Despite the fact that suede is not only beautiful, but also quite practical material, it has a significant drawback. Over a certain period of time, comfortable and attractive things lose their luster.
You can restore a decent appearance to such products by simply washing them by hand or in a washing machine, following certain rules. In this case, a problem often arises - suede loses its primary softness. What needs to be done to soften it. Experts offer several ways to soften the material.
Useful tips on how to soften suede
- The suede is steamed over steam. The process itself requires scrupulousness and accuracy. Under no circumstances should the item fall into boiling water. Otherwise, the product will deteriorate (the suede will shrink). As a washing option, leave suede items in the bathroom with a hot shower on for half an hour, no more. Suede softened in this way is thoroughly dried naturally, without resorting to any heating devices. The dried item is steamed again.To achieve the desired softness, the softening procedure is repeated at least five times. Suede will indeed become a soft material.
- It is recommended to press softened shoes tightly with paper. This is done so that the soft material does not shrink when drying.
- Suede can be softened with a vinegar solution. You should prepare it yourself by dissolving one teaspoon of vinegar essence in one liter of water. If you have 5% or 9% vinegar, you should take one tablespoon. The hardened suede fabric is wiped several times with a soft sponge soaked in the resulting solution. Ammonia is also used with the same effect.
- If after the manipulations the softness of the product is not restored, you should resort to the following method. You need to prepare a glycerin mixture. Its composition is obtained by mixing half a teaspoon of glycerin with a liter of water. Once pre-shaken, moisten a soft cloth and apply it to the suede, allowing the solution to be absorbed. Excess should be wiped off with a dry cloth.
- You can use an iron with a steam function. The suede item should be hung on hangers and the sole should be passed over the surface of the suede at a distance of two centimeters. The procedure is not quick to achieve the desired result.
The main recommendation for owners of suede products is to regularly care for things made from such a delicate material, not to allow it to change too much, when even with all your efforts it will not be possible to return it to its original condition. You can extend the service life of suede items by using protective products for this material.