How to Keep Suede Happy in Scotland
What is suede?
Suede is the underside of the hide that’s been treated and buffed to have a soft texture. It is a delicate, luxurious material that easily absorbs moisture and stains, so it needs some extra love to stay looking its best in Scotland! While some like the character well worn suede has, if you want your suede looking new, applying a suede protectant can help extend their life. When scuffs or stains do appear, these easy techniques can help bring them back to life!
Stuff and Dry Your Boots
Make sure that you stuff your boots fully, starting with the toe and then stuff the leg. This way your boots will maintain their shape throughout the cleaning process. Make sure your boots are fully dry before you begin cleaning. Excess moisture can cause unnecessary staining.
Brush off Debris
Gently dry brush any dirt and debris off your boots using a suede brush or toothbrush. You can also use a clean cloth, but be careful not to use any soap or water yet, this can make the mess worse. For light scuff marks, use quick side-to-side strokes to lift the suede fibers and loosen any remaining dirt.
Rub Off Surface Marks
To tackle any remaining marks on your shoes, a suede eraser can be very effective. If you don’t have one, a clean pencil eraser or a dry household cleaning sponge can serve as a good alternative. Just ensure whatever you use is free from stains. Apply slightly more pressure during this step, but be careful not to rub too hard, as it could damage the suede. Use a gentle back-and-forth motion to work out stubborn spots. If the stains persist, try the next step for a stronger cleaning method.
Spot Treat Stains
If the previous steps failed, try using a suede cleaner to break down stubborn particles and lift stains. Lightly dampen the corner of a dry cloth with a small amount of suede cleaner, try to avoid soaking the suede. Gently massage the affected area using quick side-to-side motions, then let the suede dry completely. If the stain remains, simply repeat the process.
Tips
Leather conditioner will change the appearance and feel of your suede. It is not necessary to condition suede with a leather cleaner. If your suede feels brittle, gently steaming it may help.
Once dirt and oils get set into suede, it is very difficult to get out. Be sure to brush your suede frequently and use a suede spray to avoid deep, set in stains.
