablespoon vinegar.
To cover ugly scuff marks on leather, use a matching color in acrylic paint, indelible felt marker, or crayon.
Remove light scuff marks with an art-gum eraser.
For a speedy clean and shine on patent leather, rub a minute amount of petroleum jelly over your shoes and buff or use a spray glass cleaner.
Leather footwear should be aired out after every wearing, and periodically sprayed inside with a disinfectant or clothes deodorizer. Store them in soft cloth or tissue paper, never in plastic bags. Cornell Cooperative Extension Yates Association
A week ago, I bought a gorgeous vintage Penny Lane-style suede/shearling coat (eBay). Made in the 1970s, it's roughly 52 years old (almost as old as I am). It's in excellent condition with just a few spots here and there. No odors and clean sherpa lining.
Usually, I clean all my other leather and suede clothing, handbags, etc. with Obenauf's and won't use anything else. Specialized leather/suede cleaners are out of the question. I've had terrible experiences with regular dry cleaners and prefer to DIY. If you have any other suggestions that I could try naturally, to keep me out of dry cleaner hell. My motto is reuse/repurpose and buy vintage. This coat still has lots of life left in it. Thanks in advance.
I will say that I've spot cleaned this type of suede and it turned out okay so I believe you can do this if the spots/stains are small and not too many.
Martha Stewart's blog on this:
www.marthastewart.com/
Other tips:
customsheepskinjackets.com/
www.wikihow.com/
Suede is a far more delicate material than leather. Regular light cleaning should ensure that your coat always looks its best.
Use a two-sided suede brush to clean your coat. The wire side is effective in removing dry mud or dirt and the soft side can then be used to buff up the nap. Only ever use the wire brush on dry suede and never apply extreme pressure or you may damage the surface of the suede. Always brush in the direction of the grain.
If your coat is stained, rub the area with a white pencil eraser or use a 50/50 solution of water and vinegar applied to tackle stains with a sponge. Spraying rubbing alcohol onto stains and rubbing with a sponge is also an effective method of stain removal.
If you have oil stains, then apply an absorbent substance such as corn starch, baking powder or talcum powder and leave overnight.
Water stains can be removed by spraying the jacket with a mist of water and then soaking up the moisture with paper towels.
I have this mark on my suede headboard. I'm not sure what it is. Ihave tried using a steamer to get rid of it but it didn't work.
I also tried using a fabric brush but it didn't help. I'm not sure if it's the actual material?
You could try an art gum eraser. If it is dirt, it will come off. If it is a stain, you may have to have it professionally cleaned.
There should be a label on the back of the headboard to let you know the material. From there, you can research care guide for that specific material (if its suede or what the fabric is to clean it).
I've been hearing about the BISSELL Little Green ProHeat Portable Deep Cleaner as a great cleaning tool!
How do I get dried chicken grease out of waterproof suede boots?
It looks like almost every site recommends using cornstarch.
I'm not sure how well it will work on dried fat stains and waterproofed boots may be even more difficult.
They do sell a suede cleaning kit that might help bringing the suede back to life after spots are gone.
Check out these sites to see if any look promising to you.
www.hunker.com/
A new suede jacket or other piece of clothing can be quite stiff until broken in, as can items that get wet. There are a few ways to soften suede, including wearing it often, using a conditioner, or taking it to a dry cleaner or leather specialist.
Because of its nap, suede requires some special care when trying to remove stains. This is a page about removing a butter stain on suede.
Candle wax is a challenging cleaning job, especially when you are also working with a surface such as suede. This is a page about cleaning candle wax on suede.
This is a page about cleaning blood from suede. Cleaning stains on suede clothing or other items can be a bit tricky. You need to take care not to damage the nap while cleaning.
This is a page about cleaning a suede jacket. Because of its nap, suede jackets should be cleaned following the best process for this type of leather.
