Steamatic Suede Treatment Tips: 6 Do’s and Don’ts
Suede is made from a much thinner piece of hide than regular leather is, which makes it less durable than its conventional counterpart. Suede is much softer and more velvety, making it susceptible to stains and water spots. If your suede has been thoroughly damaged, your best option would be to take it to a professional for restoration. However, if the stain is smaller and more manageable, you may be able to salvage it at home with some professional pointers. Read more to find out what and what not to do:
- DO use an absorbent towel to gently blot and dry wet suede as much as possible, and then let the item air dry. Any wet area on the suede needs to be dried as soon as possible to avoid further damage.
- DO use a pencil eraser top on smaller stains. Simply run the eraser over the stain in straight and even strokes. Clean the eraser top as you go to avoid smearing the stain back into the material.
- DON’T use stain remover products that are chemically based should never be used on suede, as this will likely cause more stains which will be difficult to treat.
- DON’T scrub or rub the suede when attempting to remove stains! Instead, brush the suede.This will help loosen up any debris from deep within the fabric and you will be able to easily clean the surface. All brush types are fine, except for steel or iron bristled brushes as these can further damage your item.
- DO exercise caution with vinegar-based home remedies. White vinegar is a great at home suede cleaning solution, but less is more. Using too much can do more harm than good to your fabric. Use a small dab on a cleaning cloth when using vinegar as your non-toxic solution for suede stain removal.
- DON’T give up on oil stains! Oil is particularly tough to remove from suede, but it is possible. Put your suede item on top of a towel with your oil stain facing upwards. Sprinkle 1-2 teaspoons of Cornstarch on to the stain. This will help draw the oils out of the fabric. Put plastic wrap on top of the starch and use a heavy item to press it down. Let this sit for a few hours, and repeat if necessary. Use a brush to remove all debris. Ta-da! Good as new.
