The best way to remove stains from a faux suede jacket is with a soft brush, a slightly damp cloth, and a mild cleaner suitable for synthetic fabrics. Act quickly on fresh stains and blot gently, but don’t rub too hard. In this article, we’re happy to answer the most frequently asked questions about cleaning and caring for your faux suede jacket.
What makes faux suede fabric so prone to stains?
Faux suede fabric is prone to stains because its soft, slightly rough surface texture quickly absorbs moisture and dirt. The fabric has an open texture that draws in liquids and grease before you can wipe them away. This applies both to classic faux suede and to the popular polyester micro-suede variant.
The sensitivity of polyester faux suede jackets differs somewhat from that of real suede. Polyester absorbs less moisture, but grease and oil-based stains cling readily to the synthetic fibers. Rubbing can also flatten the fine fibers, leaving the jacket looking dull and damaged. That’s why it helps to approach this fabric with a little extra care and patience.
Which products can you use on a faux suede jacket?
For a faux suede jacket, it’s best to use a gentle suede or fabric cleaner, lukewarm water, and a clean, soft cloth or sponge. Try to steer clear of harsh cleaning products such as bleach, acetone, or alcohol-based products, as they attack the fibers and can damage the color.
These are the products you can safely use:
- Soft suede or fabric brush for dry dust and light buildup
- Slightly damp microfiber cloth for fresh stains
- Mild soap solution (a drop of dish soap in lukewarm water) for grease or food stains
- Special faux suede cleaner from the drugstore or shoe shop
- White eraser or suede eraser for dry, surface-level stains
What we’d recommend you avoid at all costs: white spirit, nail polish remover, strong stain spray for cotton, or submerging the jacket directly in water. It’s always a good idea to test a new cleaning product first on an inconspicuous spot, such as the inside of the hem.
How do you remove fresh stains from faux suede fabric?
The best way to remove fresh stains is to act right away: gently blot the stain dry with a clean cloth without rubbing, then treat it with a slightly damp cloth or a mild soap solution. The faster you react, the smaller the chance that the stain sets in and leaves a permanent mark.
Follow these steps for a fresh stain:
- Blot away the excess moisture or substance immediately with a dry, clean cloth. Try not to rub, as this spreads the stain.
- Lightly dampen a clean cloth with lukewarm water and blot the stain again from the outside in.
- For more stubborn fresh stains, add a small amount of mild soap solution and gently blot again.
- Let the jacket air dry on a flat surface or hanging, away from direct sunlight or heat sources.
- Once dry, gently brush up the fabric with a soft suede brush to even out the fibers again.
How do you tackle stubborn or dried-in stains?
To tackle stubborn or dried-in stains in faux suede fabric, first loosen the stain dry with a suede eraser or soft brush, and only then clean it gently with a damp cloth. It’s best not to apply water straight onto a dried-in stain, as this can push the stain deeper into the fibers.
For dried-in stains, this approach works best:
- Gently rub the stain loose while dry with a suede eraser or the soft side of a suede brush. This removes the top layer of the stain without damaging the fabric.
- Then make a mild soap solution and blot the stain in small circles from the outside in.
- For grease stains, you can use a small amount of talcum powder or cornstarch: sprinkle it on the stain, let it absorb for an hour, and then brush it away. This draws the grease out of the fibers.
- Always let the jacket dry completely at room temperature before brushing up the fabric.
Be patient with dried-in stains. Several gentle treatments work better than one aggressive attempt, and your jacket will thank you for it.
When is it better to take a faux suede jacket to the dry cleaner?
Take your faux suede jacket to the dry cleaner when the stain is large, has soaked in deeply, or when several home treatments have not produced results. For stains from ink, red wine, oil, or paint, too, professional cleaning is the safest choice to prevent further damage.
In some situations, it’s better to skip home treatment:
- The stain covers a large area and is difficult to treat evenly
- You notice color loss or discoloration after a first cleaning attempt
- The jacket has a special color or finish that is sensitive to liquids
- It’s a stubborn greasy or chemical stain that doesn’t respond to mild products
- The care label says “dry clean only”
It’s helpful to tell the dry cleaner what type of fabric it is and what caused the stain. This helps them choose the right cleaning method.
How do you protect a faux suede jacket against future stains?
The best way to protect a faux suede jacket is to treat it after purchase with a water-repellent spray suitable for synthetic or faux suede fabrics. Repeat this treatment a few times per season for optimal protection. This prevents moisture and dirt from soaking straight into the fibers. You’ll find more tips on caring for your jackets in our jacket care tips.
Besides waterproofing, there are other ways to keep your jacket looking its best:
- Hang the jacket on a wide hanger so the shoulders keep their shape and the fabric doesn’t wrinkle
- Try not to store the jacket in plastic, but in a breathable fabric cover to prevent moisture buildup
- Avoid prolonged exposure to rain or strong sun, as both can affect the color
- Regularly brush the jacket lightly with a soft suede brush to remove dust and light buildup before it sets in
- Treat small stains immediately, so they don’t get a chance to dry in
How Donders 1860 helps you care for your jacket
A good jacket deserves good care. With us, you’ll find not only a wide range of premium jackets, but also the knowledge to help you enjoy them for as long as possible. Whether you choose a micro-suede jacket, a polyester faux suede jacket, a classic leather jacket, or a warm mid-season jacket, we’re glad to help you make the right choice and take good care of your purchase.
What you can expect from us:
- A carefully curated range of premium men’s jackets, from faux suede to leather and from bomber jackets to bodywarmers
- Honest style advice and practical care tips, so your jacket looks good season after season
- Jackets made with an eye for quality, fit, and durability, so your investment stands the test of time
Feel free to browse our full range at Donders 1860 or go straight to the men’s collection and find the jacket that suits you. Looking for more advice on caring for your jacket? Then take a look at our care guide.