Vinegar works well as a cleaning agent for suede because it doesn’t stain. It’s also a natural option. Dampen a clean cloth or cotton ball with vinegar, and lightly wipe it over the stained area. If the cloth or cotton ball becomes too dirty while you are still cleaning, use a new one so that you don’t spread the stain back onto your suede item.
Apply rubbing alcohol to a cotton ball. Then, dab it on the stain area. Repeat this a few times with clean cotton balls. Make sure to keep a light touch on your suede.
Change out your cotton ball often in order to remove as much of the stain as possible. It can be helpful to first use a cleaning brush to brush over the stain and use an art gum eraser to erase what you can of the stain. Then, you will have less to remove with the alcohol or vinegar method.
The bristles on your brush should be fairly stiff to clean well. This method works well for getting the scuff and dirt marks off of suede shoes, which is an important part of restoring the suede. [6] X Expert Source Mallika SharmaCertified Leather Care Technician Expert Interview. 7 January 2021. First, lightly brush across the suede in one direction to remove the top layer of dirt. Then, brush back and forth over the area of suede with the stain. Use short, quick strokes to avoid making any marks on your suede.
Art gum erasers work best for this task. Don’t use a colored eraser, as this can make the stain worse rather than erasing it. Don’t be afraid to rub at the stain vigorously. Consider laying out a towel as your work station, as the eraser can get messy and leave small pieces on your floor, table, or clothes.
This method is great because it doesn’t involve any cleaning substances that could potential harm or mark your suede.
Dab the cloth or napkin, rather than rubbing it, to prevent the stain from penetrating deeper into your suede.
The cornstarch or baking soda will draw the oil up out of your suede item. Let this sit for at least 10 minutes.
If it was a minor stain, it could be completely gone already. If you notice a lot of residual oil or grease, repeat the process with the cornstarch or baking soda.
Simply dampen a clean cloth with white vinegar and gently wipe it over the suede. Once the stain has been removed, allow the suede to dry completely.
For extremely set in or old stains, you will probably need to use a suede cleaner.