How to Clean Suede and Nubuck Leather Goods at Home

Suede and Nubuck are often used to manufacture shoes, boots, handbags, gloves and other accessories. Both these materials fall in the leather category, because they are manufactured from the skins of animals.

Even though both of these materials are very popular due to their smooth, elegant texture, they tend to be quite susceptible to staining and soiling compared to other types of leathers. Thus, requiring more care to be maintained in good condition.

What Types of Leather are Suede and Nubuck

Nubuck is made from the outside part of cowhide. As a result it is stronger than suede, which is made from the inner layer. Both suede and nubuck are sanded so as to create a nap. In fact their smooth nap finish is the main characteristic that makes both of these materials so popular.

Types of Suede

1) Sheepskin Suede:
This type of suede derives from the pelt of sheep. It is skinned and then treated so as to get an even thickness. This type of suede is often used for pillows, throws, seat covers and other upholstery as it is very soft.

2) Cowhide Suede:
Cowhide suede is another luxurious type of suede. It derives from the cows’ skin and it goes through an extensive process where it is given a brushed nap. There are natural variations of its tone and texture. It is often aniline-dyed to give it a specific color while retaining its unique markings.

3) Pigskin Suede:
Pigskin suede is typically softer than the other two types of leather. It is also quite thick and stiff. It can be finished like them so as to achieve a smooth, sleek texture. Pigskin suede is often used in upholstery as well as clothes. Since it is thicker it is also used to manufacture items like jackets, bags and purses which naturally call for more stiffness.

General Cleaning for Suede

Materials Needed:

• Dry Cloth
• Suede or Nubuck Brush
• Suede Eraser
• Leather Protector Spray

Step by Step Instructions to Clean Suede:

1. Gently rub the suede with a dry soft cloth or towel to restore its soft and fuzzy texture.
2. Use the suede eraser to remove any scuff marks. If there are any stains you will need specific cleaning techniques to remove them and that we will show you down below.
3. After erasing marks with the suede eraser take your suede or nubuck brush and start to gently brush your suede coat, shoes or any other suede item. Use this brush to uproot soil and dirt that has gathered on your suede item. Make sure to brush toward fabric’s grain to abstain from tearing or harming the suede.
4. Apply leather protector spray designed specifically for suede to protect it from any future stains.

General Cleaning for Nubuck

Materials Needed:

• Suede or Nubuck Brush
• Suede Eraser
• Sandpaper
• Nubuck Protector Spray
• Dry Cloth

Step by Step Instructions to Clean Nubuck:

1. Start off by wiping the surface with a dry cloth or towel.
2. Use a suede eraser to remove any scuff marks. If there are any stains you will need specific cleaning techniques to remove them and that we will show you down below.
3. To remove dirt use brush or sandpaper. Make sure when using a brush use it consistently in only one direction and when using sandpaper to rub gently.
4. Lastly finish off by gently brushing the leather with a brush to restore back the nap and apply leather protector spray designed specifically for nubuck to protect it from any future stains.

Method for Removing Water Stains on Suede and Nubuck:

Materials Needed:

• Suede or Nubuck Brush
• Bowl
• Three Cloths
• Sponge
• Leather Protector Spray (Designed for Suede or Nubuck)

Step by Step Instructions for Removing Water Stains:

1. Take a bowl and fill it with water and use it to wet the bristles on the brush. Apply a light coat of water with your brush on the entire outer surface of the leather. Do not soak the leather just make sure all portions of the leather are damp.
2. Using a sponge or a dry soft cloth, dab gently to remove any excess water.
3. If the item is something that can lose its shape such as shoes or a hat, crumple a cloth and stuff it into the item. Do not use newspaper because you don’t want the ink from the newspaper to transfer onto the leather. Then let it dry overnight make sure to not expose it to direct sunlight or extreme heat.
4. Once dry, go over the leather lightly with suede or nubuck brush to help restore back the nap.
5. Apply leather protector spray to prevent the development of future water stains.

Method for Removing Mud Stains on Suede and Nubuck:

Materials Needed:

• Suede Eraser
• Butter knife
• Soft cloth
• Suede or Nubuck Brush

Step by Step Instructions for Removing Mud Stains:

1. Let the mud stain dry up completely.
2. Using a butter knife gently remove the mud stain.
3. Go over with the suede eraser to erase any marks.
4. Then gently rub with a slightly damp soft cloth in circular motions to remove any leftover dirt.
5. Let the wet area dry.
6. Gently rub the area with sandpaper then finish off by gently brushing the leather with a brush to restore back the nap.

Method for Removing Scuff Marks on Suede and Nubuck:

Materials needed:

• Suede or Nubuck Brush
• Suede Eraser

Step by Step Instructions for Removing Scuff Marks:

1. Start off by rubbing the suede brush back and forth on the scuff mark. This will generally be enough to remove the mark and restore the nap.
2. If scuff mark remains visible you can then use the suede eraser. This will essentially erase the scuff mark from the suede or nubuck really easily.

Method for Removing Gum and Wax from Suede and Nubuck:

Materials needed:

• Ice Cubes in a Plastic Bag
• Dry Cloth
• Toothbrush or Butter Knife
• Suede Eraser
• Suede or Nubuck Brush
• Sandpaper

Step by Step Instructions for Removing Gum and Wax:

1. You will need to harden the gum or wax first. You can do this by putting some cubes of ice in a plastic bag and applying it onto the area where the wax or gum is stuck. Try not to let the suede or nubuck get too wet. Keep a dry cloth handy to wipe off any water. Or you can just put the leather item into the freezer wrapped in a cloth or towel for about an hour.
2. Then using your fingers remove as much hardened gum or wax as you can however make sure to be slow and gentle because you don’t want to damage the leather.
3. To remove the remaining gum or wax use a toothbrush or butter knife make sure to be slow and gentle.
4. If there’s still some gum or wax left behind gently rub it off with a suede eraser or sandpaper.
5. Lastly gently brush the leather with a suede or nubuck brush to bring back the nap into shape.

Methods for Removing Oil Stains on Suede and Nubuck:

Method 1

Materials needed:

• Suede or Nubuck Brush
• Dry Soft Cloths
• Vinegar
• Cornstarch

Step by Step Instructions for Removing Oil Stains:

1. If the oil stain is still wet use a cloth to soak up as much as possible.
2. Next, cover the stain with some cornstarch. Apply liberally and let it set for at least 10 minutes so that it will absorb the oil.
3. Brush off with a suede or nubuck brush.
4. Moisten the area with a cloth dabbed in some vinegar.
5. Brush the area with the cloth so that the suede or nubuck does not absorb too much vinegar.
6. Allow to dry and then restore the nap by brushing with a suede or nubuck brush.

Method 2

Materials Needed:

• Suede or Nubuck Brush
• Cornstarch
• Steam Iron

Step by Step Instructions for Removing Oil Stains:

1. Apply cornstarch on the stain and leave it overnight.
2. Remove the cornstarch next morning with a suede or nubuck brush.
3. Use a steam iron to mist the stain and then the brush. Make sure the steam iron is on low heat setting.
4. Lastly gently brush the leather with a suede or nubuck brush to restore back the nap.

Method for Removing Blood Stain on Suede and Nubuck:

Materials needed:

• Cotton Ball
• Hydrogen Peroxide

Step by step instructions for removing blood stains:

1. Soak a cotton ball in some hydrogen peroxide.
2. Use it to blot the blood stain gently.
3. Repeat the process until the stain is removed.
4. If the stain does not go away or seems to get worse, stop and take to professional to get it removed.

Method for Removing Ink Stain on Suede and Nubuck:

Materials Needed:

• Stiff Nylon Brush
• Rubbing alcohol
• Suede Eraser
• Sand Paper
• Dry Soft Cloth

Step by Step Instructions for Removing Ink Stain:

1. Blot away the wet ink stain with a dry towel before it sets into the leather.
2. If the ink stain has set in then let it dry before brushing the ink stain with a suede or nubuck brush.
3. If the ink stain goes away with brushing method that’s great if the ink stain is still visible take a cotton ball and pour some rubbing alcohol on to it and then gently dab the cotton ball on the ink stain. If this method works you’ll see immediate improvement on the stain. If does not work let stain dry and then attempt another method.
4. Once the stain dries, cut out a strip of sandpaper and gently rub the sandpaper on the ink stain.
5. If the stain is still slightly visible you can use a suede eraser and gently rub over the stain until it’s gone.
6. If the stain still doesn’t go away after trying all these methods it’s best to take it to a professional leather cleaner.

Method for Removing Food Stain on Suede and Nubuck:

Materials Needed:

• Dry Soft Cloth
• Table Knife
• Metal Fingernail File
• Suede Eraser
• Suede or Nubuck Brush
• White vinegar

Step by Step Instructions for Removing Food Stain:

1. Blot away any wet food stains with a dry cloth. This will help to remove the moisture.
2. If the food spill you are dealing with is solid or a thick liquid scrape it off with a table knife or fingernail file.
3. Allow the spot to completely dry then rub the stained area with a suede eraser.
4. After that gently rub the stain with some white vinegar on a soft cloth until some of it or all of the stain is transferred onto the cloth. If this method works you’ll see immediate improvement on the stain. If it does not work let the stain dry and then attempt another method.
5. Once the area dries, try cleaning it with a leather cleaner designed for suede or nubuck.
6. If the stain still does not go away take the stained item to a professional leather cleaner.

How to Clean Suede and Nubuck Using Household Items

Conclusion

By using these guidelines and tips on how to clean suede and nubuck, you will be able to take proper care of your items. With gentle care and suitable tools and materials, you will be able to restore your suede or nubuck items to their original beautiful smoothness. Even though they are delicate materials, you can still increase their longevity and have your items last for a long time.