Suede Cleaning Help?

[mym]

I have suede inserts on my seats, they are light grey.

What product/s would you use to clean them?

[TOGWT]

See article "Basic Automotive Leather Care" DetailingWiki - Basic Automotive Leather Care - DetailingWiki

[Judyb]

It is very unlikely that this is suede or nubuck. We have as yet not come across this used for car interiors. It is likely to be Alcantara or the equivalent which is a fabric imitation.

[TOGWT]

Leather Care (Nubuck, Alcantara®, Suede, etc)
Nubuck is top-grain cattle hide leather that has been sanded or buffed on the grain side, or outside, to give a slight nap of short protein fibres, producing a velvet-like surface. Suede is not commonly found in vehicles, however, Nubuck or a synthetic known as Alcantara® is commonly found in sports luxury vehicles; on the steering wheel, armrests and seat inserts both for aesthetic purposes and grip (on the seats and steering wheel) and the headliner, it is highly absorbent, creating a texture similar to velvet, many people confuse this product with suede leather.

As a general rule when cleaning Nubuck, Alcantara ®, Suede, etc you should only to use products specifically designed for this type of fabric. Avoid using a product designed for cleaning leather. It's also important to do a patch test before cleaning any fabric to make sure the colour or integrity of the fabric won't be damaged. To do this, apply your cleaning product to an area that doesn't show to see what the effect will be.

Nubuck Foam Cleaner is a solvent free pump action product, which is extremely efficient for the cleaning of general soiling and water based stains on Nubuck, brushed aniline and suede leathers. Always pre-test the product on a hidden area. This cleaner is an aerosol version of Leather Master™ Strong Cleaner.

The advantage of foam over liquid is the minimum amount of moisture, very important for cleaning absorbent materials. Clean the surface with a Leather Master™ cleaning pad, or use the foam cleaner. The foam created by this aerosol has the consistency of shaving cream, making it ideal for sensitive leather. Do not allow to dry as it can leave spot marks. For heavily soiled areas, or where the leather has become ingrained such as in creases in the leather, a soft brush can be used to agitate and loosen the dirt. These steps may be all you need to clean these surface but if it still appears stained, you can try adding a small amount of white vinegar to a soft washcloth and gently buff the surface.

Be sure to do your patch test first. For rally stubborn stains; clean the surface with 303™ Cleaner & Spot Remover (do not saturate) it removes oil, grease, ink, berry juice, wine and blood. It contains no soaps, detergents, phosphates, nitrates, caustics, toxic organics, enzymes or volatile organic chemicals (VOC)

Using a soft upholstery brush or a Rubber Suede Brush - Shoe Care Products | Replacement Shoe Laces - Shoe-String Laces Ltd, UK to raise the `nap' of the surface then apply cleaner by spraying onto a 100% cotton towel (do not saturate) allow to air dry. The surface of these leathers has no protective barrier, and as a result these leathers are very prone to soiling and staining. To protect unfinished leathers including deerskin and unfinished dyed leathers, use Leather Master™ Nubuck Protection


Methodology-

•Shake well before use

•Spray a small amount of the product no more than 12 inches from the leather's surface.

•Use a sponge to work the foam into the soiled area, as it acts as a cushion, preventing too much pressure.

•Gently wipe away excess foam, and allow to dry for 30 minutes.

•Repeat for extremely soiled areas.

•Once the area is clean, apply a Nubuck Protectant to prevent future soiling

Alcantara - http://world.alcantara.com/newsite/a..._alcantara.pdf


Leather Master™ Nubuck Protection (Nubuck, Alcantara®, Suede, etc)- Use on new or newly cleaned leather, spray on (but do not saturate) and let dry, it creates and maintains water repellence, resists soiling and helps protect against both water and oil based stains


Identifying characteristics- very soft to the touch will scratch or scuff very easily; water drops will darken the leather but it returns to its original colour after drying.

Products made specifically for Nubuck (Alcantara®) leather

• Cleaning Pad Cleans refreshes and revitalises Nubuck, brushed aniline and suede leather without the need for additional liquids or chemicals. At the same time it will restore the nap (surface appearance) of the leather to its' original look.
  
  
• Foam Cleaner Cleaner is a mild solvent product, which is extremely efficient for the cleaning of general soiling and water based stains. Always pre-test the product on a hidden area.
  
  
• Protection Helps to protect suede and Nubuck leather against stains from drinks and food, it also makes the leather easier to clean.

[mrpongoss]

Awesome post! Thanks for the info!