this time of year its important to count your blessings.
we are especially grateful that old school "fashion rules" of season specific textile no longer apply.
leather treatments like suede, haircalf, and patent can be sported all year long!
doesn't always agree with our spontaneous fashion sense
and has a tendency to rain on our shoe parade.
keep your suedes protected and looking fabulous this winter.
1. Seal your suede.
You wouldn't hit the beach without sunscreen, and similarly you
shouldn't hit the wintry streets in suede shoes without properly
protecting them first. Everywhere from drugstores to shoe repair stores
carry protective sprays, and we're big fans of Gear Aid ReviveX Nubuck,
Suede & Fabric Water Repellent ($8.25; available at Amazon), in
particular. A thin application of a suede sealant will last for several
months (yes, you do have to treat suede every couple months) and will
help repel dirt, and stop stains before they start. A tip to keep in
mind before actually spraying: We strongly recommend brushing with a
suede brush before and after you spray your shoes.
2. To treat a liquid spill, clean with talcum powder or corn meal.
If your spill liquid on your boots, pat the area with a clean cloth or
towel and then apply a layer of corn meal or talcum powder. Let it set
overnight, and then brush the suede the following day with a suede brush
to remove the dried powder.
3. Treat dried stains-like dirt-with white vinegar.
Approach dried stains, like dirt, a little differently. For a quick fix,
rub off dirt with a kneaded eraser or an emery board. For heavier
stains, blot the stain using a small amount of white vinegar and a clean
towel. Repeat for as long as necessary until you see your stain
disappear. This is a great way to get rid of both water and salt stains.
4. Bring your suede back to life with a toothbrush.
Should your suede begin to look tired and flattened, scrub it with a
clean toothbrush or terrycloth towel. If it's really in bad shape, hold
your shoe above steam-even from a teakettle-for a few seconds, and then
brush it.
5. Whatever you do, don't clean suede with water.
This might seem counterintuitive, but you don't want to start cleaning
suede with water, which can affect both the color and texture of suede.
6. If all else fails, get your suede shoes professionally cleaned.
Obviously a solid way to ensure your suede looks it's best. This is also
a great thing to do before you put your winter suede boots away in
storage during the warmer months.
