Does Rain Ruin Suede? The Ultimate Guide to Protection

Suede is a delicate and unique type of leather that requires special care and attention to maintain its appearance. One of the biggest concerns when it comes to suede is whether or not rain can damage it. In this article, we will explore the effects of rain on suede, and provide tips and tricks on how to protect your suede shoes and accessories from the elements.

What is Suede?

A Suede is a type of leather that is made from the underside of animal hides, typically from cows or sheep. It has a soft, napped finish that gives it a distinct look and feel. Suede is often used to make shoes, jackets, bags, and other accessories.

Does Rain Ruin Suede?

Rain can certainly damage suede if it is not properly protected. Water can cause the fibers in the suede to swell and change color, and if the suede is not treated with a water-repellent spray, it can become discolored and stained. Additionally, suede is more susceptible to mold and mildew growth when it gets wet, which can cause permanent damage.

Tips for Protecting Suede from Rain

Use a water-repellent spray

Before wearing or using your suede shoes or accessories, apply a suede-specific water-repellent spray to help protect them from water damage.

Avoid getting suede wet

If possible, avoid wearing or using your suede shoes or accessories in the rain or other wet conditions.

Dry suede properly

If your suede does get wet, be sure to dry it properly by stuffing it with newspaper and allowing it to dry naturally. Never put suede in the dryer or use a hair dryer on it.

Clean suede regularly

Regularly clean your suede shoes or accessories to remove dirt and salt, which can cause damage over time.

Store suede properly

When storing your suede shoes or accessories, be sure to keep them in a cool, dry place to prevent mold and mildew growth.

FAQ

Can you fix the suede after it gets wet?

Suede can be difficult to revive once it gets wet, but there are a few things you can try:

• Let the suede dry naturally, away from direct heat or sunlight.
• Once the suede is dry, gently brush it with a suede brush to restore its nap.
• If the suede still looks discolored or stained after it dries, you can try using a suede eraser or a pencil eraser to gently rub away the stains.
• You can also try using a suede cleaner or a suede conditioner to help restore the suede’s color and texture.

It’s important to note that trying to revive wet suede is not guaranteed to work and you may need to take it to a professional cleaner.

Does water on suede go away?

Water can cause damage to suede, but it depends on the extent of the water exposure and how quickly it is addressed. If the suede gets wet and is allowed to dry naturally, away from direct heat or sunlight, it may not be too damaged. However, if the water soaks into the suede, it can cause the fibers to swell and become discolored, which can be difficult to restore. Additionally, if the water is dirty or contains any chemicals, it can leave stains on the suede that may be difficult to remove.

How do you fix damaged suede?

Fixing damaged suede can be challenging, but here are a few things you can try: clean the suede, repair small cuts and tears, remove stains, condition the suede, and do professional cleaning.

Conclusion

Suede is a beautiful and unique material, but it requires special care to maintain its appearance. Rain can certainly damage suede if it is not properly protected, but with the right care and attention, you can keep your suede shoes and accessories looking like new. By using a water-repellent spray, avoiding getting suede wet, drying it properly, cleaning it regularly, and storing it properly, you can protect your suede from the elements and enjoy it for years to come.