Is your favorite leather jacket made of microsuede starting to show wear? Does your leather bag have a little oil stain that you just have not been able to remove?
As you know, garment leather is a far more delicate material than leather. So, you should have to take care to avoid getting your jacket heavily soiled.
Maintaining the appearance and longevity of your leather clothes and accessories calls for a little care. You cannot just throw these items into the washing machine and call it a day!
Instead of doing this, follow the below guide and make your leather garment cleaning a breeze.
Why Real Leather Is More High Maintenance than Microsuede?
There is a line that makes real leather and suede different from each other. The main difference is that real leather is made from animal hides like buffalo or cattle, and suede is man-made.
So, taking care of real leather is much more labor-intensive because of its composition.
- Maintaining real leather needs some specific cleaning products and techniques.
- You will need to do some regular conditioning and polishing to keep your real leather product in good condition.
All these steps make real leather more high-maintenance than micro suede. So, follow the below-mentioned steps to maintain your garment or accessories.
Essential Tools for Your Micro Suede Care
Caring for your suede leather requires a specific set of tools designed to maintain its delicate texture without causing any damage.
So, having the equipment on hand makes routine maintenance easier. It will also help you to extend the life of your suede items. Here are some essential tools you will need for effective suede care:
- Suede Brush
This must-have tool is for maintaining suede’s unique nap. It is advisable to brush your suede items in one direction so that there are no matted fibers.
Regular brushing helps prevent the buildup of grime. It will also keep the suede looking fresh and clean.
- Suede Eraser
This small block is perfect for removing tougher dirt and stains on garment leather. Rub the eraser directly on stained or scuffed areas in a gentle and circular motion.
After using this, follow up with a suede brush to restore the nap.
- Water and Stain Repellents
These essentials are for protecting suede from moisture and accidental spills. Over the entire suede surface, apply the spray evenly. You will need to hold the can about 6 inches away.
Make sure to reapply after a few uses if you notice the suede becoming more absorbent.
- Optional Tools
You can have a specialized cleaning solution for deep cleaning suede items when they are heavily soiled.
Use it sparingly with caution.
Equipped with all these tools, you will be ready to handle most of the common issues that come with owing suede.
Routine Maintenance of your Suede
To keep your micro suede items in pristine condition, regular maintenance is the only key.
Suede can quickly collect dirt, losing its softness, without a consistent care routine. Follow these simple yet effective steps to maintain your micro suede garment leather on a routine basis:
- Regularly Brush Your Accessory or Garment
Gently brush the material in one direction. This is to lift the nap and remove any surface debris. Avoid brushing too aggressively, as this could damage the delicate fabrics.
For bags or shoes, it is recommended to brush after every use or at least once a week.
- Handling Scuff Marks and Dirt
One of the common issues with micro suede is scuff marks, especially on shoes or jackets. To remove scuffs, use a suede eraser or cleaning block.
For dry dirt or dust, a quick brushing will usually do the trick. Lightly dampen a microfiber cloth and wipe the area gently if the dirt is stubborn. After that, brush to restore the nap.
- Keep Your Suede Dry
Suede’s porous structure makes it vulnerable to water, leaving stains and hardening the material.
So, if your suede item accidentally gets wet, blot the excess moisture immediately with a clean and dry towel.
Let the garment leather air dry at room temperature. Once the item is fully dry, use a suede brush to restore the app.
- Using Suede Protectant Sprays
Applying a suede protector spray adds a layer of protection against:
- spills
- water
- dirt
These sprays are especially useful for suede shoes and bags that are regularly exposed to the elements.
- Avoiding Common Mistakes
Any item made with suede should never be soaked or scrubbed with water, as this can lead to discoloration.
You can rely on dry cleaning methods or minimal moisture when necessary. You should avoid using harsh household cleaners or chemicals on suede.
Using this material can permanently damage the material.
Techniques to Remove Stains from Suede
Regardless of how cautious you are, it’s sometimes inevitable to get stains on the micro suede. The absorbent qualities of suede make it susceptible to soaking up liquids and dirt. So, prompt and proper cleaning is important:
- Dealing with Mud Stains
Let the mud dry completely before you start the process. Use a suede brush to gently brush off the completely dried mud.
- Oil and Grease Stains
This stain might be tricky to handle. Sprinkle some cornstarch or talcum powder into the stain to absorb the oil.
Final Thoughts
Professional micro suede care is a worthwhile investment for particularly valuable and soiled or damaged items.
Home care can manage the majority of standard upkeep while recognizing when it’s necessary to get expert assistance. It can save your garment leather from permanent damage and keep it looking luxurious.
