How to Clean a Leather Suede Jacket
Leather suede is a delicate material, so cleaning it properly is essential to keep it looking new for a long time. Here are some tips to clean it properly: steaming and using a suede eraser or nail file to remove stains. You should avoid placing it in the dryer.
Steaming
If you want to keep your leather suede jackets looking fresh and clean, steaming them is an excellent way to get the job done. The steaming process will soften the leather and remove any tough spots without damaging it. It will also kill any bacteria or other germs that may be growing in the jacket.
If you are steaming suede or leather, be sure to steam on the lowest setting, as huge bursts of steam can damage the fabric. It is also recommended that you keep the steamer about four inches away from the jacket. In addition to steaming, you can use a suede brush to buff away dirt and scuffs. Be sure to use a gentle touch when buffing. Steaming will also open pores in the leather, allowing the loose material to fall off the surface.
Using a suede eraser
If your suede jacket gets dirty, try using a suede eraser to remove dirt and stains. These tools are available at many major retailers, or you can purchase them on the internet. You can also clean your jacket by hand with a soft brush.
A suede eraser works well for removing surface level stains, but if the stain is ingrained into the fabric fibers, a stronger product is necessary. A mixture of plain white vinegar and rubbing alcohol will help remove stains without damaging suede. Once the suede is clean, spray it with a suede protectant spray to help repel water, oil, and grime.
Using a nail file
While suede isn’t an easy material to clean, you can use a nail file to gently remove stains from your leather jacket. The filing of a nail file will create better contact with the suede, removing the stain and restoring its nap. Before using a chemical stain remover, test the solution on a hidden area to see whether it will damage the leather. You can use hydrogen peroxide to treat stains caused by urine, wine, or mildew, but be careful not to bleach the leather.
Alternatively, you can use a suede brush to remove dirt. When using a suede brush, always clean with the grain. If you do not have one, you can use a toothbrush or a fingernail file, although these tools can be harsher than suede brushes. Light filing will remove most of the dirt and will leave the suede looking better than ever.
Avoiding putting it in a dryer
To keep your leather suede jacket in great shape, avoid placing it in the dryer. The high heat can damage it and make it warp or shrink. It can also dry out the natural oils in the leather. This leads to the jacket losing its softness. Instead, hang it up in a cool and dry environment. If you must dry it in the dryer, avoid using it for a long time.
If you must wash your leather suede jacket, be sure to use a mild detergent. Heavy detergents can ruin the leather. Using a 50/50 solution of water and vinegar is another effective method. Oil stains, such as mustard, should be treated with a substance that will soak up the oil. Water stains, on the other hand, can be removed with a little bit of water.
Protecting it with waterproofing
When treating a suede leather jacket, it is important to follow the waterproofing spray instructions carefully. Waterproofing sprays are often advertised for suede shoes, but they work just as well for jackets. You should read the label carefully and shake the can before applying the waterproofing spray. Moreover, make sure to use the right amount for your leather suede jacket.
The first step in waterproofing suede leather is to prevent spills. If spills occur, blot up the liquid with a paper towel instead of pressing it into the suede. Alternatively, use a white pencil eraser to scrub the stain away. If this doesn’t work, try applying a 50:50 mixture of water and vinegar. For stains caused by oil, rub the area with an absorbent substance.
Avoiding water stains
Avoiding water stains is a big part of keeping your jacket clean. While water is a necessary component of the cleaning process, water spots can be very difficult to remove once they have set in. To get rid of stubborn water spots, use saddle soap in a circular motion and rub with a dry rag. A soft toothbrush can also be used to remove surface salt from suede. You can also use blue Dawn liquid dishwashing detergent mixed with 2 cups of water. Once you have a solution, dip a white rag into the mixture, and squeeze out the excess water.
If you’re not comfortable using a cloth to clean a water stain, you can use a suede eraser to remove the stain. A pencil eraser will also work, but it’s better to use a white one, as colored ones may leave a color mark on the jacket. Rub the eraser over the stained area gently, but be sure not to press too hard as this may cause the stain to seep into the jacket.
Avoiding odors
One of the most important tips when cleaning leather suede jackets is avoiding odors. Although it may not seem like a big deal, there are several methods you can use to eliminate odors. The first one is to avoid letting the jacket sit in direct sunlight for an extended period of time. If possible, try to dry the jacket indoors in indirect sunlight. If you can, try to avoid leaving it outside during rainy or cold weather.
Another way to avoid odors when cleaning leather suede jackets is to avoid placing the garment in a closed closet. This is especially important if you plan on wearing your jacket in the winter months. Using a fabric softener dryer sheet is another good way to avoid odors. Just be sure to dampen the fabric softener before putting it in the jacket. Then, place the jacket in the dryer and set the setting to AIR only. Let the jacket air-dry for 5 to 10 minutes. This may make the jacket softer, and you can enjoy the fresh scent it gives off.
