1. Protect Your Suede From the Start

“I strongly recommend waterproofing all suede items before wearing them,” Polychronakis says. “This prevents stains from setting in if something is spilled and makes suede easier to clean. I recommend spraying the items 1–2 a year with Moneysworth&Best Pro-Tex Water + Stain Protector. It doesn’t mess with the color or texture of the suede.”

2. Invest in a Suede Brush

“Purchase a suede brush to brush off dust and dirt. If there are scuffs and surface dirt, a suede eraser/stone can be used to remove most of the dirt,” something your local repair shop should be able to do for you, she adds.

3. Store Suede Properly

“When not wearing your suede items, keep them covered in a box or shoe bag to prevent dust build up,” Polychronakis notes. “If your suede items are heavily soiled I would advise taking it to a professional to be cleaned. A professional can definitely remove mud, dirt and salt stains. Ink is pretty permanent, so please keep ink pens closed and far away from suede and leather.

4. Wear Suede at the Right Times

Keep yourself from getting into this mess (literally) in the first place, by being savvy with your outfit-building: “Always think twice when wearing dark denim with light colored suede shoes or a purse. The denim leaves a stain around the rim,” warns Polychronakis.

And, while waterproofing does, in fact, help a great deal when it comes to protecting your suede items, think twice before wearing them in bad weather. Salt and other salt-like chemicals eat away at the suede, she adds.