Suede jackets are a great fall and winter wardrobe staple but are notoriously difficult to clean. Luckily, there are some things you can do to keep your suede jacket looking its best without having to take it to the dry cleaners.
These days, who has time for that? Here's how you can clean your suede jacket at home. In this article, we'll be discussing everything you need to know about how to clean a suede leather jacket.
Is a Suede Leather Jacket Easy to Clean
Suede is a type of leather with a nap or pile, that is softer and finer than that of other leathers. It can be cleaned using the same methods as any other type of leather. Suede jackets are popular because they're easy to maintain and water-resistant.
They last longer than other materials and can be used in everyday life or for special occasions such as weddings or galas. This is one of the leather jacket varieties you must have in your wardrobe if you don't have one already!
Tips to Clean a Suede Leather Jacket
1. Use a suede brush or sponge to remove dirt
Brush or sponge the dirt from your suede jacket. A suede brush will work better on small areas, like the cuffs and collar, while a sponge can be used for larger areas. If you're using a sponge, make sure it's not too abrasive-you don't want to scratch your jacket! Using a soft brush or sponge, gently brush away any dust or dirt from your jacket.
2. Clean stains with baking soda
To clean a suede jacket with baking soda, you need to apply the baking soda with a damp cloth and then rub it into the stain. Let the baking soda sit for five minutes, then rinse with clean water. Repeat if necessary until all of the stains are gone. Do not use this method on suede jackets that have colorfastness issues (i.e., they bleed).
3. Use baby powder or cornstarch
Remove grease stains with baby powder or cornstarch
To remove grease stains from suede, you'll need a soft-bristle brush or sponge, baby powder or cornstarch, and dry cloth. Mix the baby powder with water until it's the consistency of paste. Dip your brush in the mixture and apply it to the stained area of your jacket.
Let it sit for five minutes and then wipe off any excess powder with another cloth. If there is still a stain after repeating this process twice more (once every five minutes), then you should take your jacket to an expert cleaner for further treatment.
Remove sweat stains with vinegar
If you have a suede jacket with sweat stains, the first thing that you should do is wash it. To clean your suede jacket, fill the sink with cold water and add 2 cups of white vinegar. Swirl gently and let stand for 20 minutes.
You can also use a sponge to apply vinegar directly onto stains or mix up a homemade solution by mixing 3/4 cup baking soda with 1-gallon of warm water (but this will take longer). To help remove stubborn stains, repeat this process as often as necessary until they are gone! When washing suede jackets by hand though, remember not to wring them out too hard because that could cause more damage than good!
Also, make sure not to rub too hard when drying off either because again this could also cause damage. Once dry, take a look at your work. If there are still some slight marks left, then try using nail polish remover on those particular areas instead before trying another round of washing again.
Use a dry cloth or brush
Clean mud and other wet stains with a dry cloth or brush
After the initial cleaning, you need to use a dry cloth or brush to remove any remaining dirt. If your suede jacket has gotten wet and there are wet stains on it, you'll need a soft brush or cloth to get out these stains. If you don't have one, try using another clean piece of cloth instead.
If this doesn't work and the stain remains after brushing it off with your fingers or through wiping with a soft cloth, try sponging up any excess moisture with an absorbent towel before blotting at the stain with another clean piece of fabric.
By brushing and wiping
Get rid of mold and mildew by brushing and wiping the jacket down with a dry cloth
If your suede jacket has mildew or mold, you can use a soft-bristled brush to brush the fabric and help dislodge the dirt. A clean, damp cloth will help remove any remaining dirt from stains. If your jacket is very dirty, use a cloth that has been dampened with water, vinegar, or mild detergent to wipe the stain away.
You can also use a bleach solution (1 part bleach to 10 parts water) if needed. Remember that bleach should only be used on white or light-colored suede jackets because it may cause discoloration if left on too long. You can also use a leather cleaner made specifically for suede jackets to ensure that you don't accidentally ruin the material of your jacket.
Get Professionally Cleaned?
Should You Get Your Suede Leather Jacket Professionally Cleaned?
You may be able to clean your suede jacket at home, but if it's a favorite jacket, you may want to have it professionally cleaned. A professional cleaning will cost more than the materials needed to clean your suede jacket at home.
Suede is a delicate fabric that can only be cleaned with a special suede brush or sponge. It's also prone to damage from harsh cleaning chemicals and should only be dry-cleaned professionally if you're worried about preserving its color or structure.
Conclusion
Be grateful that you now have the knowledge and tools to get your suede leather jacket looking like it's brand new! Even though it may seem like a lot of work, having the right materials at hand means you can clean your jacket in no time. That way, you can spend more of your day doing what matters most-wearing that suede jacket in style.