Suede bags are a luxurious and stylish addition to any wardrobe, but they can be difficult to clean. If you’re not careful, you could end up damaging your bag or causing the suede to lose its color and luster. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive guide on how to clean suede bags safely and effectively. We’ll answer some common questions about suede care, and provide some useful tips that will help you keep your bag looking its best for years to come!
What is Suede Leather?
Suede leather is a type of leather with a velvety, napped surface. It is usually made from the flesh side of lambskin, although other animals’ skin can be used to create suede as well. Suede leather is softer and more pliable than other types of leather, making it a popular choice for clothing, footwear, and accessories.
The reason why suede is so popular is that it has a unique look and feel. It is also relatively easy to care for and maintain. However, suede does require some special care when cleaning, as it can be easily damaged by water or harsh chemicals. [1]
General Care of Suede Leather Bags
Because of this, it’s important to take some time to learn how to properly clean and care for your suede leather bag. With just a little bit of effort, you can keep your bag looking like new for many years to come. Before we proceed to the cleaning tips, we will cover some general tips on how to care for your bag.
Brush in your suede before cleaning it
Suede is famous for its napped, velvety surface. This unique texture is created when the leather is sanded in a certain way during manufacturing. The result of it – a lot of small fibers are sticking up from the surface. Over time, these fibers can become matted down and clumped together. When this happens, your bag will look dull and outdated.
To prevent this from happening, you should brush your suede bag regularly with a soft-bristled brush. This will help to keep the fibers standing up straight and looking fresh. It’s best to do this before you clean your bag, as the brush will help to loosen any dirt or grime that is clinging to the fibers.
Use a soft, clean cloth when cleaning your suede
When it comes to actually clean your suede bag, you should always use a soft, clean cloth. If you’re not sure what kind of cloth to use, you can always purchase a microfiber cloth specifically designed for cleaning suede. These clothes are inexpensive and work great at removing dirt and grime from the surface of the leather.
To remove stubborn dirt or stains, you can also use a suede brush. These brushes have soft bristles that are specifically designed to work with suede leather. Be sure to use gentle strokes when brushing, as you don’t want to damage the delicate surface of the leather.
Use dry cleaning methods if possible
Consider getting a suede leather cleanser
One of the best ways to clean a suede leather bag is by using a commercial suede leather cleanser. These products are specifically designed to clean and protect suede leather. They usually come in the form of a spray or cream and can be easily applied to the surface of the bag.
Let the mud dry before brushing it off
One of the most common mistakes people make when it comes to cleaning suede is trying to brush the dirt off while it’s still wet. This will only end up spreading the stain and leaving behind water stains. Instead, you should let the mud dry completely before you try to remove it. Once it’s dry, you can gently brush it off with a soft cloth or a suede brush. [1] [2] [3]
Use a Suede Eraser
Now that we’ve covered some general tips on how to care for your suede bag, let’s move on to the cleaning tips. By far the best way to clean a suede bag is with a suede eraser. This unique tool gently removes dirt and stains from suede without damaging the material. To use a suede eraser, simply rub it over the affected area in a circular motion.
Once you’ve gone over the entire bag, take a clean cloth and wipe away any residue left behind by the eraser. Finally, use a brush to restore the nap of the suede. A soft-bristled brush works best for this task. [1] [2]
Cleaning Suede Bags With Rubbing Alcohol or Vinegar
While regular cleaning can be done with a brush, cloth, or eraser, you may occasionally need to use something more powerful to remove tough stains. Oil and water-based stains are the most common, but also the most annoying.
For this reason, many people recommend using rubbing alcohol or vinegar. These household cleaners can be effective at removing stubborn dirt and stains from the surface of your suede bag. However, it’s important to use them sparingly, as they can also damage the leather if used too frequently.
Prep the bag’s surface
As we mentioned above, one of the most important things to do before cleaning your suede bag is to prep the surface. This will help to ensure that the cleaning doesn’t damage the leather.
To prepare the surface, start by using a soft brush or cloth to remove any loose dirt or debris from the bag. Once you’ve done this, you can move on to cleaning the bag with rubbing alcohol or vinegar.
Pour a small amount of either on a clean cloth
Prior to cleaning, it’s important to test the cleaner on an inconspicuous area of the bag. This will help you ensure that it won’t damage the leather. Once you’ve determined that the cleaner is safe to use, pour a small amount onto a clean cloth. Gently rub the cloth over the stained area in a circular motion. You may need to apply a bit of pressure to remove tough stains.
Move slowly and carefully
When cleaning your suede bag, it’s important to move slowly and carefully. This will help you avoid damaging the leather. Start by cleaning a small area and then move on to the rest of the bag. Focus mainly on the stain and avoid unnecessary exposure to the rest of the bag.
Let your suede bag dry
Once you’ve finished cleaning your suede bag, let it dry in a cool, dry place. Avoid direct sunlight or heat, as this can damage the leather. Once the bag is dry, you can use a brush or cloth to return the fibers to their natural state.
How to Clean Tough Stains From Suede Purse
Sadly, no matter how careful you are, accidents happen. If you’ve got a tough stain on your suede purse, don’t despair. There are a few things you can do to try and remove it.
Blot the spills as soon as they appear
The best way to deal with a stain is to prevent it from setting in the first place. So, if you spill something on your purse, act fast! Use a clean, dry cloth to blot up as much of the liquid as possible. Sometimes the process may require more than one blotting. Be patient and keep at it until the cloth comes away clean.
Fresh wet stains are much easier to deal with than stains that have had time to set. However you can still deal with dried-on stains, it will just take a little more elbow grease.
Use cornstarch
Another great way to deal with fresh wet stains is to use cornstarch. Cornstarch is a fine, powdery starch derived from the corn kernel. It’s used as a thickener and binder in many dishes, as well as laundry starch. When applied to a stain, cornstarch will absorb the oils and help lift the dirt away from the fabric.
As you can see, using it on a fresh, wet stain can be very effective in helping to remove the stain. First blot up as much of the excess liquid as possible with a clean, dry cloth. Then, sprinkle a generous amount of cornstarch onto the stain and let it sit for about 15-30 minutes.
After 15 minutes, brush off the cornstarch with a soft-bristled brush or your fingers. If the stain is still visible, repeat the process until it’s gone. Once the stain is gone, you can vacuum up any remaining cornstarch.
Dealing with gum or wax stains
One of the worst things that can happen to your suede purse is getting gum or wax on it. Maybe you forgot your purse was in your pocket when you reached for a piece of gum, or maybe your child got curious and decided to use your purse as a canvas for their crayons.
The difficulties in removing these types of stains are that they’re often sticky, which can attract more dirt and debris, and they’re also hard to remove without damaging the suede. You can’t just simply scrub them off as you will most definitely damage the fibers.
Fortunately, there is a way. Freeze your purse! Put it in a plastic bag and then into the freezer for a few hours. Once the gum or wax is frozen, you should be able to scrape it off with your fingers. If there’s still some residue left behind, rub it with a nub of suede until it’s gone. Do not use any sharp objects as you can cut or tear the suede. [1] [2]
How to Protect Your Suede Purse
Now that you know how to clean your suede purse, it’s time to learn how to protect it. The best way to keep your purse looking like new is to prevent stains and other damage from happening in the first place.
Store your suede bag properly
When you’re not using your suede purse, it’s important to store it properly. This will help keep it clean and free of wrinkles. The best way to store a suede purse is in a breathable bag or box. You can also stuff it with tissue paper to help keep its shape. Avoid hanging your purse on a hook or knob, as this can cause the straps to stretch out. Do not store your suede purse in a plastic bag either, as this can cause the material to mildew. Leather needs to breathe!
Use suede sealant
Most people don’t know this, but you can actually buy a suede sealant. This is a clear liquid that you can apply to your purse to create an invisible barrier against stains and damage. The best thing about it, it’s completely safe for your purse and won’t change the color or appearance of the suede.
Don’t expose your suede purse to the sun
One of the worst things you can do to your suede purse is exposed it to direct sunlight. The sun’s ultraviolet rays can cause the leather to dry out, crack, and fade. If you must carry your purse in the sun, try to keep it in the shade as much as possible.
The same goes for water exposure. Water is one of the biggest enemies of suede. It can cause the leather to swell, discolor, and develop water spots. So, it’s important to avoid getting your suede purse wet if at all possible. If it’s raining outside, it’s best to leave your suede purse at home. [1]
FAQ
What is the best way to clean suede?
The best way to clean suede is to use a soft brush or dry cloth to remove any dirt or debris. If the suede is very dirty, you can spot-clean it with a damp cloth and mild soap. Always test any cleaning solutions in an inconspicuous area before using them on the entire bag.
Can I put a suede bag in the washing machine?
No. The suede is a delicate fabric and needs to be cleaned by hand. Machine washing will damage the suede and ruin the bag.
Still, it is possible to try and clean a suede bag in the washing machine if you are very careful. Put the bag in a pillowcase or laundry bag to protect it, and use the delicate cycle with cold water. Do not add any detergent or fabric softener. Let the bag air dry completely before using it again.
We however do not recommend machine washing suede bags. It is best to clean them by hand.
How do you make suede look new?
Suede is a wonderful material that can add a touch of luxury to any outfit. But like all materials, it requires special care to keep it looking its best. Here are some tips on how to make your suede look new again:
- Start by brushing the suede with a soft brush to remove any dirt or debris;
- Rub the fibers to activate the natural oils in the suede and restore its luster;
- Use a vinegar and water solution to spot-clean any areas that are particularly dirty;
- If there are any stains, you can try spot cleaning with a damp cloth;
- Use a vinegar and water solution to spot-clean any areas that are particularly dirty;
- Finish by applying a suede protectant to help repel dirt and stains in the future;
How do you revive a suede bag?
If your bag is starting to look a little flat, you can revive it with a few simple steps. First, use a soft brush to gently remove any dirt or debris from the surface of the bag. Next, rub the fibers with a clean, dry cloth to help restore their natural luster. Finally, apply a suede protector to help keep your bag looking like new.
If you notice some stains on your bag, don’t panic! The suede is actually quite stain-resistant. To remove a stain, simply rub it with a dry cloth or brush. If the stain persists, you can try spot-cleaning with vinegar. Sometimes rubbing alcohol may be required.
Useful Video: How to Clean a Suede Purse
Conclusion
Suede bags are an excellent investment. Not only are they stylish, but they’re also durable. With proper care, your suede bag will last for years to come. Still, nothing is ever safe from spills and stains.
Cleaning your suede bag is important to maintaining its appearance and longevity. While it may seem daunting, cleaning your suede bag is actually quite easy. There are different options at your disposal, from professional cleaners to home remedies.
The best way to clean your suede bag will depend on the type and severity of the stain. In most cases, simple spot treatment with a damp cloth is all that’s needed. However, more stubborn stains may require a more heavy-duty cleaning method.
In this article, we’ve provided step-by-step guides on how to clean suede stains using vinegar, rubbing alcohol, and even by freezing. And once you’ve cleaned your bag, be sure to protect it from future stains by using a water-repellant spray
Now that you know how to clean your suede bag, you can rest easy knowing that you can keep it looking its best. Be sure to follow the tips in this guide and avoid any harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners. With a little bit of care, your suede bag will age gracefully and be a staple in your wardrobe for years to come. Thanks for reading!
References:
- https://www.wikihow.com/Clean-a-Suede-Purse
- https://www.whowhatwear.co.uk/how-to-clean-a-suede-bag/slide22
- https://vonbaer.com/blogs/blog/how-to-clean-a-suede-leather-bag