You should clean suede only with products recommended for suede leather rather than just using a general leather cleaner. Vinegar or soap may also be used to clean suede in some cases, but you should always test any cleaning products on an area of the suede item that does not show. Suede stains very easily, so the best way to avoid having to clean suede constantly is by spraying on a good protective spray made exclusively for suede leather.
A suede eraser or a pencil eraser is a good item to have on hand when you clean suede. A suede eraser is a block-shaped cleaning tool made for cleaning suede shoes and other suede items. The cleaner in the eraser forms crumb-like particles that help to get under the surface of the suede to lift up ground-in soil. A dried stain may come out of suede if you apply pressure with a pencil eraser, or a suede eraser.
A metal suede brush is great to use after you clean suede with an eraser as it can smooth the roughened surface. The metal bristles can help bring back a fluffier texture to the suede. The brush should be used in circular movements for best results. A suede brush is usually good for use on any suede item such as shoes, coats or sofas.
You can clean suede that becomes wet with a suede brush. It is a good idea to stuff clean paper carefully into wet suede shoes after cleaning so that they retain their shape. A suede metal brush is often good for removing scuff marks from suede shoes.
A towel can be used to scrub a suede leather sofa and clean suede coats and even suede shoes. Use a dry towel to scrub the suede. You can usually use just a little bit of vinegar to clean suede, but, again, be sure to first test it in a location that does not show on the sofa, garment or shoes.
Body oils may stain the collar of a suede coat or the back of a suede sofa. A soft dry cloth may work if the stain is fairly light. A suede brush may also work. If the oil stain is really heavy, a degreaser leather cleaner made especially for suede leather may be your best bet. Cold water and glycerine soap often work well to clean suede work or garden gloves that are heavily soiled. You should manipulate the gloves as you clean them to help the gloves keep their shape. Hang the clean suede gloves to dry.
