How to Clean Suede Material: A Simple Guide
Suede material is known for its luxurious soft texture or appearance. It is a very popular choice for fashion items, shoes, jackets, even home furniture like sofa cushions, curtains etc. However it can be delicate or challenging when it comes to cleaning it.
In this blog we will tell you some steps by which you can clean this material properly and also maintain its quality and appearance.
Understanding Suede Material
Before knowing the cleaning process it is very important that we understand what is suede material or suede fabric.So this material is made of undersides of animal hide. It is usually quite soft and its finish is also very good.
Learn more here: What is Suede Fabric: Properties, How its Made and Where
Basic Cleaning Tools for Suede Material
To clean this suede material you will need some special tools. Now we are going to know about these tools.
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Suede brush: Its a brush designed for suede that helps lift the nap and remove the dirt.
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Suede eraser: also be known by the name of the suede cleaning block. If there is any small stain or scratch, it can be cleaned with it.
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Microfiber cloth: A soft cloth which you can wipe the surface with.
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White vinegar or rubbing alcohol: You can use these, they are very effective in removing tough stains.
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Cornstarch or talcum powder: These are very useful to absorb any oil stain.
Step-by-Step Guide to Clean Suede Material
1. Preparation
First of all you have to prepare for suede material. Before applying any cleaning solution, test it on a small area. This will ensure that it does not damage any discolaria. Secondly, you have to prepare all the necessary tools or cleaning agents.
2. Brushing the Suede
Here you can use a suede brush with which you can gently remove the dirt or dust from the surface. You have to brush in one direction only and map the lift.
3. Removing Minor Stains
You have to rub this eraser on the minor stains. You have to keep moving it with very light pressure and with great patience. You will see the result in a few minutes. Use this eraser. After doing this you have to brush again so that it gets restored to its texture.
4. Treating Stains with Vinegar or Alcohol
You have to dry the micro fibre cloth very gently into white vinegar at home or in any rubbing alcohol. After that you have to gently blot the area. You should avoid soaking this as too much moisture can spoil suede material. Also you should air dry suede material completely.
5. Handling Oil Stains
Talcum powder can be taken, sprinkle it well on the oil stain and you can leave it for a few hours or maybe overnight. After that you have to take help of a brush to remove this powder which would have been absorbed by the oil by now. If there are still stubborn stains in suede material then you will have to repeat this process again and again.
6. Deep Cleaning
If you have a very heavy fabric or any large item like a couch then we will suggest you get a professional cleaning done. They are experts and have very good tools as well as good knowledge about how to clean and maintain your fabric properly without damaging it.
Tips for Maintaining Suede Material
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First of all we want to inform you that you have to protect suede material with the help of a suede protector. After cleaning them, you can apply a protector spray which will help it repel water and also prevent any future stains.
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Secondly you have to regularly keep brushing your suede fabric so that they always remain fresh and no dust gets accumulated in them.
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After this you have to store suede material or items properly. You should keep them in any cool or You can keep them in a dry place which is away from sunlight so that they do not get damaged or fade.
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You should try to keep suede fabric away from water. If your material gets wet then you should access the moisture with the help of a cloth. Take it out and let it air dry naturally
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using Too Much Water
The biggest mistake that people do is that they use too much water while cleaning this material. This material is very sensitive to moisture and this creates too much step on the material. There is a chance of it getting permanently damaged.
So whenever you clean this material, first of all use as little water as possible. You can even dampen a cloth. If you still feel that you need to use water there then you can irrigate that area very comfortably. Do not hesitate because any stain that would occur after irrigating would become deeper and spread further into the material.
Applying Heat
The second biggest mistake is that in order to dry our material as quickly as possible, we start applying heat on it. So, never dry this material using any direct heat sources like a hair dryer or heater.
Always avoid using these as this can cause your material to shrink or crack. If you want to try it properly then first of all when you are done cleaning, air dry it naturally and secondly keep these items away from direct sunlight so that it is saved from getting fade or damaged.
Ignoring Stains
The third mistake we make is that we ignore the stains and we think that it does not matter, we will clean it after some time. Never do this because when you ignore them or any stains or delay them, then they will get settled even more and then it becomes very difficult to remove them later.
If you want to manage your stains well, then whenever you notice them, clean them at that time. Secondly, you should always regularly check your material and see if there is any sign of stains in it. The earlier you detect it, the more you can maintain its appearance.
Conclusion
To maintain this material one has to be very careful and a good understanding is required so that you can save this fabric from getting damaged.
So please pay attention to the tips we have given you and also avoid common mistakes. If you want some professional help then you can contact us at Panipat Handloom Emporium, we will surely help you.