How To Clean Suede Shoes: Complete Guide For Spotless Results
Restore the velvety nap of your favorite pairs with simple care and stain-fighting solutions.
How to Clean Suede Shoes: Expert Methods for Fresh, Spotless Results
Suede shoes add a touch of luxury and style to any wardrobe, but their soft, absorbent surface is notoriously tricky to keep clean. Whether you’re battling water stains, salt marks, or everyday grime, this comprehensive guide will walk you through the safest and most effective methods for restoring suede’s natural beauty and prolonging the lifespan of your favorite pairs.
Why Suede Requires Special Care
Suede is a type of leather made from the underside of animal skin, making it softer, more pliant—and much more delicate—than full-grain leather. Its napped finish gives it a velvety look and feel, but also means that stains and moisture can embed easily, while heavy cleaning can flatten or discolor the nap. A gentle approach and the right products are essential to avoid permanent damage and keep suede shoes looking their best.
What You’ll Need to Clean Suede Shoes
- Suede brush: Soft bristle or special suede/nubuck brush
- Suede eraser: Special suede rubber or a clean pencil eraser
- Microfiber or lint-free cloth: For wiping and dabbing
- Paper towels: For drying
- White vinegar or rubbing alcohol: For tough stains (optional and with caution)
- Specialized suede cleaner: For deep cleaning (recommended)
- Protective spray: Suede protector for aftercare
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Clean Suede Shoes
1. Prepare the Shoes
- Remove the laces and set them aside for separate washing.
- Stuff the shoes with paper (not newspaper, as the ink can transfer) to help them hold their shape during cleaning.
2. Remove Loose Dirt
- Allow any mud to dry completely before cleaning. Brushing at wet dirt can embed stains.
- Use a suede brush to gently sweep away dust and dirt. Always brush in the direction of the nap, not against it.
- If you don’t have a suede brush, a clean, soft toothbrush can be used, but may be less effective.
3. Lift Stubborn Marks and Scuffs
- Gently rub a suede eraser over minor scuffs and shiny marks. Do not scrub aggressively. Let the eraser do the work with low pressure.
- For extra-dirty areas, a dry, clean magic eraser can help, but excessive use may thin or shine the nap.
4. Tackle Stains
- For mud or caked-on grime, let it dry, then lift with a brush and spot treat using a suede cleaner or a mixture of a few drops of suede-friendly cleaning solution diluted in water. Avoid soaking the shoe.
- For grease stains, sprinkle a layer of cornstarch or talcum powder and allow it to sit overnight, then brush away the powder in the morning.
- For water stains, use a spray bottle filled with clean water to very lightly mist the surface (never saturate), then blot with a cloth and brush the nap as it dries to avoid rings. This can help blend in old water marks.
- If you must use white vinegar or rubbing alcohol, dampen a cloth with it, gently dab the stain, and allow to dry completely before re-brushing the nap. Use cautiously, as home remedies can sometimes darken or damage dyed suede.
5. Deep Cleaning with Suede Cleaner
For extensive stains or an all-over refresh:
- Apply the specialized suede cleaner as directed, usually by creating a foam on the bristles of your brush or sponge and working into the shoe in small, circular motions.
- Avoid overwetting. Work in sections and wipe away excess liquid promptly to prevent watermarks or uneven drying.
- Let the shoes air dry away from heat or direct sunlight, then brush to revive the nap.
What others are reading
Pro Tips for Suede Maintenance
- Always dry clean first: Try to remove dirt while dry before ever introducing moisture.
- Avoid water if possible: Suede is sensitive and should only be moistened for stains that can’t be brushed or erased away. Never submerge suede in water.
- Brush regularly: Frequent gentle brushing helps prevent dirt from embedding and keeps nap fluffy.
- Lace care: Wash laces by hand using mild dish soap and let air dry. Replace if permanently stained.
- Test spot treatments: Before using any home or commercial stain remover, test on an inconspicuous spot to check for color change or texture damage.
- Re-fluff nap: After cleaning, use a suede brush or even steam from a kettle (held at a distance) to subtly refresh the nap if it appears flattened.
How to Protect Suede Shoes
- Use suede protector spray: After cleaning and once completely dry, spray shoes with a high-quality suede protector to resist water, dirt, and stains.
- Avoid harsh environments: Don’t wear suede shoes in the rain, snow, or on salted roads.
- Store with care: Store shoes in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, and use shoe trees or paper stuffing to retain their shape.
Common Cleaning Methods: Pros and Cons
| Method | Best For | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Suede Brush | Surface dust, light dirt | Gentle, maintains nap, low risk of harm | Ineffective for deep stains |
| Suede Eraser | Scuffs, shiny spots, small marks | Easy to use; doesn’t require moisture | Can thin nap with repeated use |
| Specialized Suede Cleaner | Deep cleaning, set-in stains | Designed for suede; restores texture | Cost; some risk if used incorrectly |
| White Vinegar/Rubbing Alcohol | Salt, tough stains | Budget-friendly; widely available | Possible discoloration; stiffens nap |
| Baking Soda/Cornstarch | Oil and grease stains | Absorbs moisture/oil | Requires brushing off; limited for other stains |
| Micellar Water | Surface stains | Readily available | Can stiffen texture |
Key Mistakes to Avoid When Cleaning Suede Shoes
- Overwetting suede: Too much liquid can lead to water stains and cause the material to stiffen or lose its signature nap.
- Using harsh soaps or detergents: Standard dish soaps or laundry detergents are not formulated for suede and may cause irreparable damage.
- Skipping drying time: Suede must dry completely between cleaning steps; otherwise, damp suede is more prone to picking up dirt or warping.
- Brushing wet suede: Always let suede dry before brushing to avoid matting or distorting the nap.
- Ineffective home remedies: Some widely recommended methods, like vinegar, can backfire by darkening or damaging the material. Always test first and proceed with caution.
FAQ: Suede Shoe Cleaning
Can I wash suede shoes in a washing machine?
No. Machine washing soaks suede, causing irreversible shrinking, wrinkling, and textural change. Always clean by hand using dry methods whenever possible.
Is it safe to use water to clean suede?
Minimal moisture may be used for specific stain removal or as directed by suede specialty products, but water exposure should be limited. Saturation can lead to stiff, brittle, or patchy suede.
What is the best way to fix stiff or matted suede after cleaning?
Wait for the shoes to dry thoroughly. Gently brush the nap with a clean suede brush. For extra lift, a short exposure to steam (like a kettle held several inches away) will help refresh the texture—just don’t let the steam make the shoe damp.
How do I prevent stains on suede shoes?
Apply a suede-protective spray when new and after each cleaning. Avoid wearing suede when rain or snow is predicted, and store your shoes away from dirt and dust.
Are commercial suede cleaners better than home remedies?
Generally, yes. Products made specifically for suede cleaning tend to deliver better results with less risk of discoloration or textural change than most household substitutes.
Quick Reference: Cleaning Different Types of Suede Stains
- Mud: Let fully dry, then brush away and spot clean.
- Grease/Oil: Cover with cornstarch, wait overnight, then brush out.
- Salt: Gently brush away or use a minimal amount of white vinegar, then re-brush when dry.
- Wine/Coffee: Blot up immediately; treat with a small amount of specialized suede cleaner following package instructions.
Conclusion: Keeping Suede Shoes Fresh and Stylish
With patience and careful technique, suede shoes can be kept in nearly-new condition for years. Stick to gentle, dry methods for everyday cleaning, only use specialty products for tough stains, and protect your investment with regular use of suede-protecting sprays. Your shoes will remain soft, supple, and as fashionable as the day you bought them.
References
Similar Articles
Read full bio of Sneha Tete
