Each week we answer all those burning questions that you’ve always wanted

Published 8:00 am Wednesday, November 5, 2008

Each week we answer all those burning questions that you’ve always wanted to know the answer to, but then get too drunk (or shy) and forget to ask. OK, this is a question that came to me two weeks ago, and now I can’t find the email. The gist: What do you do if you spill red wine on your new suede boots? Can they be saved?First: Ooof. Second: Suede boots in Seattle, WTF? But seriously, I’m sorry to say that there’s only so much you can do. I consult a few cleaning mavens when it comes to red wine. All you can do: Foam a bit of dish soap in warm water and apply the suds only with a very soft toothbrush to the boots. Then pat with a damp cloth. Repeat. Like, a billion times. You could try the tiniest spot with Wine Away, but I don’t think that’s safe for suede (Wine Away works wonders on most clothes, the waiters’ best friend, but I can’t recommend it on fine fabrics , leather, or suede).This also serves to remind us of one of two classic blunders. The most famous is never get involved in a land war in Asia, but only slightly less well known is this: never, ever, wear suede boots in the Rainy City near red wine.The other solution? Go glass-half-full with it and dye the boots burgundy.If you have a nagging booze question you want answered, email me HERE.