How To Clean Spot Off Suede

You got clumsy with your new jacket, and now you need to learn how to clean spots off suede. It's not time to freak out…yet. Follow a few steps—more than once if necessary—and you're likely to get those spots off your suede jacket. Just be more careful next time. The sooner you start working on cleaning the spot off the suede, the more likely you'll get rid of it.

1. When you buy suede, pick up a suede eraser for times like this. If you forgot, you can still clean the spot off suede with a little creative genius and a pencil eraser. Gently rub the eraser over the spot in a circular motion.
2. Before applying anything to the suede to clean the spot, blot it with a dry cloth towel or paper towel. The spot may disappear, so you won't have to do anything else. If it's still visible, you'll need to move on to more aggressive measures to clean the spot off the suede.
3. Vinegar or a mild bar soap can sometimes lift a stubborn stain or spot. Before you try it on a visible area, test it on the underside that won't show. Put a little bit of white vinegar on a rag or dampen a rag and brush it across a bar of soap. Gently rub it in a circular motion over the spot on the suede. Allow it to dry and repeat if necessary.
4. After the spot on the suede is dry, use a suede brush to lift the nap. Use a gentle, circular motion to fluff it up. Stuff clean paper inside the suede if the spot is in a hard-to-get-to area.
5. Repeat any of the steps if the spot is still on the suede. If you still can't clean the spot off the suede after two or three attempts, you may need to take the item to a professional suede and leather cleaner.

Suede stains easily, and finding someone willing to clean it may be difficult. To prevent the frustration of having to clean spots off your suede in the future, use a protective spray. You can find a suede spray at most shoe repair places. This will protect your suede from spots caused by body oils, makeup and spills.