Ask an expert how to care for suede

Welcome to "Take Care of It". Here you will find best practices for maintaining and upkeep of your luxury fashion purchases.

A few years ago, I splurged on a pair of gorgeous brown suede Saint Laurent boots (opens in new tab) and they have since become my all-time favorite. The suede finish once felt like butter, but today they are not nearly as soft and desire-worthy - the result of the many times I've accidentally worn them on a rainy day and stepped into a giant N.Y.C. sewer puddle. To find out how to revive my Solemates to like-new condition, I asked Menia Polychronakis of Mina's Shoe Repair (opens in new tab). She has worked on shoes for Rihanna, Kim Kardashian, Bjork, and others. Polychronakis is an avid advocate of suede, a material that requires maintenance to own. Here, he shares his tips for making suede last season after season, including bags, jackets, and shoes.

"I highly recommend waterproofing your suede items before you wear them. Doing so will prevent stains from forming if something is spilled, and will also make the suede easier to care for." We recommend spraying with Moneysworth&Best Pro-Tex Water + Stain Protector 1-2 times a year. (Opens in a new tab) It will not damage the color or texture of the suede."

"Purchase a suede brush and brush off dust and dirt. If there is scuffing or surface grime, a suede eraser/stone will remove most of the dirt.

"When suede items are not being worn, place them in a box or shoe bag to prevent dust from collecting.

"If your suede items are badly soiled, it is advisable to take them to a professional cleaner. A professional can ensure that mud, dirt, and salt stains are removed. Ink is fairly permanent, so keep ink pens closed and away from suede and leather."

Avoid this (literal) mess by being savvy in your dressmaking: "Think twice when pairing dark-colored denim with light-colored suede shoes or purses. It will leave stains on the edges of the denim," warns Polychronakis.

And while waterproofing can go a long way in protecting suede items, think twice before wearing them in inclement weather. Salt and salt-like chemicals will eat away at suede, she adds.