by Lindsay Champion
Suede coats and jackets are a luxurious and soft addition to women's outerwear, but they can be difficult to maintain, especially during winter weather. Ideally, you should avoid wearing a suede coat when it rains or snows. If you can't always shield your suede coat from the elements, you will need to condition it to keep your suede looking its best.
Rub the suede with a clean towel if it is wet. This will take excess moisture out of the suede and prevent stains and mildew. Don't rub too vigorously, however, as this can damage the fabric.
Erase any dry stains with a clean pencil eraser. Rub the suede jacket gently. Stop rubbing after 30 seconds if the stain will not lift. A suede eraser will also do the trick.
Brush the suede with a suede brush. This allows you to get a clean, even consistency on the suede after using the eraser. It can also help to remove dirt, lint and hair.
Use vinegar to lift stains. Dip a corner of a cloth in vinegar and gently press it on a stain. Blot very gently until the stain lifts completely.
Dry the jacket on a flat surface. Let it air dry until the vinegar spots have dried or any damp spots are gone from your suede jacket.
Apply a waterproof sealing spray. This will help to prevent future stains. Spray the entire jacket in a quick, even coat of spray and let dry for 24 hours. Any new stains on suede clothing will be less permeable after the waterproof spray has dried.
Don't rub too hard on suede or you will risk surface stains becoming permanent.
Do not submerge suede clothing in water. This will damage the fabric and cause it to lose its softness. If it does become very wet, immediately dry it with a towel.
Never put suede in a washing machine or dryer. If you are unsure of whether to clean it by hand, dry clean it.
