Hasselblad reporter case - how to clean the inner suede.

[Marco Gilardetti]

A while ago I purchased an Hasselblad "reporter" hard case, the very old style one in tan leather. Internally it is lined with chamois/suede leather of the same tan colour (but I ignore if the suede is real leather or faux leather).

The inner suede is, however, very dusty, dirty in colour and also slightly touchy. My feeling is that the case was left for a very long time in an attic with the lid open.

How can the inner suede be safely cleaned? I hesitate to use soapy water or other liquid detergents for fear of stains forming on the outside.

I remember that in the '70s in many homes a dry cleaning spray was used, which formed a sort of dry foam that was removed with a brush (and, at least in theory, the dirt went along with the dry foam specks). I seem to see on amazon that sprays of this sort may be still available, but is it safe to use them inside a case which will later carry expensive delicate equipment and chemically sensitive film, I wonder?

Any suggestion - especially if tested "on the field with excellent results" - will be welcome. Thank you.

 

[BrianShaw]

First thing I’d do is use a vacuum cleaner, starting with a light suction setting first and a brush attachment. Then move on to another product like you mentioned. Look for a specific cleaner, though. For shoes of that material I’ve used “suede and nubuck cleaner”. One product I used was an aerosol and another was a spritz bottle. Those kits also include a brush to aid in cleaning. Other similar products like carpet or clothing cleaners… I’d avoid.

 

[RezaLoghme]

I would be interested in this topic, too.

 

[John Wiegerink]

I have an Ambassador 510 case that has some stains on the suede inside. Have no idea how they got there, but to my surprise they haven't ruined any of my pictures yet or made my Hasselblad cameras need any repairs.

 

[RezaLoghme]

Interesting, very.

Still I would be interested in the topic the OP has brought up.

 

[Sirius Glass]

I would start by vacuuming it out first and then reassess the need for any more cleaning.

 

[RezaLoghme]

I did that. Now its about stains, and removal of stuff that cannot be seen easily. Hence some sort of shampooning would be great.

 

[John Wiegerink]

I did that. Now its about stains, and removal of stuff that cannot be seen easily. Hence some sort of shampooning would be great.

I'd check with a shoe repair person or Elvis since suede shoes were popular at one time. I know that when I had a pair you used a very fine brass bristle brush and brushed them. Stains might be hard to remove. harder if it's something like wine or coffee.

 

[guangong]

If you are the only one to look inside your case I would give it a thorough cleaning with a vacuum cleaner, followed by a good brushing, and followed again with vacuum cleaner. To fiddle with cleaners could loosen suede from hard leather backing.
Frankly speaking, although not meant to be treated carelessl, Hasselblad cameras, lenses, and equipment are not delicate jewels (although sometimes approach costing as much as precious gems), but made for robust work.

 

[John Koehrer]

I was told not to wet* suede because it gets(?) water marks.
2nd hand (hearsay) from someone that wore a suede jacket & was paranoid about it.

Dunno how I got bold print & then pressed another mystery key & it went away.