To safely store and preserve suede shoes and clothing, start by cleaning them thoroughly to remove dirt, stains, and oils. Ensure they are completely dry before storage, as moisture can damage suede over time. Use breathable storage solutions like cotton garment bags or fabric-lined boxes to allow air circulation and prevent mold.
For shoes, stuff them with tissue paper or use shoe trees to maintain their shape. Protect suede from moisture by storing in a cool, dry place and using moisture absorbers like silica gel.
Regular maintenance, including brushing and inspecting items after storage, helps keep suede looking fresh and in good condition for years.
Why suede requires special care
Suede, unlike regular leather, is made from the underside of animal hides, giving it that signature soft, napped finish. While it looks and feels incredible, this texture makes suede more susceptible to moisture, dirt, and scuffs, which can permanently damage its appearance.
Suede also lacks the natural protective layer that full-grain leather has, which makes it more absorbent and prone to stains.
The fibers in suede are delicate, meaning they can easily lose their shape if improperly stored or exposed to fluctuating temperatures and humidity. Therefore, taking the right steps to store suede items properly will help you protect your investment and keep your garments and shoes looking fresh for years to come.
Cleaning your suede before storage
Before you even think about putting suede shoes or garments away for storage, they must be cleaned thoroughly.
Storing items with dirt, oils, or stains can lead to permanent damage, as these contaminants settle deeper into the fibers over time.
How to clean suede:
- Brush away surface dirt: Use a suede brush to gently lift away dirt and dust. A soft-bristled brush will remove surface grime without damaging the nap of the suede.
- Spot clean stains: For tougher stains, lightly dampen a clean cloth with a suede-specific cleaner or a small amount of water and gently blot the affected area. Avoid rubbing, as this can spread the stain or damage the fibers.
- Use a suede eraser: For scuff marks or tougher stains, a suede eraser can help. Gently rub the eraser over the stained area to lift away blemishes. Afterward, brush the area to restore the texture.
- Drying suede properly: If your suede items get wet, allow them to air dry naturally. Never use heat, as it can cause the fibers to shrink or stiffen. Stuff suede shoes with acid-free tissue paper to help them retain their shape while drying.
Once your suede is clean, give it a few hours to dry completely before storing it. Storing wet or damp suede can lead to mold, mildew, and further damage.
How to protect suede from moisture damage
One of the biggest enemies of suede is moisture. Whether it's humidity in the air or accidental spills, moisture can cause suede to stain, lose its texture, or develop water spots.
This is why moisture protection is critical when storing suede for the long term.
Ways to protect suede from moisture:
- Apply a suede protector: Before storing suede, treat your items with a suede protection spray. These sprays act as a barrier against moisture and stains, making it easier to clean and maintain the fabric in the long run. Apply the spray in a well-ventilated area and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for best results.
- Use moisture absorbers: If you’re storing suede in an area prone to humidity, such as a basement or attic, include moisture-absorbing products like silica gel packets or activated charcoal in your storage container. These help regulate the moisture levels and prevent mildew buildup.
- Store in a cool, dry place: Temperature and humidity fluctuations can wreak havoc on suede items. Store your suede in a climate-controlled space, away from direct sunlight, which can cause the fabric to fade or dry out. The ideal storage environment is cool, dry, and well-ventilated.
For added protection against moisture and pests, consider using cedar wood products in your storage area. Cedar naturally repels moths and absorbs excess moisture, making it a great choice for preserving suede over long periods.
Choosing the right storage containers for suede
The type of container you use is crucial for maintaining the integrity of suede.
Unlike other fabrics that can be stored in plastic bins or vacuum-sealed bags, suede requires breathable storage solutions that allow air circulation and prevent moisture build-up.
Best storage options for suede:
- Cotton garment bags: For suede clothing like jackets or skirts, hang them in a breathable cotton garment bag. Avoid plastic garment bags, which can trap humidity and cause mildew or discoloration. Cotton allows air to flow while keeping dust and dirt out.
- Fabric storage bins: For foldable suede items like shirts, use fabric storage bins lined with acid-free tissue paper. These bins prevent moisture buildup and allow the suede to breathe, which helps maintain its softness over time.
- Shoe boxes or fabric pouches: Suede shoes should be stored in their original shoe boxes or fabric pouches. If you no longer have the original packaging, use a cotton or linen bag to protect the shoes from dust and light exposure.
Remember to stuff your suede shoes with acid-free tissue paper to help them maintain their shape during storage.
Best practices for storing suede shoes
Suede shoes are particularly susceptible to scuffs, stains, and moisture damage, making proper storage essential for their longevity. Follow these best practices to ensure your suede shoes remain in top condition while in storage:
Tips for storing suede shoes:
- Use shoe trees or stuff with tissue paper: To help suede shoes keep their shape, use shoe trees or stuff them with acid-free tissue paper. This prevents them from sagging or developing creases while they’re not being worn.
- Store upright: If possible, store your suede shoes upright in a box or on a shoe rack. Storing them on top of each other can cause unnecessary pressure on the suede and lead to creasing or deformation.
- Avoid plastic bags: Never store suede shoes in plastic bags, as this can trap moisture and lead to mold. Opt for fabric pouches or cotton-lined boxes instead.
- Keep shoes in a dry environment: Just like with suede garments, moisture control is key. Add moisture absorbers, like silica gel packets, to your shoe storage space to help prevent humidity from damaging the suede.
If you’re storing your suede shoes for a long period, follow similar steps you’d take with other delicate footwear materials to ensure they stay in good condition.
Properly caring for your shoes will not only preserve their appearance but also extend their lifespan.
Long-term storage tips for suede clothing
When it comes to long-term storage for suede clothing, extra care is needed to ensure these items stay in pristine condition until you’re ready to wear them again. Here are some helpful tips:
- Fold carefully or hang correctly: When folding suede garments for storage, place acid-free tissue paper between the folds to prevent creasing. For heavier suede pieces, like jackets or coats, hanging them in breathable garment bags is the best option to maintain their shape.
- Use padded hangers: If you’re hanging suede clothing, use padded hangers to avoid stress on the shoulders, which can lead to stretching or misshaping over time.
- Rotate items periodically: If your suede is in storage for a long time, try to rotate the garments periodically to prevent pressure from setting creases into the fabric. This is especially important if items are folded.
For more information on long-term garment storage, especially for delicate fabrics, refer to broader techniques that ensure your clothes are safely preserved while in storage.
How to maintain suede’s texture and shape during storage
Over time, suede can lose its softness and texture if it isn’t stored properly.
To maintain the nap and shape of your suede items, follow these best practices:
- Brush suede periodically: After long periods in storage, the nap on suede may become flattened. Use a suede brush to gently restore the texture by brushing in a single direction. Brushing also helps to remove any dust that may have accumulated.
- Stuff items to retain shape: For suede items like bags, hats, or shoes, always stuff them with tissue paper before storage. This helps retain their shape and prevents creasing.
- Control humidity: Humidity can stiffen suede and alter its texture. Keep the storage environment dry by using moisture absorbers like cedar sachets or placing items in breathable storage containers.
With regular maintenance, you’ll keep your suede soft and supple, ensuring that it looks and feels as luxurious as when you first bought it.
Signs your suede needs refreshing after storage
When taking suede items out of storage, it’s important to check them thoroughly to ensure they’re still in good condition.
Here are some signs that your suede may need a little care after a long period of storage:
- Flattened or shiny spots: If the nap of your suede appears flat or shiny, it may need a quick brush to restore its texture.
- Musty odors: Suede that smells musty may have absorbed moisture during storage. Airing out the item in a dry, well-ventilated space can help, and applying a light mist of suede cleaner can freshen it up.
- Visible stains or watermarks: Check for any stains or watermarks that may have developed. If you spot any, follow the cleaning techniques mentioned earlier to address them before wearing the item again.
Storing and preserving suede shoes and clothing requires a bit of extra attention, but with the right care and techniques, you can protect your investment and keep your suede items looking and feeling their best.
From cleaning and moisture protection to using breathable storage solutions, these tips will help ensure that your suede remains in excellent condition, ready for whenever you need it.
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