Suede is one of the most demanding materials. Despite this, manufacturers are increasingly using it for trim or even as the main material, including in outerwear. The problem is that washing a suede jacket in the washing machine is difficult, as the material is sensitive to water. How should you properly care for such items to preserve their appearance?
Preliminary actions
Water is harmful to both synthetic and natural suede, and it negatively impacts the delicate fabric. However, sometimes washing a suede jacket in the washing machine is still possible. Just be sure to prepare the garment for this process first.
For washing at home, you should use only the fastest possible cycles.
What rules should be followed when cleaning a suede jacket:
Please read the labels and tags carefully to ensure safe washing instructions are followed;
Test the suede cleaner on the sample included with each item;
try to remove the stains and only then proceed directly to washing;
Before placing in the washing machine, you must empty pockets of foreign objects, fasten zippers and buttons;
It is best to wash a suede jacket in a special cover;
If you are unable to clean your outerwear yourself, you will need to resort to dry cleaning services.
Every suede jacket always comes with a fabric sample. Before using any cleaning product, be sure to test it on this piece of material. If you have lost it, use an inconspicuous part of the product to check.
Is it machine washable?
As a rule, washing suede items in the washing machine is prohibited. It's best to wash only a specific area of the jacket or dry clean it. However, if a test sample doesn't cause any deformation, you can try washing the entire garment.
Modern washing machines have a wide variety of settings, including something suitable for suede. Choose a delicate or hand wash cycle, and set the temperature to no more than 30 degrees Celsius. Contact with water should be minimal, so choose a program with a short wash time—15 minutes is ideal.
Don't use the automatic spin cycle; it's best to turn it off completely. Keep the rinse cycle short, too, so the suede jacket doesn't come into contact with water for too long. Instead of washing powder, use washing gel or another liquid detergent, suitable for baby clothes and without bleach. Only one item should be placed in the washing machine drum; do not add other items to the suede outerwear.
Consider the characteristics of the material
Suede clothing is easily damaged and deformed, so it's important to choose the gentlest cleaning options. This applies not only to the detergents used, but also to the washing program, temperature, spin cycle, and so on. This delicacy significantly distinguishes suede items from items made of other materials.
Important! Faux suede requires more care and is often not washed, as it can cause the garment to lose its shape and appearance.
The main problem that can arise after washing a faux suede jacket is shiny areas. Restoring these damaged areas to their original condition is virtually impossible. To avoid this, clean the stained areas directly without soaking the entire garment.
If the jacket is heavily soiled, soak it briefly in soapy water. Then gently brush it. Afterward, hang the garment on a hanger until the water drains. Avoid wringing, as this will irreparably damage the material.
A natural suede jacket should be cleaned using a liquid detergent, as powdered detergent should never be used. Before washing, make sure the gel does not contain bleach. These delicate fabrics do not tolerate harsh chemicals. The water should be slightly warm, do not use hot water under any circumstances. The thing is, this can lead to significant shrinkage of the jacket.
Furthermore, avoid using strong mechanical force. Do not scrub dirty areas, as this will result in shiny spots. When washing natural suede clothing in a washing machine or by hand, do not wring it out.
Traditional processing
How do you wash a suede jacket by hand? The basic rule is the same: keep contact with water to a minimum. Wash quickly, and avoid soaking clean areas of the garment. Only the soiled areas should be exposed.
For delicate cleaning of suede material, please follow these recommendations:
Fill a bathtub or a large basin with warm water at a temperature no higher than 35 degrees;
dilute the cleaning agent in water and beat it until foam forms;
using a sponge, apply foam to the dirty parts – cuffs, sleeves, etc.;
Rinse these areas with clean water.
After washing, rinse the item and let excess water drain for 10 minutes. Then, blot the affected areas with absorbent pads or cloth. Terry towels can be used for this purpose.
Removing moisture from the item
Drying a suede jacket at home is no less challenging than washing it. The drying process can cause the garment to become significantly misshapen, causing creases and folds. The best solution is to hang the garment on a hanger overnight to allow the excess water to drain.
Never use a clothesline to dry a suede jacket. It will leave a noticeable mark where it touches the clothesline, making it very difficult to remove. Exposing the jacket to heat sources will also damage its appearance. Avoid any external influences, only allow it to air dry at room temperature.
Please note: It may take up to 2 days for a suede jacket to dry completely.
Pay attention to air circulation when drying; do not hang washed items in a closed room without access to fresh oxygen. If there are creases left on your jacket after washing and drying, you can try removing them with steam. If you don’t have a steamer, you can use a regular kettle with boiling water.
We ensure a long service life of the jacket
A suede jacket can last a long time if you follow these simple rules. They'll help keep it looking its best. What should you pay attention to when wearing a garment made from such a delicate material?
Dry clean the material regularly using a soft brush. This will remove any initial dust from the surface.
You shouldn't wear suede items in damp weather, as they react extremely negatively to it.
You can't wash such clothes too often, as this will cause them to become deformed.
Stain removal should be done as quickly as possible to prevent the material from being exposed to water for extended periods. Furthermore, avoid using harsh cleaning agents, including those containing chlorine or acetone.
Avoid drying your suede jacket near a heating element. This will not only ruin the shape of the garment, but also its color.
After washing and drying, place your suede jacket in a special cover. This will protect it from dust and ensure it's moth-proof.
Suede is one of the most demanding materials. Despite this, manufacturers are increasingly using it for trim or even as the main material, including in outerwear. The problem is that washing a suede jacket in the washing machine is difficult, as the material is sensitive to water. How should you properly care for such items to preserve their appearance?
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