How to Deep Clean Suede & Nubuck: Essential Care Tips & Tricks
Suede and nubuck are two luxurious types of leather that offer a soft, velvety texture that enhances the look and feel of footwear, jackets, bags, and more. However, despite their appeal, these materials can be tricky to clean and maintain. Both are prone to stains, water damage, and scuffing, which means special care is required to keep them looking their best.
In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the process of deep cleaning suede and nubuck, using the right tools like a suede eraser, a suede brush, and suede cleaning solution. We’ll also explain the difference between suede and nubuck, and provide specific tips for how to care for each material differently. Plus, we’ll recommend a great product for protecting your items—Crep Protect Spray—to keep them looking pristine.
Suede vs. Nubuck: What's the Difference?
Before we dive into cleaning, it’s essential to understand the difference between suede and nubuck, as these two materials, while similar, require slightly different cleaning and care methods.
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Suede: Suede is made from the soft, inner layer of animal hide, which is buffed to create its soft, velvety texture. Suede is more porous than nubuck and tends to absorb moisture and dirt more readily. It is also more delicate and requires extra care to prevent stains, scuffs, and discoloration. Suede is often used for shoes, bags, and jackets, and while it looks stunning, it is more susceptible to wear and tear than nubuck.
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Nubuck: Nubuck, on the other hand, is made from the outer layer of the hide, and it’s typically a bit tougher than suede. It is also brushed to create a soft texture, but it tends to have a more durable finish compared to suede. Nubuck is often more resistant to dirt and stains than suede, but it still requires special care.
How to Clean Suede: A Step-by-Step Guide
Cleaning suede is a delicate process, but with the right tools and products, it’s possible to restore your items to their original beauty. Here’s how to do it:
1. Use a Suede Eraser for Stubborn Stains
A suede eraser is a fantastic tool for removing stubborn stains and dirt from suede. It works by gently rubbing over the affected area, lifting dirt and grime from the surface without damaging the material. When using a suede eraser, follow these steps:
- Gently rub the eraser over the stained or dirty area, applying light pressure.
- Use a back-and-forth motion to avoid pushing the stain further into the material.
- Once you’ve removed the stain, use a suede brush to restore the texture of the suede.
Purchase the Suede Eraser here to help remove scuff marks and dirt with ease.
2. Brush the Suede with a Suede Brush
A suede brush is essential for maintaining the texture and finish of suede after cleaning. Suede brushes are designed with soft bristles that help lift dirt and restore the nap (the soft, fuzzy texture) of the material. Here’s how to use it:
- After using the suede eraser to remove stains, use the suede brush to gently brush the surface of the suede.
- Brush in one direction to raise the nap, which helps keep the material looking fresh.
- If your item is heavily soiled, you may need to repeat the process.
Purchase a Suede Brush here to make your suede cleaning process easy and effective.
3. Clean with Suede Cleaning Solution
For a deeper clean, especially for items that are heavily soiled or have accumulated dirt over time, a suede cleaning solution is a great option. These specialized cleaners are designed to clean suede without damaging the material. Here’s how to use a suede cleaning solution:
- Apply a small amount of suede cleaner to a soft cloth or sponge (make sure the cleaner is safe for suede).
- Gently rub the cleaner into the suede in a circular motion, working in small sections.
- Wipe away any excess cleaner with a clean, damp cloth.
- Allow the item to air dry, away from direct heat or sunlight.
Tip: Always test the cleaner on a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure it doesn’t alter the color or texture of the suede.
How to Clean Nubuck: A Step-by-Step Guide
Cleaning nubuck is similar to cleaning suede, but because nubuck is a bit tougher, you can use a slightly more aggressive approach if necessary.
1. Use a Nubuck Eraser
Just like suede, nubuck can benefit from using a nubuck eraser to remove stains and dirt. The process is similar:
- Gently rub the eraser over the affected area using a back-and-forth motion.
- Be sure not to scrub too hard, as this can damage the nubuck’s texture.
- Once the stain is gone, use a nubuck brush (which has softer bristles than a standard brush) to restore the texture.
2. Brush with a Nubuck Brush
Brushing is essential to keeping nubuck looking sharp. Use a nubuck brush to remove dirt and restore the material's natural texture. The bristles are softer than those on a suede brush, making them gentler on the nubuck surface.
- Gently brush in one direction, following the grain of the material.
- This will help lift the nap and remove any remaining dirt.
3. Clean with Nubuck Cleaning Solution
If needed, use a specialized nubuck cleaner for more thorough cleaning. Apply a small amount of the cleaner to a soft cloth or sponge and rub it gently into the surface. Avoid oversaturating the material, as too much moisture can harm the texture.
How to Protect Your Suede and Nubuck Items
To keep your suede and nubuck items in excellent condition, consider using protective sprays. These sprays help create a barrier against moisture and dirt, which is essential for maintaining the longevity of these delicate materials.
For both suede and nubuck, we recommend Crep Protect Spray. This product is ideal for protecting your shoes, jackets, and other accessories made from suede and nubuck, keeping them safe from stains, water, and dirt while preserving their soft texture and appearance.
Purchase Crep Protect Spray here to shield your suede and nubuck items from the elements and maintain their pristine look.
Professional Cleaning and Repair Services
While regular cleaning and care at home can go a long way in maintaining the look and feel of your suede and nubuck items, sometimes professional help is required. Our professional cleaning and repair service specializes in deep cleaning, restoring, and repairing luxury suede and nubuck items.
Whether you need help with tough stains, reshaping, or repairing scuffs, our expert team has the experience and tools to bring your items back to life. We use only the best products and techniques to ensure your suede and nubuck items look as good as new.
