7 Tips for Cleaning Suede Bags — Protecting Your Soft Luxury
Suede bags add a special, soft touch to your look, but keeping them clean is tricky. They are delicate and can easily get stained or damaged. It's important to clean them the right way to keep them looking nice and to make sure they last a long time. We're here to show you simple steps on how to take care of your suede bag properly so it can stay as beautiful as when you first got it.
What Makes Suede Unique and Why Does It Need Special Care
Suede is a type of leather with a soft, velvety surface. It's made from the underside of animal skin. Unlike smoother leathers, suede has tiny fibers that give it signature nap. However, these fibers make suede very absorbent and prone to damage from liquids or oily substances. When it comes to cleaning agents, suede is sensitive and can be easily discolored or damaged if treated with harsh chemicals.
Since suede is so delicate and likely to pick up dirt, it demands extra care when being cleaned. The open pores and textured nature of suede mean that it can't be cleaned like other materials—you have to be gentle to avoid ruining the nap or pushing stains deeper into the fibers. Also, water and traditional cleaning solutions may leave marks or even change the texture of suede, making it stiff or mottled. This is why suede bags need specific cleaning methods tailored just for them, to keep them looking their best without causing any harm.
How to Clean Suede Bags and Keep Them Looking New
O1. Remove Stains from Suede Bags
● Use a Soft Bristle Brush:
Ensure your suede bag is dry before you start cleaning it. Take a soft bristle brush and lightly sweep away the dirt, moving in one direction along the material's surface. If your bag looks flat or compressed, use the brush to gently lift the fibers and restore its natural texture for a refreshed appearance.
● Use a Suede Eraser:
To keep your suede bag looking new, start by tackling light stains with a suede eraser. Gently rub in back-and-forth motions over the spot you need to treat. There's no need to be vigorous; a soft touch is usually enough to lift the stain without adding any liquid. Patience is key, so continue the process until the mark gradually fades out. Make sure the eraser is as clean as a whistle before you start, so you're not rubbing more dirt in.
O2. Treat Oil Stains and Stubborn Marks on Suede Bags
I. Using Cornstarch / Talcum Powder
● Cover the oil stains with enough cornstarch or talcum powder.
● Let the powder sit for a few hours, better yet, overnight, to work its magic.
● With a suede brush, softly brush off the powder and lifted oil.
● Repeat as necessary if you can still see the mark.
II. Method for Cleaning Special Stains (Ink and Blood):
● For Ink Stains:
If you're dealing with ink stains on your suede bag, the solution is simple. Begin by soaking a cotton swab in rubbing alcohol. Then, carefully dab at the ink stain with the moistened cotton swab, remembering that a gentle touch is best. Once you've treated the stain, leave the suede to dry naturally.
● For Blood Stains:
When blood stains find their way onto your suede, dab the area using a clean and light-colored cloth dampened with cold water, and apply some pressure to absorb the blood. Keep at this until you have removed as much of the stain as possible. After you're done, allow the spot to dry completely, but be sure to keep it away from any heat sources or direct sunlight.
O3. Deep Clean Your Suede Bags
I. Using Rubbing Alcohol / White Vinegar
● Test the alcohol or vinegar on a small, hidden section of your bag.
● Dampen a clean and light-colored cloth with either alcohol or vinegar.
● Gently pat the coffee, juice, and tea stains—do not rub vigorously.
● Allow the suede to dry naturally, away from sunlight or direct heat.
Warm Tip: Just a little bit of liquid is enough, the less the better.
II. Wet Washing Technique:
● Use a spray bottle to mist the suede lightly. Keep it evenly damp, not wet.
● Apply suede shampoo or mixed mild soap solution using a soft sponge with gentle, circular motions.
● Rinse the sponge thoroughly and go over the bag again to remove soap residue.
● Press a clean and light-colored towel against the suede to soak up water—don't rub.
● Let the bag air-dry in an open, airy spot. No hairdryers or sunbathing.
● Once dry, go over it with a suede brush to revitalize the fuzz.
Warm Tip: No soaking, and a soft touch will keep your suede looking supple and healthy.
O4. Restore the Shine and Texture of Suede Bags
To bring back the softness and shine of your suede bags, you need to use a few key tools and methods. First, gently brush the suede to raise the nap and remove debris. Then, select a suede renovator spray that matches the color of your bag. Shake the can well, hold it at a slight distance, and spray lightly to avoid soaking the suede. Let the bag to air dry, keeping it out of direct sunlight. Once dry, brush again to restore the texture. For any stubborn marks, gently rub with a suede eraser.
O5. Dry Your Suede Bags
Drying your suede bags is key to keeping them in great condition. To dry a bag, find a spot away from sunlight and heat. Fill the bag with white tissue paper or clean towels to help it keep its shape and pull away moisture. Let it sit until it's fully dry, which could take from a few hours up to a day. If the inside material becomes damp while drying, swap it out for something dry to help finish the process more quickly.
O6. Remove Odors from Suede Bags
If your suede bag starts to smell, you can easily freshen it up using things from around the house. Fill up a small pouch with dry tea leaves or used coffee grounds and put it inside your bag. These natural items are great at soaking up bad smells. Leave the pouch in your bag for a night or even a few days if the smell is really stubborn, and make sure to change the contents every now and then to keep them fresh.
O7. Store Your Suede Bags
● Verify the bag is completely dry to avoid moisture.
● Stuff with acid-free tissue paper or clean towels to hold its shape and absorb leftover dampness.
● Use a breathable fabric dust bag for storage, not a plastic one.
● Choose a storage area that's cool and dark to prevent damage from sunlight or heat.
● Keep the storage space dust-free.
● Allow enough space around the bag for air circulation to ward off mold and mildew.
● Opt for a box to protect the bag from getting squashed.
● In humid areas, a dehumidifier can help control moisture in the storage space.
● Regularly check the bag for any signs of damage or odor.
● Avoid placing the bag next to colored materials that might stain the suede.
Keep Your Suede Pristine
Looking after your suede bag doesn't have to be complicated. Quick, regular care like brushing off the dirt and dealing with spills as soon as they happen will keep it looking good. And when you're not using it, just make sure your bag is dry and stored in a cool place out of the sun. If you hit a tough stain or the bag starts looking a bit tired, it might be time for a pro to step in. Stick to these simple steps, and your suede bag will stay soft and stylish for a long time.