How to Clean and Protect Your Suede Bag

Suede is one of those materials that rewards a little care. Look after it and it stays soft, rich, and full of texture for years. Leave it to fend for itself and it marks easily. The good news is that keeping suede in good shape is simple once you know how, and most of it is about protecting it before problems start rather than fixing them after. Here is how to clean and protect a suede bag.

If you've got your eye on one of our suede bags, you'll want to read this first. If you've already got one... this will help you keep it looking it's best. 

Why suede needs a different approach

Suede is made from the underside of the hide, brushed to raise a soft nap. That texture is what gives it its lovely feel, but it also means you cannot clean it the way you would smooth leather. Water and soap flatten the nap and leave marks, so suede has its own set of rules.

What you'll need

• A suede brush
• A suede eraser or rubber
• A clean, dry cloth
• A suede protector spray
• Patience, and a light touch

You do not need much, and you should never reach for water, soap, or household cleaners.

How to clean a suede bag

1. Empty the bag and shake it out. Take everything out and gently shake loose any dust or crumbs.

2. Brush the nap. Use a suede brush to lift dirt and bring the nap back up. Brush in one direction first to clean, then back and forth gently to restore the texture. Always brush lightly.

3. Tackle dry marks with an eraser. For scuffs and dry marks, rub gently with a suede eraser or rubber, the same way you would rub out pencil. Then brush again to blend it in.

4. Deal with fresh spills fast. Blot a fresh spill straight away with a dry cloth. Press, do not rub. The quicker you catch it, the better the result.

5. Let stubborn marks dry, then brush. If a mark will not budge, let the bag dry fully first, then brush it. Sometimes a mark lifts far more easily once dry. For anything that still will not shift, a specialist is your safest bet.

How to protect a suede bag

Protecting suede is the part most people skip, and it is the part that makes the biggest difference. A good suede protector spray adds a barrier that helps the bag shrug off water and marks.

1. Start with a clean, dry bag. Brush it first so you are not sealing dirt in.

2. Test a hidden spot. Spray a small hidden area first, like the base, and let it dry to check it does not darken the suede.

3. Spray evenly. Hold the can at the distance the product recommends, usually around 15 to 20cm, and mist the whole bag in light, even passes. Do not soak it.

4. Let it dry naturally. Leave the bag to dry away from heat and sun before you use it.

5. Reapply now and then. Top up the protection every so often, and always after a proper clean. A few times a year is plenty for most bags.

Do this from day one with a new suede bag and you save yourself most of the trouble later.

Everyday habits that keep suede looking good

Cleaning and spraying do a lot, but small daily habits do the rest:

• Keep suede away from rain where you can. If it does get wet, let it dry naturally, then brush it once dry.
• Watch out for colour transfer. Suede can pick up colour from dark denim, and can transfer onto light-coloured fabrics and upholstery.
• Give it a quick brush now and then to keep the nap fresh.
• Store it in a breathable dust bag, never plastic, and out of direct light.

What to avoid

• Water and soap, which flatten and mark the nap
• Household cleaners, wipes, and anything with alcohol
• Scrubbing hard, which damages the texture
• Drying with heat
• Storing suede damp, or in plastic

Common questions

Can you use a protector spray on a suede bag? Yes, and you should. A suede protector adds a barrier against water and marks. Clean and dry the bag first, test a hidden spot, then mist it evenly and let it dry.

How do you clean a suede bag at home? Brush the nap with a suede brush, use a suede eraser on dry marks, and blot fresh spills with a dry cloth. Avoid water and soap.

Can suede get wet? It is best kept dry. If it does get wet, let it dry naturally away from heat, then brush the nap back up once dry. A protector spray helps it cope with the odd shower.

How often should you protect a suede bag? A few times a year for most bags, and always after a proper clean. If you use the bag a lot or in wetter weather, top it up more often.

How do you get marks out of suede? A suede eraser lifts most dry marks. Brush afterwards to blend it in. Let stubborn marks dry fully first, then brush, and see a specialist for anything that will not shift.

Looking for a suede bag to love and look after? Have a browse of our suede edit.