How to Clean Suede Shoes: The Ultimate Step-by-Step Guide
Preserve, protect, and perfectly clean your suede shoes with this expert-backed, step-by-step guide.
Suede shoes exude effortless style, but their irresistibly soft, napped finish makes them tricky to keep pristine. Whether it’s muddy splashes, mysterious scuffs, or the inevitable marks of everyday wear, suede demands special care. If you adore your Birkenstocks, boots, sneakers, or heels and want to extend their life, mastering how to clean suede shoes is essential.
This comprehensive guide walks you through the best techniques to clean, restore, and protect your suede footwear, using simple tools and expert-recommended DIY methods. Plus, get pro tips on what NOT to do, and how to keep your suede looking fresh longer.
Why Suede Needs Special Care
Unlike smooth leather, suede is made from the underside of animal hide, giving it a unique velvety nap. While this makes suede shoes beautifully soft and textural, it also means they’re more porous and susceptible to water, oil, and dirt stains. Suede can easily become discolored or stiff if not cared for properly, so regular, gentle maintenance is critical.
Essential Suede Cleaning Supplies
You don’t need expensive specialty products—most of what you need is likely at home already. Gather these items before you start:
- Suede brush (or a soft nail brush)
- Clean flannel or soft cloth
- White vinegar
- Baking soda
- Clean rubber eraser
- Paper towels
- Suede protector spray (optional, but highly recommended)
Tip: Investing in a quality suede brush and protector spray ensures your shoes stay fresher, longer. However, the main cleaning process can be done with simple household items in a pinch.
Five Easy Steps to Clean Suede Shoes at Home
Follow these simple steps to restore your suede shoes without damaging them. Patience and light hands are the keys to success!
- Let Shoes Dry Completely Before Cleaning
Never attempt to clean damp suede. If your shoes are wet or muddy, allow them to air dry naturally, away from direct heat or sunlight. Using heat can stiffen or discolor suede. Once dry, gently wipe off any caked mud with a dry cloth or paper towel.
- Brush Off Surface Dirt and Debris
Use a suede brush or soft nail brush to remove dust and surface dirt. With light, one-directional strokes, brush the shoe gently all over. This helps maintain the nap and avoids rubbing dirt further into the material.
- Target Stains and Scuffs
- For minor marks and scuffs: Rub with a clean rubber eraser or suede eraser using gentle, circular motions.
- For tougher stains: Dab a corner of your damp (not wet) cloth with white vinegar. Gently blot the stained area, then use the brush to restore the nap as it dries.
- For oily stains: Sprinkle baking soda onto the spot. Let it sit for a few hours or overnight, then brush away residue.
- Restore Suede Texture
Once stains are addressed, go over the shoe with the suede brush using short, brisk strokes. This raises the nap and restores the signature soft, even texture.
- Protect With Suede Spray (Optional)
Once your shoes are clean and dry, apply a suede protector spray, following the product instructions. This creates a water- and stain-repellent barrier, making future cleaning easier and prolonging the life of your shoes.
What NOT to Do When Cleaning Suede Shoes
- Do not soak suede in water. Water damages the delicate nap and can cause permanent stains or warping.
- Don’t use harsh cleaners or random chemicals. Many household products are too abrasive or acidic for suede, and can ruin its finish.
- Avoid scrubbing aggressively. Always use gentle strokes to avoid crushing or matting the nap.
- Never apply direct heat (hair dryer, heater, sunlight) to dry. Suede should only air dry naturally.
- Don’t store suede shoes in plastic. Use a breathable cotton bag or box to prevent mildew and let the material “breathe.”
What others are reading
Dealing With Tricky Stains & Special Cases
| Type of Stain | Recommended Solution | Extra Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Mud/Soil | Let dry, then brush vigorously with suede brush | Never try to clean muddy suede while damp |
| Salt | Dab with vinegar-dampened cloth, then dry brush | Repeat if visible residue remains |
| Oil/Grease | Apply baking soda, let sit overnight, brush off | Avoid water; repeat until oil is gone |
| Water spots | Dab all-over with vinegar-dampened cloth, let dry evenly, brush nap | This prevents water rings |
| Scuffs | Eraser or fine sandpaper (lightly!) or brush | Be very gentle, avoid damaging nap |
Expert Dos and Don’ts for Suede Cleaning
- Always test cleaning methods on a hidden area first. Check for discoloration or texture changes before treating a visible spot.
- Brush suede after every cleaning or wear. Regular brushing keeps the nap looking neat and prevents deep dirt buildup.
- If your shoes get very wet, stuff with paper to keep shape while drying.
- Avoid storing suede where it can be squished. Shoe trees or tissue help maintain shape.
How to Keep Suede Shoes Clean for Longer
Protecting suede is easier than restoring it after stains or damage. Make these habits part of your shoe care routine:
- Apply suede protector spray before first wear and reapply regularly.
- Brush shoes after each use to remove dust and revive the texture.
- Store shoes away from sunlight and heat. Use dust bags or original boxes.
- If shoes get wet, let them air dry with paper stuffed inside to absorb moisture and keep their shape.
- Avoid wearing suede during heavy rain or snow if possible.
Suede Cleaning Tools & Product Recommendations
While basic household items are effective, some specialty products provide even better results for stubborn stains, color restoration, or for premium-quality suede. Top-rated suede care tools include:
- Professional suede cleaning kits with brushes and erasers
- Specialized suede foams for gentle lifting of embedded dirt
- Suede and nubuck renovator sprays to bring back faded color
- Waterproofing suede protectors
- Brass-bristle or crepe suede brushes for nap restoration
When shopping, check customer reviews and choose products formulated specifically for suede to avoid ruining your shoes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I wash suede shoes in the washing machine?
No. Machine washing can permanently ruin suede. Always clean gently by hand.
How can I remove water stains from suede shoes?
Even out the stain by lightly dampening the entire shoe with a vinegar-dampened cloth, then let dry naturally. Brush after drying to restore the nap.
Is it safe to use baking soda on all suede stains?
Baking soda is safe in small amounts for oily stains. Don’t rub too hard, and avoid excess—too much abrasion can damage the finish.
How do I keep suede shoes looking new?
Use a protector spray before first wear, brush regularly, avoid exposure to rain and dirt, and address marks promptly.
What should I do if my suede shoes get soaked?
Blot gently with a dry, clean cloth to remove as much water as possible. Stuff with paper towels (not newspaper, which may bleed ink) and allow to air dry naturally, away from direct heat or sunlight.
Quick Reference: Suede Shoe Care Do’s and Don’ts
| Do | Don’t |
|---|---|
| Let shoes air dry fully before cleaning | Do not use water or get soaking wet |
| Brush gently and regularly in one direction | Don’t scrub aggressively or use harsh chemicals |
| Test stain-removal methods on hidden area | Don’t use direct heat or sunlight to dry |
| Apply suede protector spray routinely | Don’t store suede in plastic |
Conclusion
Cleaning suede shoes at home is easier than you might think, as long as you’re gentle, use the right products, and act quickly. With regular maintenance and proactive protection, your favorite suede footwear can stay sharp, stylish, and ready for any season.
References
- https://www.cosmopolitan.com/uk/fashion/style/a27583370/clean-suede-shoes/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nzavW0Eugo8
- https://jasonmarkk.com/blogs/videos-tutorials/how-to-clean-suede-shoes
- https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/fashion/a32947720/how-to-clean-suede-shoes/
- https://kirbyallison.com/blogs/shoe-care-getting-started/how-to-clean-suede-shoes
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