The Dos and Don’ts of Suede

Much like leather, suede is one of those materials that are extremely stylish, but come at the price of being very high maintenance. The problem arises when you accidentally scuff your suede shoes or stain them, because cleaning suede shoes is hard.

One wrong move, and you could ruin your suede footwear completely. There are some dos and don’ts regarding cleaning suede. If you follow them, we’re sure your suede shoes and bags will remain in perfect condition for years to come.

Do: Make a Suede Care-Pack

We know that suede can be a bit on the pricier side, but it’s important to buy a few maintenance couple of things with your suede shoes and garments so you can get maximum use out of your suede.

You should invest in a protective spray and a suede eraser, for starters. The spray will protect it from water, heat, and dirt, while the eraser will help remove any dirt that gets caught in it. A suede eraser is important because it’s designed to protect the fibers and softness of the suede while trying to get stains off.

Don’t: Use Water

Normal leather is relatively water resistant, as it’s made from the outside of an animal’s hide, which is accustomed to being exposed to water. Suede on the other hand, has zero water resistance and will be damaged if it comes in contact with water. Since suede is made of the inside of the hide, its water resistance is not the same as leather’s, even though they are both made from the same material.

The small hair on suede can get stiff and brittle if they get wet, and this can ruin the whole look of the shoe or garment.

Do: Invest in a Specialized Cleaning Service:

Cleaning suede at home not only requires time and extra equipment, but also takes a certain level of expertise if you don’t want to mess up. With tricky materials like suede and leather, it’s best not to try to clean them yourself and let the professionals handle it.

At Imperial Valet Services Inc., we offer special services for the cleaning and treatment of suede and leather in Washington DC. We know just how complicated suede can get, and are willing to go the extra mile to keep your suede garments in perfect condition.