How to Clean a Suit

Introduction

Suits require special care to maintain their structure and fabric integrity. While most suits benefit from periodic professional dry cleaning, you can safely freshen, spot-clean, and maintain them at home with the right approach.

What You'll Need

• Suit brush

• Garment steamer

• Mild detergent

• Clean microfiber cloth

• Fabric refresher spray (optional)

• Hard-shoulder hanger

Steps

Brush the suit gently with a suit brush to remove surface dust and lint.
Use a garment steamer to release wrinkles and refresh the fabric.
Spot-clean stains with a small amount of mild detergent and a damp microfiber cloth.
Wipe gently and allow the fabric to air-dry completely.
Hang the suit on a structured hanger to maintain its shape.
Air out the suit after each wear to prevent odor buildup.

Alternative Methods

• Use a gentle fabric refresher spray between wears to reduce odors

• Use a handheld steamer with distilled water to avoid mineral spots

• Take the suit to a professional dry cleaner for deep cleaning when needed

What NOT to Do

• Do not machine wash or tumble dry a suit

• Do not scrub stains aggressively, which can damage fibers

• Do not store a suit in a cramped space where it can wrinkle or lose shape

FAQs

How often should I dry clean a suit?

Most suits only need professional dry cleaning every 6–12 wears unless stained. Over-cleaning can damage the fabric.

Can I steam a suit instead of dry cleaning it?

Steaming is excellent for refreshing and de-wrinkling but does not replace full dry cleaning.

How do I prevent my suit from smelling between wears?

Air it out on a hanger after each use and use a fabric refresher spray if needed.

This article is for informational purposes only. Always follow manufacturer instructions and use proper safety precautions. You assume all risk for any actions you take based on this guide.

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