How to Clean Suede Shoes
To keep your suede shoes in good condition for as long as possible, you need to take care of them from the moment of purchase. Despite the fact that this material is delicate and requires special attention, the cost of cleaning will be minimal.
5-Minute Crafts looked at different problems with suede shoes and figured out how to make them look brand new again.
Method 1: A suede brush for everyday cleaning
What you will need:
- A suede brush. As a rule, it consists of 2-3 different materials: nylon, resin elastic, and dense rubber
- Waterproof suede spray
How to clean shoes:
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If the shoes are wet, dry them first.
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Take the brush and remove the dirt from the surface of the shoes. Don’t change the direction of your movements. Don’t move the brush chaotically. The only exception is a chafe. You can get rid of that with intense rubbing.
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When the suede becomes clean, cover it with a waterproof and protective spray.
Method 2: Chalk to fight a grease stain
What will you need:
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Chalk
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A brush with soft bristles (you can use a toothbrush)
How to clean shoes:
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Apply chalk to the grease stain. You don’t need to rub it in hard, 2-3 layers are enough.
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Wait for 10 minutes. The stain will dry up during this time.
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Take the brush and remove the excessive chalk. Don’t press it too hard or you’ll damage the suede.
Method 3: An eraser for stains of unknown origin
What will you need:
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A pencil eraser (or you can buy a special eraser for suede)
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A brush
How to clean shoes:
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Remove dirt and dust with a brush.
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Take the eraser and start removing the stain with light movements. If it doesn’t go away, increase the pressure.
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Remove the remains of the eraser with the brush.
Method 4: Vinegar against salt stains
What you will need:
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Vinegar
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A cotton disc or soft fabric
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A brush
How to clean shoes:
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Use the brush to clean dust and dirt from the surface of the shoes.
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Put some vinegar on the cotton disc and apply it to the salt stains. Let the vinegar dry.
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When the vinegar is fully absorbed, take the brush again and rub the spots that were dirty with it.
Method 5: Oat flour or starch against water and dirt
What will you need:
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Oat flour or starch
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Fabric
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A brush
How to clean shoes:
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Sprinkle flour on the wet surface of the shoes. Leave it there for a couple of minutes.
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Take a soft piece of fabric and rub the wet spots with it, applying light pressure. During the cleaning, you’ll see that the shoes get dry.
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Remove the remainder of flour. You can use the brush for this.
Method 6: A metal sponge against dry stains
What will you need:
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A metal sponge
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A brush
How to clean shoes:
- With the brush, remove dust from the shoes’ surface to avoid rubbing it into the suede.
- By applying light pressure, rub dry spots with the metal sponge. The nap will become fluffy and change its color.
- To make the color of the shoes even rub the entire surface with the sponge.
Method 7: A nail file against light stains
What will you need:
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A nail file with a light grit
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Fabric
How to clean shoes:
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Take the nail file and carefully rub the stains with it.
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White traces may remain after cleaning. Remove them with a dry soft piece of fabric.
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If the nap has changed its color, repeat your actions on the entire surface of the shoe.
How to care for suede shoes
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Don’t get your suede shoes wet. This material can’t stand water. If they accidentally got wet, dry them immediately. Just pat them with paper towels, but don’t apply too much pressure. Put paper inside the shoes, preferably white. Then leave the shoes in a dry place, but not on a heater or under direct sunlight.
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Right after you purchase them and after every cleaning, cover the shoes with a waterproof protective spray for suede. It will make your shoes last longer. Only use this spray in well-ventilated areas.
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Don’t use thinners for dry cleaning. Yes, they can be effective. But the effect will be temporary because this chemical is very aggressive. You could ruin your shoes.
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Don’t use suede dye. The dye is not effective against stains and can ruin your shoes. You will only cover up the problem, you won’t fix it.