Dear Answer Angel Ellen: Since you are a true believer in thrift store shopping, you will appreciate that I recently found a great bargain on a pair of barely used suede Birkenstock slip-ons for only a few dollars at a new Goodwill near me.

They had a bit of a stain on one of the shoes, which I figured I could get rid of easily. But now I am hesitant to tackle the job. I don’t want to wreck my bargain.

Can you suggest a plan to clean them without making the stain worse? I see a wide range of suede cleaning products and kits on the internet, but I have no idea what to choose.

--Mykayla S.

Dear Mykayla: Congratulations on your bargain find! This reminds me of a Goodwill bargain that confronted me with the same problem: a gorgeous pair of navy suede Manolo Blahniks for $9! I’m still bragging about them and the easy cleaning that worked for me.

The first thing to keep in mind is that when using water, don’t just treat the stain. You will need to clean the entire item — whether a shoe, purse, jacket, tote bag, etc. — or you will wind up with a water stain that just makes the problem worse. (Anyone who has tried to blot a silk blouse stain with water will know what I’m talking about: Disaster!). Also, you’re always better off doing a test on an inconspicuous area when possible.

Get a brush — an inexpensive nailbrush, a shoe brush (often more expensive) or a toothbrush (medium or hard; soft won’t do). With luck, just gentle brushing with the dry brush will remove the stain, especially if it is just caked on dirt. If that doesn’t work, you can buy a suede eraser (amazon.com, $10) -- but I wouldn’t bother.

I’d go straight to a liquid. There are suede shampoos but my go-to is the more versatile kitchen staple: Dawn Free & Clear dishwashing liquid. Mix a few drops of the dish liquid with water — preferably filtered or bottled water. Then use the brush to rub the stain (and the entire rest of the suede object) with the cleaning liquid in small circular strokes with gentle to medium motions. Don’t soak the suede and don’t rub too hard. Use a slightly damp clean rag or washcloth to wipe off the solution, then blot. Air dry.

If we’re talking about shoes or a purse, stuff them with newspaper to retain the shape during drying. A jacket should be air dried flat. And if this all sounds a bit scary or iffy, take your bargain buy to the shoe shop and let an expert clean it.

You didn’t ask, but if your problem is salt stains on your suede winter boots, a solution of equal parts white vinegar and water does the trick. Scrub as above (a rag will do) then air dry. If the first try doesn’t work, increase the amount of white vinegar.

Dear Answer Angel Ellen: What is the difference between rouge and blush?

--Alexa S.

Dear Alexa: There’s no difference. Rouge is an older term for blush but their use is identical: to add a bit of color to cheeks. It is easy to overdo so apply with care. Both rouge and blush can be a powder, applied with a puff or a brush, or cream, applied with fingers or a makeup sponge.

Angelic Readers

Kathy C. to the rescue with a DIY solution for reader Claire W. who was looking for headbands that don’t give her a headache: “I have been making my own from T-shirts. Just Google ‘how to make headbands from T-shirts’ and you will find many cute styles. You can make them your size and colors. This has a second benefit as you can make them from used T-shirts, thus saving them from the landfill.” MKB writes: “I highly recommend Hipsy adjustable headbands (amazon.com, 3 for $18.99 and up). They come in many colors and widths. I've used them for years for the same issue as Claire. These have an elastic slipknot type of adjustable band to make a perfect fit. Hope she gives these a try!” From Ellen: I promised to report back after I tried some plastic headbands for eyeglass wearers that promised “no pressure, no headache.” Mine were Yonoy brand (amazon.com, 6 for $9.99) and they were terrible: tight and uncomfortable with or without glasses.

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