What tools do you need to clean suede handbags?

To clean suede handbags at home, you will need a suede brush, suede eraser, white vinegar, baking soda or cornstarch, microfibre cloth, specialised suede cleaner, fine-grit sandpaper, and suede protection spray.

How do you remove dust and surface dirt from a suede handbag?

Step 1: Brush the bag in one direction only, following the nap of the suede, to lift loose dirt without flattening or matting the fibres. Step 2: Let dried-on dirt, such as mud or light grime, fully dry first before brushing. Step 3: Wipe down the bag with a dry microfibre cloth to remove brushed-off residue.

How do you remove oil-based stains from a suede handbag?

Step 1: Cover the stain area with cornstarch or baking soda. Step 2: Let the cornstarch or baking soda sit for several hours, or overnight, to absorb the oil. Step 3: Brush off the dried powder with a suede brush. If a faint mark remains, buff the area with a suede eraser before brushing it to restore the surrounding nap.

How do you remove water-based stains from a suede handbag?

Step 1: Let the stain dry completely before treating it. Step 2: Gently rub a suede eraser over the dried stain. As a last resort, if the stain persists, rub fine-grit sandpaper gently over the stain in the direction of the nap. Step 3: Brush the treated area to blend it with the surrounding nap.

What should you do if your suede handbag gets wet?

Step 1: Blot the wet area with a dry, absorbent cloth — press, don't rub, to avoid spreading the mark. Step 2: Stuff the bag with paper towels or dry cloth to help hold its shape while drying. Step 3: Air dry the bag at room temperature, away from direct heat or sunlight. Step 4: Brush the area once the bag is completely dry to restore the nap and lift any remaining watermark.

What are common suede handbag cleaning mistakes to avoid?

Mistakes to avoid include using too much water when spot-cleaning, scrubbing or rubbing stains aggressively, using baby wipes, using household soap or detergent, storing the bag while it's still damp, machine-washing the bag, and using harsh direct heat (e.g., a hairdryer or radiator) to dry the bag.

The Ultimate Guide to Cleaning Suede Handbags at Home

Article Overview

A suede bag is a great addition to any bag collection — the soft, plush texture of suede gives it a luxurious and sophisticated aesthetic. However, it is also their distinctive finish that makes suede more vulnerable to damage. Therefore, knowing how to clean and care for your suede bags at home is crucial if you want to keep them in good condition for a long time. In this comprehensive guide, we will explain why suede needs special care, list the tools you need to clean your suede bags effectively at home and teach you how to remove different types of stains from your suede bags. Lastly, we will highlight the common mistakes that you should avoid when using DIY cleaning methods on suede.

Why Suede Handbags Need Special Care

Suede bags require special care as their napped texture makes them more prone to stains and marks.

Compared to other types of leather, suede is a more delicate material that requires special care. Being the softer, napped underside of hide, it needs to be handled carefully to maintain its appearance and condition. This is because suede’s napped texture is porous and absorbent, which makes it more prone to staining and watermarks than smooth leather.

What You'll Need to Clean Suede Handbags

While it may seem like a daunting task, the cleaning of suede bags can be performed effectively at home if you have the right tools. The table below details the tools you would need to clean your suede bag, as well as what they are used for and when to use them.

Tool	Used For	When To Use
Suede Brush	Lifts dust and loose dirt off the suede.	Use regularly to keep your bag clean of dust and dirt, or whenever the material looks shiny or flat. Only use it on completely dry suede to avoid damaging the delicate fibres.
Suede Eraser	Removes light stains and discolourations on the suede.	Use after the stain — watermark, scuff or dirt — has dried. Do not use on wet, oily or grease-based stains as moisture and friction can spread the damage.
White Vinegar	Breaks down dirt and grime without damaging the suede.	Use when dealing with stubborn stains like water rings, salt marks and light food spills. Mix a 1:1 solution of vinegar and water and lightly dab it onto the stain. Allow the suede bag to air dry completely in a well-ventilated area.
Baking Soda / Cornstarch	Absorbs fresh oil, grease or salt stains on the suede.	Use when dealing with fresh stains, especially oil and grease. Sprinkle a generous layer over the stain and let it sit for several hours or overnight, depending on its severity.
Microfibre Cloth	Removes loose dust and dirt; applies liquid cleaners on the suede.	Use a dry microfibre cloth to wipe away everyday dust and surface dirt before brushing the suede. It can also be used to blot away excess moisture and apply liquid cleaner to the suede.
Specialised Suede Cleaner	Breaks down stubborn stains on the suede.	Use when dry-cleaning methods like using a suede brush or eraser fail to lift stubborn marks. It removes stains while helping to blend and restore the surrounding texture.
Fine-Grit Sandpaper	Buffs out and scrapes off stubborn, dry and ingrained stains on the suede.	Use strictly as a last resort for set-in stains and damage like ink spots and old scuffs. Always use sandpaper with an ultra-fine grain and apply minimal pressure.
Suede Protection Spray	Creates an invisible, water-resistant barrier against dirt, moisture and oil.	Use on a new suede bag immediately after purchase, before you bring it outside. Reapply protective spray after every cleaning, or every one to three months depending on how often you use the bag.

How to Clean Suede Handbags: Dirt and Stains

Before you start cleaning your suede bag, you need to be clear about your objective — are you just looking to remove everyday dust and surface dirt, or are you treating a stain? Identifying the kind of cleaning you want to do will determine the method you should use.

Removing Dust and Surface Dirt

When removing everyday dust and surface dirt from a suede bag, the suede brush should be the first tool you try. Follow the steps below to effectively rid your suede bag of superficial impurities.

Step 1: Brush the bag in one direction only, following the nap of the suede, to lift loose dirt without flattening or matting the fibres.
Step 2: Let dried-on dirt, such as mud or light grime, fully dry first before brushing — wet dirt can be smeared deeper into the fibres and become harder to remove.
Step 3: Wipe down the bag with a dry microfibre cloth to remove brushed-off residue.

To prevent a build-up of dirt and grime, make it a habit to brush your suede bag after you’ve used it a few times. Routine maintenance will keep your bag in good condition for a longer period.

Treating Stains

Before treating a stain, it is essential to identify the type of stain you are dealing with — is it an oil-based or water-based stain? Using the wrong method can set the stain permanently.

Oil-based stains

Oil-based stains include grease, make-up and food oils. Follow the steps below to effectively remove oil-based stains from your suede bag.

Step 1: Cover the stain area with cornstarch or baking soda.
Step 2: Let the cornstarch or baking soda sit for several hours, or overnight, to let it absorb the oil.
Step 3: Brush off the dried powder with a suede brush.

TIP:

While cornstarch or baking soda may lift the oil from a make-up stain, it may not fully remove the pigments found in products like foundation and lipstick. If a faint mark remains, buff the area with a suede eraser before brushing it to restore the surrounding nap.

Water-based stains

Water stains can occur when your suede bag comes in contact with moisture — this can happen due to rain, spills, sweat or condensation. After the moisture has dried out, a mark is left behind. Follow the steps below to effectively remove water-based stains from your suede bag.

Step 1: Let the stain dry completely before treating it.
Step 2: Gently rub a suede eraser over the dried stain. As a last resort, if the stain or matting persists, rub fine-grit sandpaper gently over the stain, in the direction of the nap.
Step 3: Brush the treated area to blend it with the surrounding nap.

When to Seek a Professional

You should consider getting professional help with cleaning your suede bag when repeated attempts with DIY methods do not resolve the problem. Refrain from over-cleaning your bag at home as this can wear down and permanently damage the suede’s nap.

It is important to recognise that severe cases of staining would require professional care right from the start. For instance, large ink stains, unknown chemical stains and suede hardened from heavy soaking are all unsuitable for at-home cleaning, as it may worsen the damage.

What to Do If Your Suede Handbag Gets Wet

While water would not permanently ruin suede bags, it can cause visible watermarks if not handled correctly. Whether your bag has gotten wet because of rain, a spill or dropping into a puddle, follow the steps below to minimise moisture damage and remove marks.

Step 1: Blot the wet area with a dry, absorbent cloth — press, don't rub, to avoid spreading the mark.
Step 2: Stuff the bag with paper towels or dry cloth to help hold its shape while drying — this will also work to absorb moisture from the inside out.
Step 3: Air dry the bag at room temperature, away from direct heat or sunlight. Do not use a hairdryer or radiator to dry the bag as this can cause the suede to stiffen, crack, or discolour.
Step 4: Brush the area once the bag is completely dry to restore the nap and lift any remaining watermark.

If a faint watermark remains even after the bag has dried, you can use the cleaning method for water-based stains that we have detailed earlier in this article to lift it completely.

Common Suede Handbag Cleaning Mistakes to Avoid

It is useful to know what not to do when cleaning your suede bag. Here is a list of common mistakes to avoid.

Using too much water when spot-cleaning — use a barely-damp cloth or try a dry method, as excess water can soak into the porous nap and cause watermarks or matting.
Scrubbing or rubbing stains aggressively — this can push the stain deeper into the fibres and permanently flatten or damage the nap.
Using baby wipes — these wipes contain moisture and chemicals that can discolour or stiffen suede.
Using household soap or detergent — these cleaning products can strip suede's natural texture and can leave residue behind.
Storing the bag while it's still damp — this can result in mould, mildew, or permanent watermarks.
Machine-washing the bag — this can destroy the suede’s nap and warp the bag's structure.
Using harsh, direct heat (e.g. hairdryer, radiator, direct sun) to dry the bag — this will cause the suede to stiffen, crack or discolour and ruin the bag permanently.

We hope that this guide has given you clear, easy-to-follow instructions on how to clean your suede bags at home. Having the right tools and using the correct treatment for the specific type of stain that you are dealing with are the most important factors when you are attempting DIY suede cleaning. If you want to expand your collection of suede bags, explore our extensive collection to find a new favourite that you will love and cherish for seasons to come!

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