How To

How to Clean Suede Shoes

Knowing how to clean suede shoes is a must if you’ve invested in a pair of suede boots or textured fashion sneakers. While suede shoes may be versatile and comfortable, they’re also stain-friendly. If you’ve been caught in a rain shower or become victim to a deep mud puddle, you know how easily once pristine shoes can seem like a lost cause.

With a few simple tools and instructions, you can salvage your suede shoes and get them looking their best once more.

Step 1: Collect the Necessary Tools

Before you start cleaning your suede shoes, you need a few tools. Fortunately, you probably have most or all of these items around your home.

Suede Brush

A good suede brush helps maintain the texture and appearance of your suede shoes. The stiff bristles can remove dirt and restore the nap (i.e. the fuzzy surface). A clean toothbrush is a good substitute if you don’t have a suede brush.

Suede Eraser

If you have slight scuffs or stubborn spots on your shoes, a suede eraser may remove them. You could even use a regular pencil eraser to gently remove marks without damaging the surface.

Soft Cloth

A soft, lint-free cloth can be used to wipe away dirt and apply cleaning solutions.

Cleaning Solutions

Several cleaning solutions can be used to clean suede shoes. Alternatively, you can use one of the many suede cleaning products on the market. Only use cleaning solutions that are safe to use or specifically designed for suede. Once damaged, the material can be difficult or impossible to restore.

  • White vinegar: If you use white vinegar as a cleaning solution around the home, you already know how versatile it is. Its mild acidity makes it excellent at breaking down grime and removing stains. It can even refresh the color of your shoes.
  • Corn starch: Grease and oil stains may seem like they’re here to stay, but corn starch can eliminate them. It’s great at absorbing excess oil. Sprinkle it on, let it work its magic over a few hours, and brush it off.
  • Rubbing alcohol: Rubbing alcohol removes stains and other tough marks from suede. It also evaporates quickly, reducing the risk of damage.
  • Talcum powder: Also effective for absorbing oil stains, you can use talcum powder in the same way as corn starch.

You don’t need fancy solutions to clean your suede shoes. With these simple tools and solutions, you can keep them looking fabulous.

Step 2: Test Your Materials

Imagine sitting down to clean your suede shoes only to make them look worse than when you started. You can avoid these dilemmas by testing cleaning materials on a small, hidden area. This simple test helps ensure your cleaning solutions won’t cause texture changes or discoloration. Here’s how to do it:

Choose a Hidden Spot

Find a small hidden area of your shoe, such as the inside edge, the tongue, or a spot near the heel. Sometimes, shoe manufacturers include a little swatch of suede or leather in the box with the shoes. Keep this somewhere safe so you can use it for testing.

Apply a Small Amount

Apply a small amount of your chosen cleaning solution to a soft cloth or suede brush, and gently dab or brush it onto the hidden area. If you use a suede or pencil eraser, lightly rub it on the test area.

Check for Changes

Wait for a few minutes and look for signs of fading, discoloration, or changes in texture. If no adverse reactions or changes appear, you’re good to go on the rest of the shoe.

Remove Surface Dirt

Now, it’s time to remove any dirt or grime from your shoes. Whether you’re cleaning suede boots, fashion sneakers with suede trim, or suede loafers, you should start with brushing to ensure the surface is as clean as possible before you start.

Brushing Technique

Like other textured materials, suede can be fussy when it comes to brushing. Get your suede looking its best by following these tips:

  • Brush in one direction. Gentle brushing in one direction lifts the nap and loosens any dirt trapped in the fibers.
  • Use light strokes. Use even, light strokes to avoid damaging the delicate suede. Aim to gently lift and remove dirt rather than scrub the surface.
  • Cover all areas. Brush all areas of the shoe, including the edges and seams.

Stubborn Dirt

Dirt might brush away easily or be stubborn to shift, depending on the nature of the stain and how long it’s been on the surface. Follow these tips to remove stubborn stains:

  • Apply a little more pressure. If dirt particles are stuck to your shoes, apply more pressure with the brush. Put your hand inside the shoe to support the suede as you brush.
  • Use the edge of the brush. Many suede brushes have a rubber edge or special area designed to tackle tough dirt spots. Use this edge to target more stubborn areas without damaging the shoe.

Step 4: Treat Stains

No matter how careful you are when wearing your shoes, it’s inevitable that they’ll experience some stains in their lifetime. Whether you’ve misjudged the weather or had a mishap with your coffee, it’s good to know these stains can be removed with the right tools and solutions.

How to Clean Suede Shoes Using Cleaning Solutions

We mentioned cleaning solutions earlier and how they can effectively remove stains from suede shoes. Let’s take a look at how they can work in more detail:

  • Water stains: White vinegar is effective at removing water stains. Lightly dampen a soft cloth with vinegar and gently dab the stained area. Allow the area to air dry, and use a suede brush to restore the nap once dry.
  • Oil and grease stains: Corn starch or talcum powder is excellent for soaking up greasy and oily stains. Sprinkle it on and let it sit for a few hours or overnight. Brush off the powder and repeat if necessary.
  • Dirt and mud stains: Allow any mud or dirt to dry completely before brushing it off with a suede brush. If any dirt remains, use a damp cloth or suede eraser.
  • Ink stains: Ink from pens can leave noticeable spots and streaks on suede. Remove them with a cloth dampened with rubbing alcohol. Brush with a suede brush once dry.

The quicker you tackle suede stains, the better. Remember, test first, be gentle, and brush with your suede brush to restore the nap. For particularly tough stains, consider professional cleaning.

Tips for Maintaining Your Suede Shoes

Now that your suede shoes look their best, you want to keep them that way. When it comes to maintenance, suede is the diva of the shoe wardrobe. It demands extra TLC, and this routine can keep it in tip-top shape.

  • Weekly brushing: Use a suede brush once a week to remove dirt and restore the nap.
  • Protector sprays: Consider applying a suede protector spray to shield your shoes from water, dirt, and stains. Reapply every few weeks or after cleaning.
  • Proper storage: Store your shoes in a cool, dry space away from direct sunlight. Stuff them with tissue paper and store them in their original box, if possible. Alternatively, you might invest in specially designed shoe boxes to protect your suede.
  • Immediate stain removal: To prevent permanent damage, address spills and stains as quickly as possible.

Suede Shoe Styles for Every Season

With tried-and-tested stain removal techniques, weekly brushing, and proper storage, you can keep your suede shoes stylish and in great condition.

When it’s time to add a new pair of suede shoes to your collection, look no further than Shoe Carnival. Shop our range of suede shoes online or use our shoe store locator to find your nearest store.