Hand sanitizer is a crucial tool in keeping our hands germ-free, especially in the current climate where hygiene is of utmost importance.
However, using hand sanitizer can pose a problem for those who own suede items. Suede, being a delicate material, can easily become stained by the alcohol present in hand sanitizer. This can result in unsightly marks that can be difficult, if not impossible, to remove.
In this blog, we will delve into the common problems that arise from using hand sanitizer on suede and how to prevent such incidents from happening. Whether you own a suede jacket, shoes, or a handbag, it is essential to understand the steps you can take to protect your suede items from the damaging effects of hand sanitizer.
What Is Suede?
Suede is a type of leather that has a soft, velvety nap. It is made from the underside of animal hide, typically from cows or pigs, and is finished with a brushing process that creates the characteristic nap. Suede is often used to make clothing, footwear, and accessories, due to its soft and pliable nature, but it is also prone to staining and requires special care to maintain its appearance.
What Is Hand Sanitizer Made Of?
Hand sanitizer is an alcohol-based product that is used to clean and sanitize the hands. It typically contains a combination of ingredients including:
Alcohol (usually ethanol or isopropanol): This is the active ingredient that helps to kill germs and bacteria. The concentration of alcohol in hand sanitizer usually ranges from 60-95%.
Glycerin or aloe vera: These are added to help keep the skin moisturized and prevent dryness.
Hydrogen peroxide: This is added as a stabilizer.
Essential oils: Some hand sanitizers contain fragrant essential oils for a pleasant scent.
Ways Hand Sanitizer Can Ruins Suede
Breaks Down The Grain
Hand sanitizer can damage the grain of suede by penetrating the delicate fibres and breaking them down. Suede is made from the underside of animal hide, which is treated with a brushing process to create the characteristic nap. This nap is composed of delicate fibres that are easily broken down by the alcohol in hand sanitizer.
When the alcohol in hand sanitizer comes into contact with suede, it penetrates the fibres, causing them to dry out and become brittle. This can result in cracks and splits in the grain, causing the suede to lose its soft, velvety texture. In severe cases, the fibres can break down so much that the grain of the suede becomes matted and rough, ruining the appearance of the item.
Fading Of The Suede
Hand sanitizer can cause suede to fade due to the alcohol content in the product. The alcohol in hand sanitizer can penetrate the delicate fibres in suede and cause them to dry out, resulting in cracks and splits in the grain. This can also cause the colour of the suede to fade, resulting in discoloration and unsightly stains.
The fading process is caused by the alcohol breaking down the dyes in the suede fibers, causing the color to fade or become dull. This can make the suede look old and worn, and can make the stains difficult to remove.
Breaks The Finish Of Suede
Hand sanitizer can break the finish of suede by penetrating and drying out the delicate fibers in the material. The alcohol content in hand sanitizer can cause the suede fibers to become brittle and dry, resulting in cracks, splits, and overall roughness in the finish. This can make the suede look old and worn, and can ruin the texture and softness of the material.
Additionally, the alcohol in hand sanitizer can also cause the color of the suede to fade or become discolored, further damaging the finish of the material. This can result in unsightly stains that are difficult to remove, leaving the suede looking worn and faded.
To prevent hand sanitizer from damaging the finish of suede, it’s important to avoid using it near suede items or to take steps to protect them from accidental spills. If you do get hand sanitizer on your suede, it’s important to act quickly and try to remove it as soon as possible to minimize the damage. Using a suede protectant spray or conditioning the suede regularly can also help to protect the finish and prevent damage from hand sanitizer and other elements.
Ways To Remove Hand Sanitizer Stains
Vinegar Method
To remove hand sanitizer from suede using a vinegar method, follow these steps:
Dilute white vinegar with an equal amount of water: Combine equal parts white vinegar and water within a container.
Dampen a cloth with the vinegar solution: Take a clean, white cloth and dampen it with the vinegar solution. Make sure the cloth is not soaking wet.
Blot the affected area: Gently blot the affected area of the suede with the damp cloth. Do not rub the suede, as this can cause further damage.
Let the vinegar solution dry: Allow the vinegar solution to dry completely. This can take several hours, depending on the humidity and temperature.
Brush the suede: Once the vinegar solution has dried, use a soft brush to gently brush the suede and restore its nap.
Repeat as needed: If the stain is not completely removed, repeat the process until the stain is gone.
Note: This method is not guaranteed to work on all hand sanitizer stains, and it may not be suitable for all types of suede. If the stain is persistent, it is recommended to seek professional cleaning services to avoid further damage to the suede.
Suede Erasers
To remove hand sanitizer from suede using suede erasers, follow these steps:
Identify the stain: Check the stain to see if it is still wet or if it has already dried. If the stain is still wet, proceed to the next step. If the stain has already dried, try to loosen it by gently brushing the affected area with a suede brush.
Get a suede eraser: Suede erasers can be found at shoe stores or online. They are specially designed to remove stains from suede.
Rub the eraser gently on the stain: Take the suede eraser and gently massage the area of the suede. Apply light pressure and rub in circular motions. Do not rub too hard, as this can cause damage to the suede.
Check the stain: After a few minutes, check to see if the stain has been removed. If it has, proceed to the next step. If not, repeat the process until the stain is gone.
Brush the suede: Once the stain has been removed, use a professional scrubbing brush to restore the woven part of the suede. Brush gently in the direction of the grain.
Nail File
To remove hand sanitizer from suede using a nail file, follow these steps:
Identify the stain: Check the stain to see if it is still wet or if it has already dried. If the stain is still wet, proceed to the next step. If the stain has already dried, try to loosen it by gently brushing the affected area with a suede brush.
Get a nail file: A fine-grit nail file can be used to remove stains from suede.
Rub the nail file gently on the stain: Hold the nail file at a slight angle and apply it without much force on the stained area of the suede. Apply light pressure and rub in circular motions. Do not rub too hard, as this can cause damage to the suede.
Check the stain: After a few minutes, check to see if the stain has been removed. If it has, proceed to the next step. If not, repeat the process until the stain is gone.
Brush the suede: Once the stain has been removed, use a professional brush to restore the woven part of the suede. Brush gently in the direction of the grain.
Tips and Hints To Protect Your Suede In The Future
Here are some tips and hints to protect your suede from hand sanitizer in the future:
Avoid direct contact: Keep your suede away from direct contact with hand sanitizer. This includes carrying it in your pocket or storing it near a bottle of hand sanitizer.
Use a barrier: Place a barrier, such as a cloth or a piece of paper, between your suede and the hand sanitizer to prevent any accidental stains.
Blot immediately: If you do get hand sanitizer on your suede, blot the affected area immediately with a clean cloth. Do not rub, as this can cause the hand sanitizer to spread and penetrate deeper into the suede.
Store properly: Store your suede items away from direct sunlight, heat, and moisture.
Clean regularly: Regularly clean your suede to maintain its appearance and prevent any build-up of dirt and oil that can attract hand sanitizer and other stains.
Protect with a spray: Consider using a suede protector spray before using your suede item. This can create a barrier that can help prevent hand sanitizer and other stains from penetrating the suede.
By following these tips and hints, you can help protect your suede from the damaging effects of hand sanitizer.
