We explain how to clean suede and nubuck shoes or garments.
In Tarrago Brands we are aware that it is not an easy task to keep certain accessories in perfect condition, so in this blog post, we are going to talk about products to clean shoes and maintain accessories and clothing that are made of suede and nubuck.
By accessories we mean handbags, special garments, gloves, upholstery…
If you still have doubts about the difference between suede and nubuck leather, we recommend that you consult “Suede or Nubuck, what’s the difference“.
Brushing
Velvet, suede, suede or nubuck, names given to these surfaces depending on the country, can easily become matted or “matted”. To avoid this, it is necessary to brush daily and dry with specific brushes for this purpose.
For daily maintenance we recommend using a soft brush such as the Tarrago De Luxe Brush, composed of two sides:
Always use a soft brush for daily maintenance brushing and a stiff brush to remove mud, for example (always dry). Brushing is always done in the direction of the direction of the hair.
Brushes with metal bristles, such as the Tarrago Brass Metal Brush, allow the hair to be lifted and cleaned. It’s important to use this brush very carefully, always following the direction of the hair, cleaning with short, light strokes. Once cleaning is complete, it’s necessary to rub gently in the direction of the hair to lightly comb the surface. Aggressive application can lead to premature wear of the hair.
In the accessories section, you will find the brushes for the treatment of this type of material.
Cleaning
Velvety leathers and suede, over time, become shiny and easily soiled.
As long as the leather is free of deep stains, we use the specific cleaning pads for these leathers for a “light” cleaning. For this purpose, we recommend Tarrago Suede & Nubuck Cleaner Block.
It is a flexible rubber that is easy to use due to its small size and has a high cleaning power without damaging the surface or the hair. This eraser is used in the same way as a rubber eraser, trying to rub the garment or footwear as gently as possible so as not to remove the hair from the leather. They are very inexpensive and are a once-in-a-lifetime purchase, as they tend to last a very long time.
The Tarrago Suede Nubuck Cleaner can be used for the most important stains. This soapy preparation can be applied to any colors. Its components have the function of attacking the different families of stains or soiling that are normally found on shoes, upholstery or suede garments. It comes in a practical container with a self-applying sponge for thorough cleaning.
To use, rub the surface of the shoes or garment with the sponge impregnated with the product without pressing it. Wait a few seconds and then wipe with a damp cloth to remove any foam residue. Finally, it is left to dry completely and then brushed with the Tarrago De Luxe Suede Nubuck Brush to lift the hair.
For more information on the cleaning products in the Originals Tarrago range, please click here.
Color maintenance
Over time, suede shoes, boots or accessories lose color and shine. For a good maintenance, after brushing and cleaning the surface, we recommend using a product to renew the color of suede or nubuck.
Two different options are available: Tarrago Nubuck Suede Color or Tarrago Nubuck Suede Renovator Spray.
The most important difference between the two products is their formulation, since one is water-based and the other is solvent-based. The two products have similar recolorizing properties, but their application is completely different. Tarrago Nubuck Suede Color, formulated in a water-based, self-applicator bottle, has a sponge that will help you recolor all parts of the shoe. On the other hand, Tarrago Nubuck Suede Renovator Spray, formulated in solvent base, is easier to apply due to its spray format, but it is very important to cover the parts that are not going to be recolorized, to avoid staining.
Both products, besides containing pigment, are formulated with an oil base. This ingredient is very important to nourish suede and nubuck, indispensable because these surfaces dry out and clog easily.
Once the product is applied, the surface recovers its original texture and sponginess. As a differential feature, applying the renovator on the surface provides a little water repellent power and other liquids, preventing the surface from getting wet or stained easily.
Tip: Wet suede shoes should be dried by inserting a piece of plastic or newspaper inside to keep them in shape. The newspaper also absorbs the humidity and makes the suede or nubuck shoe dry faster.
Final step: shoe protection, essential for shoe maintenance
Although the suede renovator provides some protection, to finish the brushing, cleaning and maintenance process, we recommend protecting your shoes with Tarrago Protector Rain & Stains or Tarrago Water-based protector.
Protect your shoes or garments prolongs their life, as they are not directly exposed to water, liquids or dirt. And surfaces stay cleaner for longer.
Si tienes unos zapatos nuevos, este es el primer paso que debes aplicar. Si son usados, la limpieza es sumamente importante antes de aplicar cualquier tipo de protección e impermeabilización.
If you have new shoes, this is the first step to apply. If they are used, cleaning is extremely important before applying any type of protection and water-protector.
On suede and nubuck surfaces, we recommend the use of Tarrago Oil Nano Protector, a product that contains nourishing oils that prevent the surface from drying out. If you have a universal protector, you can also apply it; however, make sure that it does not contain silicones.
It is important to note that all our protectors do not contain silicone. Silicone clogs the leather pores and does not allow the foot to breathe. With our products, the foot breathes without problems while being fully protected.
