Suede Care
Suede Leather Care: A Schedule for Each Wear, Month and Season
Brush after wear, lift the nap monthly, protect clean suede and store it dry. A suede care schedule, the conditioner debate, and suede vs nubuck care.
Suede leather care is mostly a schedule, not a product. Brush it after wear, give it a deeper brush and nap lift about once a month, spray a protector on clean suede, and store it dry, covered in cloth and out of the sun. Treat it differently from smooth leather: no saddle soap, mink oil or shoe cream, and no soaking.
This guide is part of our suede care guides, which also link every cleaning, stain and dye tutorial.
Key takeaways- Suede's open, napped surface soaks up liquid fast, so habits matter more than products.- A brush and an eraser cover most routine care.- Whether suede needs conditioner is disputed. We show both views.
Why suede needs its own care
Suede is the napped underside of the hide. It's softer than full-grain leather but less durable, and its open pores absorb liquids quickly. Not all suede is equal: split suede is thin and semi-permeable, while full-grain suede keeps the grain and resists water better, says a footwear magazine.
Some makers now add fat liquors during tanning so their suede sheds rain better. That's one maker's claim about its own leathers, so check what you own before testing it in a storm.
The suede care schedule
| When | What to do | Fact |
|---|---|---|
| After each wear | Brush gently in one direction to lift dust | – |
| Spill or fresh mark | Blot with a dry cloth, don't rub; erase small marks | – |
| Monthly | Suede brush for dirt, then a rubber or crepe brush to lift the pile | – |
| Every few weeks (shoes worn often) | Re-spray protector on clean, brushed suede | – |
| End of season | Clean, dry fully, store in a breathable bag out of the sun | – |
| Once or twice a year (garments) | Professional clean, if worn often; sources differ on frequency | – |
Daily habits that save suede
- Check the weather. A shoe retailer advises not wearing suede when it's likely to get wet or dirty.
- Use a scarf with jackets. A leather repair shop says it makes a big difference to collar soiling.
- Keep heat away. Dry wet suede at room temperature, never on a heater or with a hair dryer.
- Keep sun off. Sunlight can fade suede, says a dry cleaner.
Can suede get wet?
It can survive it, but sources lean toward keeping it dry. A shoemaker reports his suede boots drying fine on their own after a downpour. Leather Collection's product FAQs say suede doesn't like water and to keep it dry.
If it does get wet, blot it, let it dry at room temperature away from heaters and sun, then brush. For a jacket, see can you wear a suede jacket in the rain? on leatherguide.org.
Does suede need conditioner? Sources disagree
None of these sources suggest smooth-leather products for suede. The store's care page lists shoe cream, saddle soap and mink oil as products that may damage leather. If you try a suede product, test it on a hidden spot first.
| View | Who says it | Fact |
|---|---|---|
| Brush stiff suede well, then apply a suede conditioner | Leathercraft consultant writing for a bag maker | – |
| Use a colorless suede renovator to revive the nap | Shoe-care seller | – |
| No liquid cleaners or conditioners on suede or nubuck | Motorcycle-gear maker | – |
| Suede and nubuck boots: brush only, no leather grease or shoe polish | Motorcycle-boot maker | – |
Protecting suede
Crockett & Jones sprays protector only on clean, brushed suede, in a ventilated room. Shoemakers hold the can about 8-10 in (20-25 cm) away and let it dry 10-15 minutes.
Several light coats beat one heavy coat. A menswear writer prefers silicone-free waterproofers. Wondering about a household fabric protector? See can you use fabric protector spray on suede?
Suede vs nubuck care
The routine is similar, but nubuck has its own guide: how to care for nubuck leather.
| Column 1 | Suede | Nubuck | Fact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Which side | Napped underside of the hide | Grain side, buffed | – |
| Toughness | Softer, less durable | Stronger and thicker, but scratches easily | – |
| Water | Absorbs fast | Water drops darken it temporarily | – |
| Leather cream | Not for suede | The store says regular leather cream can darken nubuck | – |
Care by item
- Shoes and boots: brush, eraser, protector every few weeks in wet seasons; shoe trees or undyed paper hold the shape while drying.
- Jackets and coats: watch the collar and cuffs; hang on a wide, padded hanger. Full routine: how to care for a suede jacket.
- Gloves: brush in one direction; dry at room temperature, never with a hair dryer.
If you're shopping for suede that suits this routine, the James Bond Spectre suede jacket is 0.9-1.1 mm goatskin suede, and its FAQ asks for frequent brushing, an eraser for small stains and low water use. The store sells no care products.
Related guides
- Suede that has picked up a white powdery film in storage can be dry-brushed clean; see how to clean mildew on leather.
FAQ
Can you get suede leather wet?
Brief rain isn't always the end of it, but sources advise keeping suede dry. Dry it at room temperature and brush it once dry.
What is the best conditioner for suede leather?
Sources disagree on whether suede needs one at all; see the table above. Don't use smooth-leather products such as mink oil or saddle soap.
Can I use Dawn dish soap on suede?
We found no suede maker that recommends it. The Laundress says real suede shouldn't be exposed to water or heavy chemical solvents. For marks, start with how to remove stains from suede.
hosob Editorial Team
hosob articles are researched from published sources, cited in the text, and reviewed before publication.