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With the monsoon here, it becomes absolutely imperative to take care of your suede ! So pull out your suede pumps, the jacket, take a long hard look at your suede sofa or even the suede cushion covers! Suede looks great, lasts well and pretty easy to clean yourself!

Suede is a type of leather and has a soft feel. It is usually made from the inner splits of side leather, usually cow or pig leather. Being soft, pliable and thin suede is ideal for clothing, gloves, shoes, bags and even upholstery. However, its texture and the open pores can make it absorb dirt faster than leather and is susceptible to stains.

• Avoid letting your suede get stained. Be careful with suede items.
• Waterproofing your suede is a great option! It preserves it for a longer time.
• Brush your suede on a regular basis. A soft brush, a metal brush or even a clean, soft towel will do. Brushing will raise the nap of the suede and keep it looking as good as new.
• Small stains can be easily cleaned or "erased" with a pencil eraser. If your suede shoes have encrusted dirt, use an emery board or sandpaper to scrape the dirt away, without damaging the suede. No sandpaper around? Take the crust of stale, hard bread and use it to scrape the dirt away
• Sweat, body oils etc may leave dark patches on suede collars / sofas. Use a soft dry cloth or a brush to remove these stains. For stubborn stains use a mixture of cold water and glycerine soap. Dip a soft cloth in this mixture, and wipe suede dry.
• Water can discolour suede. So if you want to clean your favourite suede shoes, dampen the entire exterior of the shoe lightly with a soft brush. Use a sponge to remove the excess water and let the shoes dry overnight. Remember to insert a shoe-tree or balls of crumpled paper to retain the shape of the shoe.
• Suede cannot be washed.
• If suede gets wet, it becomes darker in colour and can get damaged, since water drives out the essential oils which help to keep suede supple.
• When you store suede jackets or coats, make sure they have room to breathe, otherwise it may become hard and dry.
• Do not use perfume or hairspray after you wear the suede jacket / coat
• Always hang your jacket / coat on a coat hanger ( not a wire hanger) to ensure your jacket retains it's shape.

Remember prevention is better and a little care on a regular basis will go a long way!