Brightening up thrifted leather is a relatively simple process however the shaggy nap of second hand suede requires more of a gentle touch:
Keep your suede looking fabulous with my top tips for cleaning thrifted suede:
1. Remove dust and dullness by gently wiping with a clean face cloth or bath towel. The texture of the towel helps to revive the shaggy suede nap.
2. Dry stains and splotches can (sometimes) be removed by gently rubbing them with an unused pencil eraser.
3. Wet stains should be blotted with a soft dry cloth or paper towel and then gently rubbed off with a 1 part white vinegar to 2 parts water mixture applied with a towel or face cloth.
4. Stubborn dry marks and scuffs can be carefully sanded off with a nail file.
5. Brush suede footwear gently with a dense wire brush or stiff sponge to keep it looking new.
6. Dyed suede has a tendency to fade so be sure to store your colourful suede garments out of natural light.
7. Do not store or transport suede in plastic as this can attract mildew and destroy the nap.
8. Suede can be dyed with special leather dyes and pigments provided it is clean and in good condition.
What are your fave thrifted garment care and cleaning tips?
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These are great tips, and this purple bag is amazing! I am so jealous, I’d love to have such a bag… 😀 thanks for your good work!
Merci Stéphanie 😀 That purple fringed bag was a super lucky find at the charity shop for only €1 – it needed A LOT of love and cleaning, I used all of my suede cleaning tips and it now looks fabulous!
Great tips on cleaning suede, Sheri. Thanks much.
You’re very welcome – check out my tips for cleaning leather too: https://awesomesauceasshattery.com/2015/11/27/my-top-tips-forifted-leather/