How To Keep Suede Looking Mint Condition
When you find a pair of suede boots or shoes that you really love, you want them to last. However, suede is one a fabric that requires a little more TLC than other shoes. Luckily for you, we’re detailing 10 of our top foolproof tips that will have your suede looking mint condition for years to come. There’s no need to shell out on replacement pairs when you can prolong the life of your favourite shoes. Because of suedes soft nature and easy to scuff surfaces, it can be difficult to clean, and sometimes costly. However, it’s worth noting that it will likely pay down the line if you invest in your suede rather than shelling out for replacements.
1. Buy A Suede Brush
The one tip you absolutely have to try for any suede boots or shoes is a suede brush. It’s worth investing in a brush specifically made for brushing suede. Because of suedes soft grain, a tailored made brush is the best choice to keep it in prime condition, maintaining a finish that won’t leave your shoes looking worn out.
2. Be Sure To Use Your Brush Regularly
In order to clean off any dirt or dust, you simply need to brush your shoes when dry. To avoid an undesirable look, ensure that you brush in the same direction rather than back and forth. You can brush back and forth if you’re trying to remove a scuff mark, as doing so will lift the grain back up for an improved appearance.
3. Use A Suede Protection Spray
In order to preserve your suede, you should use a suede protection spray. The best suede protection sprays on the market will protect you against dirt and stains as well as increasing water resistance. They’re simple to use and cost-effective, it’s a no brainer! Suede is not designed to withhold exceedingly wet conditions, but, a good protection spray can offer you peace of mind should you ever get caught in an unexpected downpour. With that said, if you want your suede to look as good as it did when you bought it for a long time, you should avoid wearing it in rain.
4. Remove Water Stains With Water
We know this may sound a little ironic, but one of the best ways to get rid of a water stain is by using more water. Simply apply a light coat of water to your suede using a suede brush before lightly dabbing the surface with a rag until evenly wet, hiding the appearance of any watermarks. Once your suede is dry, you just need to lightly brush over them with a dry brush to restore the grain to its original look.
5. Use Vinegar On Stubborn Stains
If you have a stain that is hard to remove with just water, it’s time to reach for the water. Simply mix a solution made up of one part white vinegar, two parts water and apply a small amount of the solution with a soft rag. Once dry, brush lightly over the treated suede with your suede brush and you’ll be good to go.
6. Use Talcum Powder
If you’re not ready to try vinegar in a bid to remove stubborn stains (we don’t blame you if your shoes are expensive) you can try talcum powder. Simply apply a layer of talcum powder to the stain and leave to set overnight. The following day, you simply need to brush the suede and remove the dried powder which would have hopefully lifted the stain.
7. Use A Toothbrush If You Need A DIY Brush
If you’re ever in the situation where you need to clean your suede boots or shoes quickly but you don’t have a brush to hand, the next best thing is a toothbrush. Thanks to the soft bristles on a toothbrush, you can brush your suede without damaging the appearance. So, rather than leaving a stain, you can try this.
8. Try Steam
Another tip you can try out to remove any stubborn stains without directly applying any liquids to your suede is to use steam. Simply hold your suede above the steam, eveni if it’s just from a kettle for a couple of seconds. Once you’ve removed your suede from the steam, simply brush it with a suede brush for the best results.
9. Store With Café
When storing suede boots, shoes or clothes there are two main things you want to avoid, direct sunlight and lack of air circulating. In order to store your suede correctly, you should keep it in a cool, dry place out of sunlight. Furthermore, you should avoid keeping suede in a box or wrapped in plastic. Preferably, you will either store suede where it has room to breathe, either in spacious wardrobe or on a shoe rack.
10. Try Professional Cleaning
We understand that if you have a pair of designer suede shoes or a jacket that’s been a wardrobe staple for many years, you might not want to try these DIY solutions. So, if you really want to preserve your suede, you should take it to the professionals.
Colours in suede can fade quickly, as well as stains being difficult to remove. In order to best preserve and clean your suede, simply follow our tried and tested tips. As always, prevention is always best, so invest in a good suede cleaning kit that comes with a protective spray and brush and you can rest assured your suede will be in mint condition for months on end. As a general rule of thumb, you need to avoid using any chemicals on your suede as it can discolour or permanently damage it, instead try water and gentle brushing for the best results.
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