How to clean suede
Short answer
Brush suede when it is dry with a suede brush, in one direction, to lift dirt and restore the nap. Rub dry marks with a suede eraser, treat grease with cornflour left overnight, and blot wet spots rather than rubbing. Never machine-wash or soak suede.
Suede is leather with a brushed, velvety surface. It cleans with dry methods first, and water only as a last resort.
What you need
- A suede brush (brass or nylon bristles with a crepe side)
- A suede eraser, or a clean white pencil eraser
- Cornflour or talc for grease
- A suede protector spray
Everyday care
Brush the whole piece every few wears, always in the same direction, to lift dust and keep the nap even. Brushing also raises flattened areas at the elbows of a jacket or where a bag rubs against your hip.
Removing marks
- Dry dirt and scuffs: rub gently with the suede eraser, then brush.
- Grease: sprinkle cornflour or talc on the spot, leave it overnight, then brush it away. Repeat if needed.
- Water spots: lightly and evenly dampen the whole area around the spot with a clean cloth, blot, let it dry naturally, then brush.
- Stubborn marks: a cloth dampened with a little white vinegar can help — test it on a hidden spot first and let it dry before brushing.
Ink, wine and dye stains are best left to a specialist suede cleaner.
Protecting suede
Spray new suede with a protector before the first wear and let it dry overnight. Re-apply every few months. Protector makes suede water-resistant, not waterproof, so keep it out of heavy rain.
Frequently asked
Can I wash suede in a washing machine?
No. Soaking suede stiffens it, can shrink it and ruins the nap.
Can I use water on suede?
Sparingly, and only evenly over a whole area to remove a water spot. Always let it dry naturally and brush afterwards.
How do I restore flattened suede?
Brush it firmly in one direction. For very flat patches, hold it briefly in the steam from a kettle at a safe distance, then brush once dry.
By BAGONSA · Updated 29 September 2026