How to Care for Faux Suede (Without Ruining It)
The how and why of protecting your Faux Suede handbags.
You should spray protect faux suede (e.g. shoes, boots, bags) if you want to repel water, stains, dirt, and generally make daily wear easier to clean and longer‑lasting.
Without protection, faux suede is not naturally waterproof and can stain easily from moisture, oil or grime.
Why Protect Faux Suede?
Faux suede is porous and can absorb liquids & stains.
A protective spray adds a clear, breathable barrier that helps liquids bead up on the surface rather than soaking in.
This makes spills and everyday marks easier to wipe or brush away.
Tip: Always test any spray on a small, hidden area first (the bottom works well for me) to make sure colour or texture doesn’t change.
How to Apply
Clean first: Brush away dust/dirt with a soft suede brush or cloth.
Spray evenly: Hold the spray ~20 cm / 8 in away and mist the surface lightly — don’t soak.
Dry fully: Let it air‑dry completely before wearing.
Reapply as needed: For frequent use items, refresh protection every few weeks or after cleaning.
Extra Tips
Sprays formulated specifically for suede or “suede & nubuck” are generally safer than generic fabric protectors (which might stiffen or discolour delicate textures).
Protection won’t make faux suede completely waterproof, but it significantly improves resistance to stains and light moisture.
Nat xo
