How to wash a suede bag in a washing machine?

Suede handbags are a staple in every fashionista's wardrobe. These clutches look stunning and complement a variety of looks perfectly. Unfortunately, suede shows up any stains easily, and women often wonder how to clean this material.

While fresh stains can usually be easily removed with a damp cloth, old or stubborn stains can be a bit more challenging. Is it safe to machine wash a suede bag, or should you avoid it? Let's explore the best ways to clean this natural material.

Is it acceptable to use a machine?

Natural suede shouldn't be exposed to water for long periods of time, so avoid machine washing. If you do load your handbag into the washing machine, do so at your own risk. Dry cleaning is recommended for suede bags; wet cleaning should only be used on heavily soiled areas.

But if you regularly wet stains on your bag and the material doesn't deteriorate, you can take a chance and wash it in the washing machine. Modern washing machines come with a variety of preset washing modes, including some that are more or less suitable for suede.

If you decide to machine wash, try to choose the gentlest cycle. The "Wool" cycle, hand wash, or delicate cycle are all suitable. It's important to keep the water temperature below 30°C.

The less time the suede bag is in water, the better; the optimal cycle time is no more than 20 minutes.

Be sure to turn off the automatic spin cycle. Don't enable the extra rinse cycle, as this will increase the amount of time the handbag remains in the water, which is highly undesirable.

It's best to place your suede bag in a special bag before loading it into the drum. This will prevent damage to the item during cleaning. Liquid detergents should be used, as powders rinse poorly and leave streaks on the material. It's recommended to use gel detergents for delicate fabrics or children's clothing. Do not add bleach to the detergent dispenser.

The best cleaning methods

Since washing suede isn't recommended, it's important to understand the best cleaning methods. A few home remedies will help refresh your suede handbag. Here are some methods that will restore your reticule to its original appearance.

1. To remove a greasy stain from natural fabric, use a regular eraser—just rub it thoroughly over the affected area. It's important that the eraser is clean, otherwise it will stain the bag even more.
2. A mild soap solution can tackle heavy stains. Fill a basin with lukewarm water and dilute laundry detergent, soap, or shampoo. Stir the solution and dip a sponge in it, wringing it out well. Lightly rub the stains on the suede with a foam pad. After the stain is removed, blot the area with a damp, clean towel or cloth.
3. Steam cleaning can also be a lifesaver for suede handbag owners. To treat the material, boil a pot of water and hold the handbag over the steam for 5-10 minutes until the suede softens. Then, clean the handbag with a special brush, one wire side and the other rubberized.
4. Grease and oil stains can be removed with a weak vinegar solution. Simply add a couple of tablespoons of vinegar to a liter of water, soak a cloth in the solution, and wipe the dirty or shiny areas. The distinctive odor will dissipate within a couple of hours, and your bag will look beautiful again.
5. Salt can help remove dirt from suede. Sprinkle it on the stained area and let it sit for half an hour. Then, use a brush to remove the granules from the pile. This is an effective stain remover.

It's best to choose a gentle dry cleaning method over a full machine wash. If you need to refresh the bag's lining, remove the fabric and hand wash it under the tap, then hang it to dry. It's important not to tuck the material in until it's completely dry to avoid dampening the suede.

Use a piece of pumice

You can remove dirt from a suede handbag with a porous mineral. You can also gently rub the stained area with a pumice stone. This method is only suitable for removing dried-on dirt; it won't remove greasy fingerprints, makeup marks, or stubborn stains.

Grease stains can be easily removed from suede using ammonia. Prepare a solution: mix 200 ml of water with a spoonful of ammonia. Soak a cloth or cotton pad in the solution and then apply it to the stain.

In fact, cleaning a suede handbag at home isn't all that difficult. It's entirely possible to do it without using a washing machine. Simply choose one of the gentle cleaning methods and quickly restore your handbag to its original beauty.

How to dry?

Unfortunately, suede is quite delicate and can become deformed and wrinkled during drying. Therefore, here too, you'll need to understand some rules. Experts recommend drying a suede bag by laying it out on a horizontal surface in a well-ventilated room.

Do not use a rope to dry your handbag. Hanging it will likely stretch the material. Also, the clothespin may leave an unsightly crease on the bag that will be difficult to remove.

Do not dry suede on radiators or near electric heaters. The material may lose its shape, shrink, or discolor.

Drying of a suede handbag should be done naturally, at room temperature, without any additional heat exposure.

It's crucial to ensure adequate air circulation in the room where your handbag is drying. Without fresh oxygen, the drying time will be significantly increased, which can lead to unpleasant odors and bacterial growth in the suede.

If creases are visible on your bag after it dries, you can smooth them out with steam. You can use a steamer or hold the suede over boiling water for a few minutes.

   

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