The chamois leather, unlike the faux leather, has a soft inner layer of cow, deer or pig leather. Suede garments, as well as shoes, bags and other accessories are as delicate as they are beautiful, in fact they are easily scratched and stained. This article provides some information to take care of chamois leather every day, but also to clean it of stains and dirt.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Caring for Suede Daily
Step 1. Use a chamois brush
Generally, brushes for chamois have two sides: the first has metal bristles to remove dirt, the other is made of rubber and is used to lift the hairs of the chamois. Gently brush your suede jacket, shoes or accessories using the soft side first, then finish cleaning with the metal bristles.
- Use the brush to remove dust and dirt that has accumulated on the suede garment. It is also used to remove any marks.
- If the garment is stained with mud, wait for it to dry before brushing it off.
- Do not brush against the grain or you could damage or tear the suede.
- When using iron bristles, don't brush too hard. Proceed with gentle, short strokes to revive the coat.
- If you prefer, you can also use a toothbrush or a rough cloth.
Step 2. Use a protective spray
You can buy it in specialized shops, at the cobbler or in shops where they sell leather garments. It is useful for protecting suede garments from water and elements that could stain or damage them.
- Spray the product all over the skin but do not soak it. Wait for it to dry, following the package instructions.
- Use a protective product at least once a year to keep your skin looking great.
Step 3. Wear the suede the right way
Avoid wearing it in rain or snow, as it will get damaged. Even a hot and humid climate is not suitable for chamois.
- Avoid spraying perfume, cologne or hairspray on chamois leather, as well as other products containing substances that would damage it.
- Protect the suede from sweat and oil by wearing another layer of clothing. Socks, shirts and scarves are useful for separating your skin from the suede, avoiding staining it.
Step 4. Store the suede in the most appropriate way
Suede garments should not be left in the sun, as they would discolour and deform. It is best to keep them in a cool and dark closet.
- Wrap items you don't use often with a sheet or pillowcase, or store them between sheets of white paper.
- Avoid using newspaper to store suede garments, as the ink will stain the leather.
Method 2 of 3: Remove Stains from Suede Leather
Step 1. Do not leave the stain on the chamois for a long time
Try to remove it as soon as possible. The more time remains, the more difficult it will be to eliminate it completely, because the skin tends to absorb substances permanently.
Step 2. Prepare the chamois for cleaning
Before using a product on the skin, rub the surface with a clean towel. This step is to lift the fur, preparing the chamois for cleaning.
Step 3. Remove dry stains with a chamois eraser or plain eraser
Do not use a pink eraser, as the color will transfer to the skin. Use a white or brown eraser.
- If regular eraser doesn't work, gently scrub the dry stain with a nail file.
- Avoid using chemicals to remove stains. You risk damaging the leather even more, especially if the substance is not suitable for suede.
Step 4. Remove water stains by wiping off the liquid immediately
Use a cloth to blot without applying too much pressure, otherwise you will cause the water to seep into the skin. After dabbing, wait for it to dry on its own.
- If the water leaves a stain of a different color than your skin, try spraying some water evenly all over the garment and wait for it to dry. This way you should be able to hide the stain.
- If the suede shoes get soaked, fill them with absorbent paper or slip a shoe tree inside before letting them dry; in this way you will prevent the skin from deforming.
Step 5. Remove coffee, juice and tea stains with a paper towel
Place the wipe exactly on the stain, then add another. Apply pressure with your hands or place books on top of the paper.
Wet a towel with white vinegar and rub it on the stain. Do not soak the skin; the towel should only be moistened with vinegar
Step 6. Remove oil and grease stains with baking powder
Sprinkle some yeast on the excess oil. Let it sit for a few hours, then brush the chamois.
Method 3 of 3: Against the Most Resistant Stains
Step 1. Use a specific product to clean the suede
If none of the methods described here work, purchase a specific product. You can use it to remove grease and oil stains from shoes and suede garments.
If possible, choose a product that contains natural substances. Some cleaners sometimes just cause harm
Step 2. Consider having your chamois cleaned by a professional
It is not an economical solution, but sometimes it is better to turn to an expert to solve the problem in the safest and most effective way.
- If you have suede clothes, take them to the laundry, but make sure they also treat this type of leather. Ask if they also clean bags and other accessories.
- If you have suede shoes, take them to a cobbler. It should have the tools and knowledge to remove even the most stubborn stains.
Warnings
- Suede should never be stored in plastic.
- It is not possible to clean all suede things in the same way. Read the label carefully and follow the instructions.
