Suede is a type of leather with a napped finish that gives it a soft and luxurious texture, and because of that, suede can be delicate and difficult to maintain. One common question people ask is whether or not it is safe to steam suede clothing. Can you steam suede?
- Yes, you can steam suede clothes. Steaming is an effective and convenient way to remove wrinkles from suede clothing. However, it requires some skill and experience to do properly, and may not be suitable for all types of suede garments.
- Make sure to use low heat setting on your steamer. Suede is sensitive to heat, so it is crucial to use a steamer with a low-heat setting. Avoid using a steam iron, as the high heat can cause the suede to shrink, stiffen, or discolor.
- Test a small, inconspicuous area first. Before steaming the entire garment, test a small, inconspicuous area first to make sure that the steam does not cause any damage.
- Steam in short bursts. Steam the suede in short bursts, moving the steamer back and forth over the garment. Do not concentrate the steam on one area for too long.
- Use a Professional No-Heat Cleaner – I like to use eClean Advanced Fabricare, which is an online eco-friendly dry cleaning service that fully sanitizes my suede jacket without washing it in a machine or drying it with heat. Unlike traditional dry cleaners, eClean does not use harmful chemicals and they do not use heat to dry. I find that this provides the best results. Using eClean is simple – I just mail in my jacket. Click here to learn more about this service.
In this article, we will discuss how to properly steam suede clothes at home and also discuss some of the risks associated with steaming suede. We will also discuss alternative methods to cleaning suede.
| Pros to Steaming Suede | Cons to Steaming Suede |
|---|---|
| Effectively removes wrinkles | May damage delicate suede fibers if not done properly |
| Does not require harsh chemicals | May cause water stains if not done properly |
| Can be done at home with a specialized steamer | May not be effective for severe wrinkles |
| Helps restore the shape of the garment | Requires some skill and experience to do properly |
| Can be done quickly and easily | May not be suitable for all types of suede garments |
Can You Steam Suede Clothes?
Yes, you can steam clothes to remove wrinkles and help loosen dirt and stains. However, it requires some skill and experience to do properly, and may not be suitable for all types of suede garments.
It is important to take care not to damage the delicate suede fibers and to avoid causing water stains. For severe wrinkles or if you are not confident in your ability to steam suede clothing, it is best to take your garment to a professional cleaner.
Suede is made from the underside of the animal hide, which is buffed to create a soft, fuzzy texture. Because of its delicate texture, suede is prone to scuffs, stains, and water damage. It is also more challenging to clean than other types of leather.
The best option is to get your suede clothes cleaned by a trained professional.
What Types of Suede Should Not be Steamed?
Not all types of suede can be steamed, and it’s important to know which ones are safe to steam and which ones are not. Suede made from animal hides, such as cowhide or lambskin, can usually be steamed without any problems. However, suede made from synthetic materials or with a coating or finish should not be steamed, as the heat and moisture can damage the material.
It’s also important to look at the care tag on your suede garment before attempting to steam it. The care tag will provide important information on how to care for the garment, including whether or not it can be steamed. If the care tag says “dry clean only,” it’s best to avoid steaming the garment altogether and take it to a professional dry cleaner instead.
The care tag may provide specific instructions on how to steam the suede garment safely. For example, it may recommend using a lower temperature setting or steaming from a distance to avoid damaging the fabric. It’s important to follow these instructions carefully to avoid causing any damage to the suede.
Use a Professional Suede Cleaner
Using a professional cleaner is the best option to clean your suede clothes and to remove wrinkles.
You can use a local, traditional dry cleaner. Some dry cleaners specialize in cleaning suede. If you can find a local dry cleaner that has extensive experience with suede jackets, this will be a bonus. Suede requires a specialized cleaning process to remove stains and dirt without damaging the material.
It’s important to point out any stains or areas that need special attention to the dry cleaner before leaving your jacket with them. Failure to do so may result in these areas not getting the proper attention they need during the cleaning process.
If you have a suede jacket, I like to use eClean Advanced Fabricare, which is an online eco-friendly dry cleaning service that fully sanitizes my suede jacket without washing it in a machine or drying it with heat. Unlike traditional dry cleaners, eClean does not use harmful chemicals and they do not use heat to dry. I find that this provides the best results in maintaining the material of my suede jacket. Using eClean is simple – I just mail in my jacket. Click here to learn more about this service.
If you want to attempt steaming your suede clothes at home, we discuss the process next.
How to Steam Suede Clothes
Yes, you can steam suede clothing, but with caution. Steam can help to remove wrinkles and restore the texture of suede. However, it is important to use the right technique and equipment to avoid damaging the delicate material.
Here are some tips on how to steam suede clothing:
- Use a steamer with a low-heat setting: Suede is sensitive to heat, so it is crucial to use a steamer with a low-heat setting. Avoid using a steam iron, as the high heat can cause the suede to shrink, stiffen, or discolor.
- Keep the steamer at a safe distance: Hold the steamer about 6 inches away from the suede to prevent the steam from saturating the material. Do not let the steamer touch the suede directly.
- Test a small, inconspicuous area first: Before steaming the entire garment, test a small, inconspicuous area first to make sure that the steam does not cause any damage.
- Steam in short bursts: Steam the suede in short bursts, moving the steamer back and forth over the garment. Do not concentrate the steam on one area for too long.
- Brush the suede after steaming: Once you have finished steaming the suede, use a soft-bristled brush to restore the nap. Brush in the direction of the nap, taking care not to damage the delicate fibers.
Can You Damage Suede by Steaming it?
Yes, you can damage suede by steaming it if you don’t steam it correctly.
Suede is a delicate material that can easily be damaged by excessive heat or moisture. Incorrect steaming can cause discoloration, which can leave noticeable water stains or marks on the fabric.
Also, exposing suede to excessive heat and moisture can cause it to shrink and lose its shape, making the garment unwearable and ruining its overall appearance. Steam can cause the nap of the suede to lay flat or become matted, ruining the soft, plush texture that suede is known for and making the garment look worn and old.
Steaming suede incorrectly can cause the fabric to harden or become stiff, making it uncomfortable to wear and ruining its overall appearance. Therefore, it is important to take proper care when steaming suede clothes and to follow the instructions carefully to avoid damaging the fabric.
Other Tips for Caring for Suede Clothing
While steaming can be a useful tool for caring for suede clothing, there are other steps you can take to keep your garments looking their best. Here are some additional tips:
- Protect your suede clothing from water and stains: Suede is prone to water damage and stains, so it is essential to protect your garments with a waterproofing spray or stain repellent. Apply the spray in a well-ventilated area, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Store suede clothing properly: When you are not wearing your suede clothing, store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Avoid hanging suede garments on hangers, as this can cause the material to stretch and lose its shape. Instead, fold the garment and store it in a breathable garment bag.
- Clean suede clothing regularly: To prevent stains and buildup of dirt, clean your suede clothing regularly. Use a suede brush to remove dirt and restore the nap. If your garment becomes stained, take it to a professional suede cleaner for specialized care.
Steaming suede clothing is possible, but it requires caution and the right technique. Use a low-heat steamer, keep the steamer at a safe distance, and test a small area before steaming the entire garment. Brush the suede after steaming to restore the nap.
Alternatives to Steaming Suede
While steaming is one way to remove wrinkles from suede clothing, there are other methods you can use as well. Here are some alternative ways to remove wrinkles from suede:
- Use a suede brush: A suede brush is a useful tool for removing wrinkles and restoring the nap of suede. Use the brush to gently brush the suede in the direction of the nap, taking care not to damage the delicate fibers.
- Use a damp cloth: If the wrinkles are mild, you can try using a damp cloth to remove them. Moisten a clean, white cloth with water, wring it out, and place it over the wrinkled area. Use a cool iron to press the cloth over the suede, being careful not to apply too much pressure.
- Use a suede eraser: A suede eraser is a specialized tool that is designed to remove dirt and stains from suede. It can also be used to gently remove wrinkles. Rub the eraser over the wrinkled area in a circular motion, taking care not to apply too much pressure.
- Use a fabric steamer: If you do not have a specialized steamer for suede, you can use a fabric steamer instead. Follow the same steps as you would with a suede steamer, keeping the steamer at a safe distance and using short bursts of steam on low heat settings.
- Take your suede garment to a professional cleaner: If the wrinkles are severe or you are not confident in your ability to remove them, take your suede garment to a professional cleaner. They will have specialized tools and techniques to care for suede.
While steaming is an effective method for removing wrinkles from suede clothing, there are other techniques you can use as well. Use a suede brush, a damp cloth, a suede eraser, a fabric steamer, or take your suede garment to a professional cleaner.