Suede is leather sanded on the flesh side to raise a nap. That nap is what traps dirt, and also what a brush restores.
How to wash suede
| Garment | Wash | Dry | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Suede | never wash | air dry, stuffed to hold shape | suede eraser and brush only |
Use a brush dry; protector spray cycle and suede eraser and brush only. Water marks suede because it absorbs unevenly. If one part gets wet, dampen the whole panel evenly and let it dry naturally.
Drying and ironing
Dry air dry, stuffed to hold shape. For ironing: never.
A protector spray applied before first wear does far more than any cleaning afterwards. Reapply every few months.
How long it should last
Three to ten years, almost entirely dependent on whether it is protected and kept dry.
Quick reference
Suede at a glance
- Wash: never wash
- Cycle: brush dry; protector spray
- Detergent: suede eraser and brush only
- Dry: air dry, stuffed to hold shape
- Iron: never