The Ultimate Guide to Storing and Preserving Suede Shoes and Clothing

Suede is a luxurious material that requires special attention to maintain its softness and appearance. If you’re a fan of suede shoes or clothing, knowing how to store and preserve them correctly can ensure their longevity. Below, we’ve compiled expert tips on how to protect your suede items from damage during storage, so they stay in top condition for years to come.

Why Suede Needs Extra Care

Unlike regular leather, suede comes from the underside of animal hides, giving it a soft, velvety texture. While this unique finish is appealing, it also makes suede more vulnerable to moisture, dirt, and scuffing. Unlike full-grain leather, which has a natural protective layer, suede is more absorbent and prone to stains. Its delicate fibers can lose their shape if exposed to fluctuating temperatures or improper storage. Therefore, storing suede items correctly is essential to keeping them in pristine condition.

Cleaning Your Suede Before Storing

Before putting your suede garments or shoes away, it’s important to clean them thoroughly. Dirt, oils, and stains left on the fabric can cause long-term damage, so make sure to clean your items properly before storing them.

How to clean suede:

• Brush off dirt: Use a suede brush to gently remove surface dirt and dust. A soft-bristled brush will help lift the grime without damaging the suede.
• Spot clean stains: For more stubborn stains, dampen a cloth with a suede-specific cleaner or a small amount of water. Gently blot the stain—never rub, as this can spread the stain or harm the fibers.
• Use a suede eraser: To remove scuff marks, use a suede eraser. Lightly rub the eraser on the stained area, then brush it to restore the nap.
• Drying suede: If your suede item gets wet, let it air dry naturally. Avoid using heat, as this could cause the fibers to shrink or harden. Stuff shoes with acid-free tissue paper to help them retain their shape while drying.

After cleaning, allow your suede to dry completely before storing it. Storing damp items can lead to mold, mildew, and other forms of damage.

Protecting Suede From Moisture

Moisture is one of suede’s biggest enemies, as it can cause the fabric to stain, lose texture, or form water spots. To prevent these issues, moisture protection is vital when storing suede items long-term.

How to protect suede from moisture:

• Apply a suede protector: Before storage, treat your suede items with a suede protector spray. This forms a barrier against moisture and stains, making future cleaning easier. Be sure to follow the instructions carefully.
• Use moisture absorbers: If you’re storing suede in a humid area, such as a basement, place moisture-absorbing packets like silica gel or activated charcoal in your storage container. These will help control the moisture levels and prevent mold.
• Choose a cool, dry place: Store suede in a climate-controlled space that is cool, dry, and well-ventilated. Avoid direct sunlight, as it can dry out and fade the fabric.
• Consider cedar products: Cedar naturally repels moths and absorbs excess moisture, making it an excellent choice for preserving suede. Consider placing cedar blocks or sachets in your storage area for added protection.

Selecting the Right Storage Containers

Suede needs breathable storage solutions to ensure its longevity. Unlike other fabrics that can be safely stored in plastic, suede requires containers that allow air circulation to prevent moisture buildup.

Best storage containers for suede:

• Cotton garment bags: For clothing such as jackets or skirts, hang your items in a cotton garment bag. Avoid plastic bags, as they can trap moisture and lead to mildew or discoloration. Cotton allows for airflow while keeping dust out.
• Fabric bins: For foldable suede items like shirts, use fabric-lined storage bins. Make sure the bins are lined with acid-free tissue paper to help maintain the fabric’s shape and softness.
• Shoe boxes or fabric pouches: For shoes, store them in their original boxes or fabric pouches. If you no longer have the original packaging, use cotton or linen bags to protect your shoes from dust and light exposure. Be sure to stuff shoes with acid-free tissue paper to preserve their shape.

Storing Suede Shoes Properly

Suede shoes are especially prone to scuffs, stains, and moisture damage. Proper storage is key to keeping them looking great.

Tips for storing suede shoes:

• Use shoe trees or tissue paper: To maintain the shape of your shoes, use shoe trees or stuff them with acid-free tissue paper. This prevents sagging or creasing.
• Store upright: Keep your shoes upright in a box or on a rack to avoid unnecessary pressure, which can cause creases or deformation.
• Avoid plastic bags: Never store suede shoes in plastic bags. These can trap moisture and lead to mold. Opt for fabric pouches or cotton-lined boxes instead.
• Control humidity: Include moisture absorbers like silica gel packets in your shoe storage to prevent humidity damage.

Long-Term Storage for Suede Clothing

When storing suede clothing for extended periods, it’s important to take extra care to keep the fabric in perfect condition.

Long-term storage tips for suede clothing:

• Hang or fold properly: When storing suede garments, either hang them in a breathable garment bag or fold them carefully with acid-free tissue paper between the folds to prevent creases.
• Use padded hangers: For hanging items like coats or jackets, use padded hangers to avoid putting stress on the shoulders, which could lead to stretching or misshaping.
• Rotate garments: If you’re storing suede for a long time, rotate the garments periodically to avoid setting creases from prolonged pressure.

Maintaining Suede’s Texture and Shape During Storage

Over time, suede can lose its softness and texture if not stored properly. To preserve the luxurious feel and appearance of your items, follow these best practices:

• Brush periodically: Use a suede brush to restore the fabric’s nap and remove any dust that may have settled. Brushing in one direction helps maintain the suede’s smooth texture.
• Stuff items to retain shape: Always stuff items like bags, shoes, or hats with tissue paper to help them maintain their shape and avoid creases.
• Control humidity: To prevent the fabric from becoming stiff or losing its texture, keep the storage environment dry and use moisture-absorbing products like cedar sachets.

Refreshing Suede After Storage

Once you’re ready to wear your stored suede items again, check them carefully for signs of damage or wear.

Signs your suede needs refreshing:

• Flattened or shiny spots: If the nap is flattened or shiny, brush the item gently to restore its texture.
• Musty odor: If your suede smells musty, it may have absorbed moisture. Air it out in a dry, well-ventilated space or lightly mist it with suede cleaner.
• Stains or watermarks: Inspect for any stains or watermarks. Use the appropriate cleaning methods to treat them before wearing the item again.

By following these steps for cleaning, moisture protection, and proper storage, you’ll be able to keep your suede shoes and clothing in great condition, ready to enjoy whenever you need them. With a little extra care, your suede items can last for many years to come.