Home improvements: Avoiding the suede blues

Whether it’s on your shoes or that designer chair, suede looks and feels beautiful. But it’s also very delicate, gets dirty easily and is a nightmare to maintain.

You can water- and stain-proof your suede items with specialist products, but these need to be reapplied every six months or so and will not always guarantee total protection. If you have a suede product that needs serious attention, you’re best off getting it dry-cleaned by a professional, although this can prove expensive.

If you get your suede wet, the first thing to do is blot it with a paper towel. Don’t press down too hard, as this may cause the liquid to seep farther into the suede. Then leave to dry at room temperature. If you’re dealing with wet shoes, fill them with crumpled newspaper to ensure they maintain their shape while drying. Once dry, brush the area with a suede brush.

If you’re dealing with scuff marks, grime or dirt, your best bet is to raid your kids’ pencil case for an eraser. Gently rub this against the suede. If that doesn’t do the trick, apply a small amount of white vinegar to the area. Using a damp cloth or cotton wool, gently massage the vinegar into the stain. Let it dry and then use a suede brush to get the suede back in shape. Whatever you do, proceed with care.