The best way to restore suede leather in 2024 👜🧼

I recently picked up this vintage GUCCI purse. It was in pretty bad shape, but some elbow grease got it shining again!
Step By Step:
1) Brush the heck out of every inch of suede
2) Use the eraser on every inch of suede
3) Brush the eraser bits out
4) Shampoo! I used 2 tbsp of shampoo + 1/4 cup of distilled water
5) Rinse the shampoo
6) Let dry for 24+ hours
7) Brush every inch of suede again
8) Conditioner! Go outside, wear a mask, and spray
9) Let settle for 10 minutes
10) Brush every inch of suede with a horsehair brush
11) *Optional* Waterproof the suede. Again, go outside, wear a mask, and spray
12) Brush the suede again. It's a LOT of brushing!
13) Not filmed - I used the leather cream below on the handle straps
My favorite restoration so far has been a FOSSIL bag!
• BEFORE & AFTER Leather...
--
Here's a list of the products I used in this video.
** As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. **
Saphir Brass Brush for Suede
amzn.to/3LR4AMS
Saphir Gommadin Rubber Nubuck & Suede Cleaner Eraser
amzn.to/3kJL2xX
Saphir Omnidaim Nubuck & Suede Cleaner (this is the shampoo)
amzn.to/3kHMDUY
Saphir Medaille d'Or Suede Renovateur Conditioning Spray (neutral color)
amzn.to/3w4Voh3
Tarrago Hightech Nano Protector Spray
amzn.to/3OZvwfe
Saphir Medaille d'Or Pommadier Natural Cream Leather Polish (I used the neutral color on the straps)
amzn.to/3vMjOwO
Horsehair Brush
amzn.to/37pdFxu

[@tonibruegmann6657]

I learned so much from this video! #1 - How important it is to properly store your bags when they are not being used, in order to retain their shape. From your before pictures, you could not get a true sense of what the actual design of the bag was. It just looked like a jumbled misshapen mess. After your restoration, it regained its original shape and style and was as quite becoming. #2 - Not to be afraid of getting suede wet. It will recover when done properly. #3 - When conditioning or waterproofing, not be afraid to saturated the suede. Thank you for sharing this with us.

[@glendaceaser9897]

I think you put a lot of thought ,and also elbow grease into the cleaning.I always thought suede was impossible to clean! job well done my friend.

[@LyssaMakesNew]

Thanks so much!

[@chavela7261]

Been watching your videos for a long time and now have a few handbags to restore plus two suede shoes. Thank you for the comprehensive videos.

[@georgedorn9394]

You are so right in your intro! Anything that can't be maintained, repaired or cleaned is trash that's guaranteed to age poorly. True luxury items age gracefully and they need to be able to be worked on for that.

[@RachelStrickland]

Your video started automatically playing on the search and your warning sucked me in. Preach! 👏 🙌

[@sadietravels6213]

I think you did a great job on another bag that was on life support. It is inspiring to see how you take bags that are in poor condition and revive them back to life. I hope people are inspired and do not pass up poor condition bags, as you demonstrate time and time again, there are gems waiting to shine again.

[@LyssaMakesNew]

Thank you so much! 🌼💛

[@doriecolaway8325]

Where do u buy your vintage bags?

[@monastafford9334]

So good to know that suede bags can come back to life. Wish I seen this sooner. Found a beautiful suede bag at a thrift store but it was really dirty and I did not know how I was going to get it cleaned up so I left it behind. I regret leaving it till this day but now that I see your video I know what to do. Thank you.

[@lovemytreasure]

Great lesson cleaning suede - thank you!

[@jovic344]

Thank you for this video, great explanation for people like me, searching on you tube how to take care of my bag.

[@danecaldwell9470]

New subscriber! Just watched 2 of your videos and they are so satisfying! I have a gorgeous Downey & Bourke with suede that grew mould. I thought I’d ruined it. Thank you so much for your video restoring suede. You’ve saved my bag!

[@evansytek2520]

I love cleaned used bags more than new ones tbh

[@cynthiarios7299]

This is what I was waiting for!

[@lindacgrace2973]

My biggest win: a high-end designer stove that was utterly, disgustingly filthy. Lots of time with a steamer and scraper. Lots of time disassembling and reassembling the components. Some expense for new gaskets, minor replacement parts. Ended up with a gorgeous(not one chip or dent) JennAire gas stove for a whopping $50!

[@joannebutzerin6448]

Fantastic job! Your results are impressive.

[@TheStinaLina]

Great! Just cleaned a pair of Givenchy sneakers it took 1 hour and saved me $$$. Now I am cleaning a dirty suede bag using your method!

[@Under_the_ink_fluence]

Brilliant restoration 👏👏👏👏👏

[@LyssaMakesNew]

Thank you!

[@reginarico7]

Amazing work! Keep it up!

[@safetyfirstdaniel]

Thanks for showing us your work Lysaa, I’m currently trying revive some suede dining chairs. They’re expensive so I don’t want to throw them away. I’m pleased there’s a neutral conditioner by Saphir as mine are a unique dark red colour. Will give it a go 👍

[@lindaball403]

That looks amazing!

[@reginacollazos1279]

Amazing work, I've just found a Celine tote bag between my mom's stuff that she doesn't want it more because is dirty and old. I'm going to look for that products in my country. Thanks a lot

[@Lisafrank6]

Absolutely agree I've been doing this for awhile ! Thank u for ur awesome videos

[@elizahein3770]

You can also use turtle upholstery foam in a spray can for lining or cloth bags… works like a charm!

[@veravrl1074]

Great job!!! The bag is new again. Congratulations from Brazil 🇧🇷😘

[@moiraeve1]

The new shape is amazing! It's so satisfying to see these bags restored. Is restoring suede more difficult than leather? Seems like it to me.

[@kenziewenger6005]

Amazing work.

[@carolb9940]

Very interesting. I’m glad you mentioned that the purse with still stiff.

[@13Laurba]

Awesome job!

[@laurag3469]

Great job! I have an LV I want to clean up. Thanks for the tutorial 😊

[@heybaberiba]

Thank you SO much! Have an old jacket that has some sentimental value to restore :)

[@juliehodges4755]

Just purchased a suede leather Gucci backpack and looked up your KZbin thank you for your wonderful video I have subscribed and look forward to watching some more... I have done quite a few restorations including patent leather YSL bag re-painting or dying the leather on LV's and re-colouring and changing handles on the Chanel so I'm getting quite good at it but I've never done suede before , thus my introduction to your channel thank you again :)

[@rmiller7223]

beautiful purse. I like the stand for your purse.

[@rmiller8000]

I would love a video on a fabric handbag. Also, can you give suggestions on what to look for when purchasing and where you find the bags you purchase. Thanks very much

[@genquint]

Thank you for sharing this video tuis is so helpful

[@mmdee223]

ive watched several videos restoring vintage and luxury items, even castles and homes for years now.. so far, yours was the most practical and surreal.. salutations! im just wondering where you bought these vintage items and do you sell them after restoration? i love the black fossil messenger bag and the vintage brown coach ❤

[@meenakshimishra]

you did great! thankyou!

[@analump3443]

I gave you a like just with the intro , bravo , great words!!

[@catmindy2187]

What a difference!!! I will keep my eye open at yard sales.

[@makayla374]

Loved this video and this is a gorgeous bag! do you know if the cleaner and conditioner could be used on the interior (unfinished suede) of a vintage dooney?

[@kaytidmore1948]

Thanks for sharing!

[@RachelStrickland]

You absolutely saved it

[@cynthiarios7299]

The purse is crispy!

[@myfamilyacct2103]

Thank you!!

[@spaghettieggplantsauce8533]

Cut an infraboard carton into the same shape as the bottom square of the bag, cover it with a nice fabric, sew the corners a bit onto the inner fabric and the bag will always stay boxy, easier to locate items inside the bag!

[@lanaitgirl]

glad i found this! do you have any experience with restoring suede caviar?

[@PawanKumar-lt9tg]

It is really nice

[@user-qh7ws8if7f]

Beautiful

[@piewhackit2me]

Purchased and Old trend suede tote from Goodwill bins for $5.00.It was filthy but decided to take a chance that it was just dirty.Bought it home stuffed it into a pillow case set machine to cold water gentle cycle and it came pristine clean no it wasn’t dye run off it was just that filthy.Bag color is rose which is a light color so hopefully I can dye it with a dark pink or maybe a warm brown.

[@barbarasmith4829]

I am new to your channel. So many of my personal collections (vintage I am ancient) are shot. So I thought. Will subscribe.

[@YellinHelenP]

i wish you would make more videos! I'll buy you a sad purse if you do!

[@Eatsleeprun_rescuecats]

I have a red suede bag I need to try this on.. thank you

[@Atl706]

Can I spray Dawn dish soap spray on a suede purse and wash it on delicate?

[@yenylevano221]

Hi any advise in how to clean a suede juice couture that is yellow by the sun ( bought it at yard sale , but still looking in how to clean it .

[@djmjr77]

what about soaking (submerging) handbags that have some kind of stiffener in the flap? Do you know if the would use cardboard or plastic? Coach or other designer brands.. im sure less expensive brands would use whatever is cheapest..

[@Eatsleeprun_rescuecats]

What’s the best alternative to horse hair brushes? I’m in the uk.. thanks

[@Verycelticlady1]

Can I use the same process on a suede jacket that is stiff? It’s a pretty grey with a steel blue pattern. I got it on eBay and paid quite a bit with no mention that it was very stiff (and no returns🙄). I don’t think just wearing it will loosen up the suede and soften it up.

[@gennaroautiero7746]

I have the ugg cleaning kit do you think i can clean my purse with that?

[@raqueloliveira5707]

Hi Lyssa!! Do you think it is possible to restore the leather on the inside of the bag? When the leather is peeling…

[@dorothysellers981]

What do you do with the upcycled purses? Do you sell?

[@Littlebit0427]

Nice so helpful , thanks where did you buy the bah stand please

[@sitstayplay5185]

Amazon

[@msToshKaz]

Question out if topic, my new suede bag is bleeding , all my white shirts blue 😅what do I do . I want to wear that bag , I wish I have gotten in brown instead.

[@Bsholder]

Is ther anything that can be done to maintain a flat bottom or is that what happens and it’s acceptable.

[@samanthakim1975]

Can I use the same procedure on a jacket?

[@kellymacneill-singingwithf2815]

Excellent job! It did look like you put a ton of effort in it. Maybe it will soften up as it is used. 🤷🏼‍♀️

[@cecily-roseceillam21]

I have a old Chanel purse would u be able to restore it.

[@debbieking5171]

How much did you charge to restore the bag?

[@kardelenkoc9746]

3:46 i have suede shoes and when i brushed them they got fiber-y and when i wet them the got darker then i used starch to soak u the moisture but that didnt help at the end i took to my shoe repairer

[@debra2107]

OMG--that looks amazing! This also confirms my decision to never buy a suede anything! EXCELLENT JOB!

[@LyssaMakesNew]

Thank you! I was intimidated by suede for a long time but once you know how to clean it, it’s not as scary 😊

[@moiraeve1]

@@LyssaMakesNew We had so many suede things in the 1960's and 1970's; it has a powerful nostalgia essence for me.

[@woradavariety]

Hi Lyssa, I just vet though your all vdo and I wonder how does the condition of all of your bags after year or few years past, is there any fungus ? If no, I will copy the way you rebirth bags. :)

[@PiNkSpRinkLe1]

I subbed because your name is the same as my daughter's. Glad I did, good information.

[@miradonfbd]

That was a lot of work! What is the purpose of the eraser, and does a pink one do the same thing? I wasn’t aware that there was a leather conditioner for suede. I wonder if tumbling the bag in a warm dryer would soften it?

[@LyssaMakesNew]

I’m not sure if a pink eraser would do the same. 🤔 It might! The idea is the same. The eraser picks up dirt particles and rolls them out of the suede nap as they become one with eraser shavings.

[@moiraeve1]

@@LyssaMakesNew I have a suede white eraser from a Shinola kit but it never seemed to work for me. I'm going to give it another go.

[@luizadumitrascu3198]

What supplies did you use? White eraser, suede wash, conditioner and waterproof?

[@pouletpouletcuicuic4253]

Bonjour on peu faire la même chose avec les vestes pouvez vous faire du sous titrage en français merci

[@didisunardi4835]

Thanks for sharing... its very helfull for me, put a little bit instrumental music on your video would be more interesting...

[@trufflefries1534]

hi what saphir (prefereably as i can access it in my country) polish or wax or cremes do you recommend for a genuine patent leather bag that has become very matte and lost its shine? i asked a restorer in my country and they told me they can only paint over it. Please help, really desperate as its a gift from my mum 😥

[@sitstayplay5185]

That is the solution. Vernis and patent are problematic

[@Restless318]

thank you there a new coach bag I in suede but SA do not buy it as we can not clean it but now I will now

[@texasgoddess323]

Hi, Lyssa! I have a camel colored drawstring Coach that I purchased in 1993. It is practically perfect, except for a nickel sized black ink spot. I took it to my cobbler who said there was no way to get the ink spot out. I hate to discard a perfectly beautiful leather bag because of an ink spot. Do you have any suggestions? Thank you!

[@MaryWehmeier]

Test to see if the ink is water soluble. If it is wash it in the sink with dawn. I had it happen to one of my Coach’s and I was able to was and recondition like new.

[@kendrak4939]

Hey check out the suede entrepreneur here on youtube.

[@bumpland08]

Also if it's not removable you can have the bag dyed, or use a cute patch, or cover with a brooch. I would never toss a leather bag due to a stain.

[@tiffanydickerson7990]

Is that an eraser? I have a pink coach purse that the suede is horrible and I want to restore it. I don’t wanna throw it away.

[@glorianelson9538]

What did you do about the handles? The bag looks so much better after the cleanup. It's great that you restore these beautiful handbags and save them from the landfill. TFS!

[@LyssaMakesNew]

I used a leather cream to condition the handles 😊 I didn’t think it was going to make much a difference in color, so I didn’t record it, but I was wrong! The leather soaked it UP and the color immediately became more vibrant. Everywhere on this bag was hurting for conditioner.

[@oscar-uz4dw]

What about vinegar and water?

[@Ailuro49]

Vinegar is probably too acidic for the finish on the leather. I would never use it any of my bags.

[@bonitaharrison4736]

That bag still looks pretty thrashed to me. However, you did put a lot of time and effort into it. I'm still thinking about getting a pre-owned suede bag on ebay. Still not sure.

[@eileeneamon9070]

Me too.

[@LinnieKart]

Thousands of different items over the years.

[@nygrl6102]

A lot of work but really nice job!

[@Ameeshu]

Why you stopped upload videos? Please do more work.. Love from Pakistan 🇵🇰 ❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@gogobackmarques6950]

What I'd thr whit sponge ?

[@guerrerohousehold]

It's a an eraser, try looking for one in an art supply store

[@kristinheatherstarone6905]

Many people want to flaunt that they can purchase the newest designer bag and only use it a few times

[@chriscaine7689]

The disgusting condition that previous owners have left their bags in is shameful. However, thanks to them we can take full advantage of that and breathe new life into them

[@kriengsakwangdulyakiti8349]

This old suede bag needs conditioning badly. There are many water base conditioning product. After conditioning stiff suede will become soft again.

[@LyssaMakesNew]

You got any recommendations for a good one? I’m all ears.

[@kriengsakwangdulyakiti8349]

@@LyssaMakesNew I have tried only Collonil Organic Bamboo Lotion and it works well, spray over to soften new suede shoe, spray into brush to clean old suede shoe, spray over crocodile skin purse and brush to deep clean without changing skin colour. Few days ago I did deep clean 20 years suede faux liner of an old handbag with Angelus suede cleaner and rinse with water (that is maybe my mistake). It is clean but suede faux become stiff. I have to spray Collonil Bamboo Lotion into horsehair and brush then suede faux become soften.

[@bondjane007]

It would B nicer to hear U talking us through these videos.. I give up watching because I don't hear anything. Yes I see stuff, but it is just too silent for the likes of me.. Sorry, I wanted to try to fix a Michael Kors blue handbag I have, but not sure what to use on it. Do U fix Michael Kors bags too?

[@eileeneamon9070]

Quite honestly, it looked better after your work on it but not very good. If you were to put that up for sale I wouldn't consider buying it. JMO

[@jewhardliftharder9614]

You should have dyed the bag. Still too much visible damage.

[@eileeneamon9070]

Agreed

[@elizab3341]

How do you suggest setting it? (Honest question)

[@augustuscrowther6434]

Pᵣₒmₒˢᵐ 😔

[@andresmalaya6621]

@ *lvguci* is your partner in young people’s fashion journey.

[@liLi-fx9ie]

Hi I found your channel and I love it. ❤️ I want to try this with my bag. Do You have an Instagram?