How to Clean a Suede Jacket: Stains, Rain and Everyday Care

To clean a suede jacket, let it dry completely, brush the nap in one direction with a soft suede brush, lift marks with a suede eraser and take oil stains and deep dirt to a leather specialist; never put suede in a washing machine. These steps work for every jacket in our leather jackets edit, including the soft lambskin suedes from Nour Hammour and the designer jackets we carry.

Key facts

• Never machine wash suede, and never tumble dry, iron and heat it
• Brush the nap in one direction after drying
• Use a suede eraser on dirt and scuffs
• Take oil and wine stains to a leather specialist

What you need

• A soft suede brush, ideally with brass and crepe sides.
• A suede eraser (a block of soft rubber).
• A suede protector spray.
• A clean white cloth.

Everyday care

Brush the jacket gently after every few wears to lift dust and keep the nap even. Hang it on a broad hanger, away from sunlight, in a breathable cover. Never store suede in plastic.

Water marks and rain

1. Blot excess water with a white cloth; do not rub.
2. Stuff the sleeves with paper and let the jacket dry naturally, away from radiators.
3. Once dry, brush the whole panel in one direction so the mark blends in.

Dirt and scuffs

Rub gently with a suede eraser, then brush. For shiny, flattened patches on cuffs and pockets, a crepe brush lifts the nap again.

Oil, wine and makeup

Blot immediately and take the jacket to a leather specialist. Home remedies such as vinegar, cornflour and detergent can lift colour along with the stain on luxury suede.

What never to do

• Never machine wash suede.
• Never dry it with heat.
• Never iron suede.
• Never use water-based household cleaners.

Protect it first

Spray a new jacket with suede protector before you wear it, testing on an inside seam first, and repeat each season. For leather and shearling, see our leather and shearling care guide, and for new jackets our suede jackets edit.

Frequently asked questions

Can you wash a suede jacket?

No. Never machine wash suede. Brush it, use a suede eraser on marks and take stains to a leather specialist.

How do you get water stains out of suede?

Let the jacket dry naturally, then brush the whole panel in one direction so the mark blends in.

Does rain ruin suede?

Light rain does not, if you let it dry naturally and brush it afterwards. Heavy soaking can stiffen it.

How often should you clean a suede jacket?

Brush it every few wears and have it professionally cleaned once a season if needed.

Read next: Suede jackets for women, Caring for leather and shearling, Suede skirts.

By Gemma Deeks, Coveti Fashion Editor. Updated 20 October 2026.