How to Clean a Suede Purse

Co-authored by wikiHow Staff

Suede purses can be difficult to clean, but they do require cleaning now and then. If you have noticed that your suede purse could use a good cleaning, or if your suede purse has a stain that you are not sure how to remove, then there are several things you can try. After your suede purse is clean, there are also some things you can do to protect your purse and keep it looking great.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Doing Basic Maintenance on a Suede Purse

1
Keep your suede purse dry. The first rule of cleaning a suede purse is to avoid using any water on the suede fabric because the water will discolor your suede.^{[1]
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Research source} Don’t wet the suede at all or even use a damp cloth on it.
- If you feel like a little moisture is necessary, then you can hold your suede purse above some steam. For example, you could hold the suede purse above a mug of hot water for a few seconds and then brush it clean. However, do not allow the purse to become wet.^{[2]
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2
Brush the suede to remove fibers and dirt. A brush is the best tool for cleaning suede. You can use a brush to do a basic cleaning on your suede purse, or use it as a spot treatment for stains. Brush the suede going in one direction to clean away dust and dirt from your purse. You can also use small back and forth motions to take care of stains.
- You can use a nail brush or get a special suede cleaning brush.^{[3]
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3
Rub a clean eraser over stained and scuffed areas. A clean pencil eraser can also be a useful item for cleaning a suede purse. You can rub a pencil eraser over any minor stains, scuffs, or discolored areas to help restore them to normal.^{[4]
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- Make sure to use a clean, never used eraser to do this. If the eraser is dirty then you might end up transferring the dirt to the suede material.
4
Use a suede leather cleanser on your bag. You can get specialty cleansers meant for cleaning suede. These are great for the general maintenance of your suede purse. However, do not use a cleanser that is meant for regular leather or another material because it may damage your suede purse.^{[5]
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- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for using a suede cleanser.
5
Apply some vinegar or rubbing alcohol to a clean cloth. Vinegar and rubbing alcohol are safe to use on suede, and they can help to brighten up the look of suede that has gotten dingy or dirty over time. To use vinegar or rubbing alcohol to clean a suede purse, pour a small amount onto a clean cloth. Use just enough to make the cloth damp. Then, begin to rub the suede with the cloth to clean the suede.
- You may need to do several applications, depending on how dirty the purse has become.
- Let the suede dry completely after applying vinegar or rubbing alcohol.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Removing Stains from a Suede Purse

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Blot fresh spills. When you first spill something on your suede purse, be sure to blot the stain with a clean cloth or paper towel. This will help to remove excess moisture and minimize the damage of the spill.^{[6]
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- Take a clean cloth or paper towel and press it over the area of the spill. Do not rub the area!
- Use multiple towels or cloths if necessary.
2
Use cornstarch or talcum powder on fresh stains. If you have just spilled some oil or liquid on your purse, then blot it dry with a clean cloth or paper towel and then sprinkle some cornstarch or talcum powder onto the area and let it sit overnight. This will help to soak up the residue left by the liquid. The following day, tap off the powder and use a brush to remove the excess.^{[7]
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- Remove the rest of the stain by cleaning the area with an eraser, vinegar, or rubbing alcohol.
3
Allow mud to dry before trying to remove it. If you try to clean mud off of a suede purse while it is still wet, you will only make matters worse. As hard as it might be to leave the mud on your purse, you are better off waiting for it to dry completely before trying to remove it. After the mud dries, use a brush to remove the dried dirt from your purse.^{[8]
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4
Freeze the purse before trying to remove wax or gum. If you end up getting wax or gum on your purse, then you can remove it by freezing your purse first. This will harden the wax or gum and then you can pull or chip it off in pieces.^{[9]
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- Don’t use any sharp objects to remove the wax or gum from your suede purse. Use your fingers or a brush.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Protecting Your Suede Purse

1
Use a suede sealant. You can buy suede sealants to help protect your bag from moisture and keep it looking nice. These sealants are often available in shoe stores and you simply spray the sealant on your purse and let it sit until the sealant is completely dry, usually overnight.^{[10]
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- Keep in mind that a sealant will not make your suede purse waterproof or immune to stains. It will just help to repel some of the moisture.
2
Store your suede purse in a dust cover or pillow case. Using a dust cover or pillow case can help to keep your suede purse looking its best. If your suede purse came with a dust cover, then use it to store your suede purse when you are not using it. If your suede purse did not come with a dust cover, then store it in a pillow case when you are not using it.^{[11]
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- You can also use a plastic bag or an old shoe box to protect your suede purse.
3
Keep your suede purse out of the sun. Leaving your suede purse in the sun can cause the color of the suede to fade and change color. Make sure to store your suede purse somewhere away from the sunlight to prevent it from becoming discolored.^{[13]
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- Storing your suede purse in a closet or dark drawer is best. Just make sure that you do not pile a bunch of other items on top of your purse because this can cause your bag to become misshapen.

References

More References (4)

Community Q&A

Question

How do I remove a pen mark from a leather purse?

Rayca

Community Answer

I recommend a spot test on a hidden area to ensure against damage. Spray the ink spot with hairspray. Let it sit for about a minute, but do not let it dry, and then just dab at the spot with a sponge or paper towel. You can also try rubbing alcohol or nail polish remover if the hairspray doesn't work.