How to wash a suede jacket by hand and in a machine without harm?

A soft type of leather processed using a special method is called suede. The material has a velvety, slightly porous feel to the touch, and products made from it are durable and elegant over a long period of time. Sooner or later, any thing requires cleaning, how to wash a suede jacket: in the washing machine, give preference to hand washing, or even go to dry cleaning?

A product made of artificial suede and genuine leather can be cleaned at home; this requires a minimum of effort and a little knowledge about the material. The selection of the product will be important; the washing process itself must follow certain rules.

You can clean suede using different methods:

• The safest option is dry cleaning. The jacket will be cleaned quickly and efficiently, but this pleasure is not cheap.
• You can dry clean it yourself using special brushes and products.
• Hand washing will give good results. This method minimizes the jacket’s exposure to water, while at the same time refreshing it and getting rid of scuff marks and small stains.
• How to wash a suede jacket in a washing machine, and is it possible to do it? You can clean it in the washing machine, you just have to do it carefully and carefully.

Preparation

Any product made of natural or artificial leather is not friendly with water. A material exposed to it for a long time will lose its original characteristics and become significantly deformed. To avoid this, you should remember one important rule: you need to wash leather items quickly.

Before starting the cleaning process, preparations are carried out:

• The first step is to study the information labels; they indicate cleaning methods and the necessary recommendations for their implementation.
• Be sure to do a test wash. To do this, specially sew on a piece of fabric that comes with the kit. Its reaction to water and detergent will indicate what will happen to the item of clothing that is being cleaned.
• If the manufacturer did not equip the jacket with such a patch or it was lost, a test wash is carried out in the most inconspicuous place.
• Before washing, conduct a thorough inspection of the item, remove stains and make sure that such a radical cleaning method is necessary.
• Before loading the washing machine into the drum, it is better to fasten all the zippers, buttons, buttons on the jacket, and check the pockets. Turn the product inside out and send it for washing.

Advice! To preserve the material structure of suede products, it is better to wash them in a special case.

If the stains are very strong or the test wash gave poor results, it is better to contact a dry cleaner. A damaged item cannot be restored.

Wax, resins, glue

The peculiarity of these substances is that they not only eat into the material, but also harden on it, forming a smooth, hard crust. This crust is very difficult to dissolve using any traditional means.

Cleaning methods:

• Knife
• Abrasive paper
• Hard brush, eraser
• Acetone, gasoline
• Salt, starch
• Spray paint

In this case, the cleaning process will consist of several stages:

1. Use a knife or abrasive paper to clean off the top layer. It is important to try not to damage the suede.
2. Dissolve remaining contamination with acetone and gasoline.
3. Sprinkle with salt and starch. Clean everything off using a brush and eraser.
4. Give suede a final, fresh look using a brush and spray paint.

As a result of such complex work, the product will look completely new.

Choice of product

Products made from artificial suede and genuine leather require special cleaning products; dry laundry detergent is not suitable for washing such material. To thoroughly clean and refresh nubuck outerwear, you should choose one of the following detergents:

• Washing gel is perfect; this liquid product washes well and washes out perfectly during the first rinse.
• Paste-like powders will cope with the task remarkably well and preserve the structure of the material.
• Laundry soap, or rather its aqueous solution, also has gentle characteristics. It is prepared before the cleaning process, 40-50 g of soap is dissolved in 0.5 liters of warm water and used.
• You should avoid using chlorine bleaches, even if there are stains on the product. They are removed in other ways before washing.
• Softeners and rinses are not used.
• You can use a special shampoo or detergent for the skin.

Only recommended products will help remove stains; the use of others may negatively affect the appearance of this type of clothing.

Methods for cleaning faux suede

Artificial ones are softer and wear out faster. It is afraid of friction, mechanical impact and drying out, which is why it becomes hard and brittle.

Method No. 1

Shavings of laundry soap dissolved in water will remove dirt from dark and light suede. Liquid soap or gel for washing delicate items is also suitable for these purposes.

1. A tablespoon of which must be dissolved in 800 ml of water.
2. The composition is applied to the brush and then to the product.
3. Then wipe with a damp cloth and leave to dry at room conditions.

Method No. 2

Dry cleaning of artificial suede is carried out using tooth powder and a soft brush. The direction of movement should be in one direction.

Method No. 3

1. Moisten a cotton rag or terry towel with medical alcohol or table vinegar and treat the stain.
2. Movements should be light, without pressure. It is recommended to use a criss-cross direction because moving in a circle will damage the nap on the suede.
3. Remove any remaining product with a clean, damp sponge by rubbing over the treatment area several times.
4. Blot the moisture and hang the item to dry.

Method No. 4

Dried white bread works well to remove dirt from fair skin. They need to lightly rub the dirty area and comb the lint with a brush.

Method No. 5

Grease stains on light-colored clothing can be easily removed with talc.

1. Cover the stain with a thick layer and leave for 3 hours.
2. Get rid of residues with a rubber brush.

Sometimes it is not possible to revive artificial suede on your own. You shouldn’t take risks, but go straight to dry cleaning, especially if the item is expensive.

Removing stains

A preliminary inspection revealed stains on the suede product; they must be removed before washing, since the products used will refresh the item, but will not cope with heavy stains.

Most often, stains from a suede jacket can be removed without problems:

• An ordinary school eraser. Use it to lightly wipe dirty areas, scuff marks near pockets, buttons, shelves, and collars.
• A greasy stain of unknown origin is removed with a solution of ammonia. Moisten a cotton pad with it and wipe it.
• Corn starch will also help cope with such contamination. The substance is poured onto the stain and waited for several hours. The starch will simply draw out the fat from the material; it can be cleaned off with a regular suede brush.

Stain removers, even mild ones, cannot be used, they will spoil the material externally. And the structure will become thinner, which will lead to deformation and tearing of the fabric.

What to do with natural suede

When cleaning natural, it is better to choose dry methods, because the material is sensitive to water.

Tip: before starting the procedure, fluff up the lint with a brush, moving it up and down over the surface; it will be much easier to remove dirt and stains.

Light type of material

Method No. 1

A dish sponge will help with problem areas. Use the hard side. You need to rub gently and in one direction.

Method No. 2

Light natural suede is cleaned with skim milk and baking soda.

1. Mix the ingredients by pouring a teaspoon of soda into a glass of liquid. 2-3 drops of hydrogen peroxide will help enhance the cleaning effect.
2. Moisten a soft wool or flannel cloth in the mixture and treat the suede.
3. Rinse with clean water and blot up moisture with a cloth.
4. Hang clothes to dry. However, the components may leave light spots that will have to be painted over.

Method No. 2

Clean with a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and ammonia.

1. Take a teaspoon of each component and pour it into a glass of water.
2. Wet the sponge with the resulting mixture and treat the product.
3. Rinse cleaned areas with water.

Method No. 3

1. A light suede jacket or raincoat is cleaned with a 2:1 mixture of milk and ammonia.
2. After which the area of ​​contamination is wiped with a damp cloth or a light vinegar solution (a teaspoon per liter of liquid).

Method No. 4

1. Make a mixture of washing powder with the addition of a few drops of ammonia per 1 liter of water.
2. Remove problematic contaminants.
3. Rinse the treated area, avoiding getting too wet.

Tip: Stains from raindrops on suede clothing can be easily removed with a rubberized cloth or a hard sponge.

Dark type of material

Method No. 1

1. Ammonia diluted with water to a concentration of 10% effectively fights stains.
2. A napkin is moistened in it and the clothes are wiped.
3. Then blot with a towel moistened with water or vinegar solution (a teaspoon per liter of water).

Method No. 2

1. A school eraser or a crust of black bread will successfully remove stains.
2. Clean using the same movements as when erasing a design from a piece of paper.

Method No. 3

1. Dark-colored suede is restored with coffee grounds.
2. Dip a hard-bristled brush into the grounds and walk over the area of ​​contamination.

Important: the material is delicate, and intense friction can damage the pile.

Machine washable

Can a suede jacket be washed in a washing machine? It is possible, but this should be done only if absolutely necessary and in the case when there is no prohibition on the information label. It is worth remembering that the washing process is carried out in the shortest mode, the product may crack from prolonged contact with water. In addition, the machine must be displayed at:

• work at 30 degrees;
• set the mode to “delicate” or “hand wash”;
• normal rinsing;
• We remove the spin completely or set it to the minimum possible;
• Be sure to turn off the drying mode.

How to wash a suede jacket at home? Then everything is simple, the prepared product is placed in the drum of the machine, detergent is poured in and started.

Important! Suede outerwear should be washed separately from other items.

How to clean a suede jacket in certain places from stains and grime

A universal means of removing fresh stains from suede items at home is a warm soapy solution. Dip a foam sponge into the prepared liquid, squeeze out and rub the contaminated surface. Remove any remaining product with a dry cloth.

How to clean a jacket at home using traditional methods:

Before using at home, test any product on an inconspicuous area of ​​fabric.

To avoid damaging the fabric, do not use concentrated caustic liquids: gasoline, turpentine, vinegar.

Useful tips for cleaning suede products at home:

1. Exposure to steam will help renew the pile. To do this, use an iron with a steam function or a steamer. If these devices are not available, a pan of hot water will do. Direct a stream of steam at the problem area and scrub the jacket with a suede brush. It is also effective to clean fabric pile at home using a hacksaw.
2. A solution that can help clean scuffs and stains on a light jacket is: skim milk (0.5 tbsp), soda (0.5 tsp), hydrogen peroxide (3 drops). Moisten a sponge in the prepared liquid and treat the stain.
3. Purchase a suede fabric treatment that matches the color of the jacket. Carry out the treatment at home, following the instructions.
4. If the suede becomes hard after washing, try cleaning it with glycerin or a weak vinegar solution.
5. Sandpaper will help to renew the pile.

Drying

We found out how to wash a suede jacket in the machine, now we’ll dry it. This process is also not an easy one; in order to maintain its original appearance and avoid deformation, products of this type should be dried as follows:

• do not twist or hang on a clothesline;
• You can only squeeze it lightly; it is advisable to do this in a terry towel;
• It is better to dry on hangers or in a horizontal position on a moisture-absorbing fabric or towel, which is changed as needed;
• it is necessary to level and stretch the product a little;
• in a horizontal position, make sure that there are no creases;
• dry naturally, away from heaters and radiators;
• Drying with a hairdryer or other devices is prohibited.

At normal room temperature and humidity, the jacket will dry in 1-2 days.

Prevention measures

Measures to prevent the condition of suede shoes are quite simple and significantly extend the service life of suede products. But remember, suede shoes should not be worn in rain and slush, as such weather conditions are harmful to shoes made of this material. It’s better to wait until the weather is more favorable, then you can go for a walk in shoes. But on the contrary, suede tolerates frosty weather very well.

To ensure your shoes last as long as possible, follow some recommendations:

If all of the listed shoe care products did not bring the desired result, then you should not despair; you can rely on specialists in this field, using the services of a dry cleaner or a shoe workshop. They have all the necessary tools and equipment to repair your suede product. In the winter season, when there is frost outside, it is enough to shake your shoes or use a brush to remove all the snow and moisture. You can also wipe the surface with a flannel cloth and leave it to dry away from the radiator in a well-ventilated area. If suede shoes become wet, then upon returning home you can put newspaper inside so that they absorb excess moisture and the product does not lose its shape. It is better to clean your shoes immediately after a walk, and not before going outside. This must be done because a layer of dust and dirt is quickly absorbed into the shoes. Using a cream used to clean leather products on suede shoes is extremely reckless and even risky: it can easily ruin the appearance of the suede. Always use only special care products suitable for your shoes. Do not purchase products that contain synthetic materials, because they can ruin the lint on suede shoes. Use a soft-bristled brush and a coarse sponge to easily remove dirt and dust from your shoes. In order to remove stains, you can purchase a stain remover designed for suede and nubuck. It is applied to the stain, wait 10-15 minutes and then carefully remove it from the surface of the shoe with a brush. A rubber eraser with teeth, which is on the brush for nubuck or suede, can restore the lint; just run it against the nap.

This rubber side easily returns the pile to its place, and also rids the suede of greasy stains and shine; you just need to rub very carefully. There are brushes that have additional wheels on the side so that they can be used to clean the welt and remove dirt on the seams.

Today there are a large number of suede care products, but you should not blindly trust advertising or the inscription on the packaging; it is better to test the composition on the inside of the shoe before use. Only if you are firmly convinced that the product will not harm your shoes can you continue to use it.

Handwash

Machine washing, even the most gentle one, will still have a slight effect on the suede. You can also clean it manually; this method will be more gentle and will not be inferior in quality to a washing machine. The main thing is to do everything quickly and correctly:

• Fill the basin with water, no higher than 35 degrees.
• Dilute detergent in water, it is better to whip up foam and clean with it.
• First of all, foam is applied to the sleeves up to the elbow, collar, and lower edges of the jacket. This should be done using a soft sponge.
• Rinse is carried out in cool water, the amount depends on how dirty the item is and the cleaning agent used.
• You can’t twist it, you can lightly press it or blot it with a terry towel.

Dry in a standard way; artificially heating the air around the product is prohibited.

Whether it is possible to wash a suede jacket is up to everyone to decide for themselves; if you strictly follow all the suggested recommendations and tips, then the cleaning of such outerwear will be done efficiently. Not every dry cleaner will return it to you in this form.

General recommendations

The main rule for caring for suede products is to avoid heavy contamination. After purchasing a jacket, you must immediately vacuum it, since during the manufacturing and transportation process the clothing collects a large amount of dust.

For care, you need to purchase a special brush, one side of which is covered with hard bristles and the other with rubber bristles.

It is advisable to periodically clean problem areas with a brush to prevent the accumulation of dirt. Cleaning suede is not difficult. Do not rush and put the product in the washing machine, as it is easy to wash. You should not soak such clothes, as they can “shrink” from prolonged exposure to water.

After cleaning is completed, the product should be hung out to dry. It is forbidden to dry a suede jacket near heaters, as it will lose its original appearance.

How to prepare the product for cleaning

To understand how and with what to clean a suede jacket, determine the degree of contamination and prepare the product. Remove all items from your pockets, shake the jacket and hang it on a hanger. Inspect the sleeves, collar, lining. Mark the most severe stains that require local treatment.

Before you begin removing stains, rid the surface of dust and dried raindrops. To do this, use a vacuum cleaner or a crepe brush, which is specially made for nubuck and suede.

It is recommended to use a crepe brush to clean suede.

Regardless of the tool you choose, act carefully: do not scrub too hard, use a vacuum cleaner at low power. Otherwise, you will damage the pile and deform the jacket.

To remove stains and comb lint, prepare a double-sided brush with bristles and rubber pads. You will also need soft rags, sponges, and a spray bottle.

Getting rid of dust and dirt

There is no escape from dust, it is everywhere, its particles settle on suede as well.
Due to the fleecy structure, removing dust is not so easy. A special brush will help you remove it.

As a rule, they sell rhinestones in a two-in-one format: on one side it has a rubber surface, and on the other it is covered with small metal teeth.

This is a great way to clean any suede item.

If you don’t have such a brush at hand and don’t have time to go to the store, a regular eraser and sandpaper will do a great job of solving this problem.

It is enough to walk first with the hard side, then with the rubber side, and it will be as good as new.

In rainy and damp weather, it is highly not recommended to wear shoes made from the material under discussion. Dirt has an extremely negative effect on the delicate surface and spoils its quality.

But since this has happened, and dirt appears on the item first, when you get home, you need to let the item dry, but away from the battery.

If we are talking about shoes, then you need to put old newspapers inside so that they do not lose their shape. After waiting for it to dry completely, you can start cleaning.

Dirt can be removed using the same special brush, but it cannot handle all stains.

When the brush fails, you can resort to steam. It is enough to hold the contaminated part of the item over the steam for a few seconds, and then walk over it with a brush.

Can't even cope with couples?

A solution based on soap will come to the rescue; you need to wipe the stain with a cloth soaked in this solution, then wipe off the soap with a clean damp cloth and leave to dry.

In addition to the above, you can purchase a special eraser; it is very compact and practical, which allows you to use it at any time and always carry it with you. This little helper is great for getting rid of dust and small stains of dirt. Such a purchase will definitely not be superfluous.

How to extend the life of suede items

In order for suede clothing to serve you for a long time and at the same time maintain a decent appearance, you need to properly care for it. You can significantly extend the life of suede by following these recommendations:

• do not wear suede items in wet, rainy weather - this material does not like moisture;
• regularly dry clean the fabric with a clothes brush, removing dust deposits from the surface;
• remove stains immediately after they appear, do not wait until the stain “dries” tightly to the fabric;
• do not use aggressive solvents or acetone-based products to remove stains;
• if you do not trust traditional methods for caring for delicate material, use special products for suede, which are easy to find in stores;
• do not wash clothes made from this fabric too often, the product will become deformed from exposure to water;
• It is better to dry a jacket made of suede fabric in the fresh air away from sunlight;
• do not hang wet clothes near heaters or radiators;
• during the drying process, do not forget to constantly straighten the folds formed on the surface of the product;
• When putting the jacket away for storage, place it in a fabric or cellophane case.

Never try to iron a suede jacket with a hot iron, even from the reverse side, if creases have formed on it. It is better to straighten the folds with the help of damp steam, placing clothes on hangers in the bathroom, turning on hot water and tightly closing the doors to the room. After 10–15 minutes, the material will smooth out, and all you have to do is dry it for about half an hour.

By following all the recommendations, you can keep things made from this delicate material in good condition for a long time.

Features of caring for Columbia Omni-Heat jackets

Such products are one of the varieties of membrane jackets sewn using Omni-Heat technology developed by Columbia. Contact of this material with water should be minimized, so it is better to wash such products by hand. Hang the jacket over the bathtub on hangers, treat the stains with soapy water, and then rinse with a shower.

Ski membrane jackets Columbia

Wash in an automatic machine at a water temperature of no more than +30 ℃. Choose a manual or delicate wash program with an additional rinse, at a minimum drum speed during spinning.

Dry your jacket on hangers in an upright position.