Leather & suede

Blot only — most stains are a professional's job.

• Wet leather must dry naturally, never with heat; flex it while drying to prevent stiffness, and raise suede nap with a sponge afterwards. [1]
• Water-soluble spills: blot with a soft damp cloth before the stain dries, using a patting motion only. [1]
• For oil and grease use cleaners made specifically for leather; avoid general cleaning fluids, shoe creams and saddle soaps, which can make soft leather sticky. [1]
• Dye-type stains (ink, lipstick) are best removed by a professional leather cleaner, and heavily soiled suede should also go to a professional. [1]
• Store leather where it can breathe — never in plastic bags — in a cool, ventilated, dark place. [1]

What we could not source

• The fetched source is a 1978 extension publication; its recommendations are conservative and general. Modern finished leathers vary — the maker's care instructions govern.

Sources

1. Institutional Washington State University Cooperative Extension Service — Care of Leather & Suede Garments (EM 4335, May 1978) (accessed 2026-08-18)

Updated 2026-08-18. Compiled from the cited sources; not independently verified by this site. Care labels and manufacturer instructions always take precedence. Spotted an error? See the corrections policy.