How To Clean Suede Shoes In 5 Easy Steps – Including What Not To Do

Find out how to clean suede shoes. Suede shoes are often perceived as delicate due to their unique texture, but they can effortlessly retain their luxurious feel and vibrant colors for years with proper maintenance. 

It’s important to note that caring for suede differs from regular leather, requiring a specialized cleaning method to prevent any harm. 

How To Clean Suede Shoes:

Step 1: Gather Your Cleaning Materials

Before you start, ensure you have the right tools for cleaning suede. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Suede brush or a soft-bristle toothbrush: Suede-specific brushes are designed to remove dirt without damaging the fabric.
• Eraser or suede rubber: Useful for scrubbing out stains and scuffs.
• White vinegar or rubbing alcohol: These liquids help remove stubborn stains.
• Clean, dry cloth: For blotting and drying.
• Protective spray: To guard your shoes against future stains.

What Not to Do:

Avoid using water as your primary cleaning method. Suede and water don’t mix well. If suede gets too wet, it can ruin the texture and leave water stains. 

Never try to scrub wet suede, as it can damage the fibers permanently.

Step 2: Brush Off Loose Dirt

Start by using your suede brush or soft-bristle toothbrush to gently remove loose dirt or dust from the shoe. 

Make sure to brush in one direction to maintain the nap (the raised texture of suede). This helps keep the shoe looking fresh without flattening the fibers.

What Not to Do:

Don’t use a stiff or wire brush, as it can tear the delicate suede fabric. Be careful not to brush too aggressively, which can cause the suede to wear down unevenly.

Step 3: Erase Stains and Scuffs

Next, use a suede eraser or rubber to work out small stains or scuffs. Apply gentle pressure and rub over the affected area in a circular motion until the stain lifts. 

Be patient; suede can be stubborn, so it may take some time for stains to come out.

What Not to Do:

Never use a standard pencil eraser. These are often too harsh for suede and may leave behind residue or discolor the fabric. 

Additionally, don’t apply too much force as this could damage the texture.

Step 4: Use Vinegar or Alcohol for Tough Stains

If you’re dealing with tougher stains, like oil or salt, white vinegar or rubbing alcohol can work wonders. 

Dip a clean, dry cloth into a small amount of vinegar or alcohol and gently dab the stain. Then, allow the suede to dry naturally. Once the area is dry, use your suede brush to restore the nap.

What Not to Do:

Never pour vinegar or alcohol directly onto the shoe, as this can saturate the suede and cause further staining. 

Always test in a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure that the liquid doesn’t alter the color of your shoes.

Step 5: Protect Your Shoes

Once your suede shoes are clean, it’s time to protect them. Use a suede protector spray to create a barrier against future stains. 

Hold the spray bottle about six inches away from the shoe and apply an even coating. Let your shoes dry completely before wearing them again.

What Not to Do:

Don’t skip this step! Without protective spray, your suede shoes will be much more susceptible to dirt, stains, and water damage. 

However, be cautious about over-saturating the shoes with spray, as too much can lead to residue build-up.

Cleaning suede shoes does not have to be daunting. With the proper equipment and techniques, you can effortlessly keep their exquisite beauty. 

Just remember to be careful and patient, and avoid frequent mistakes like over scrubbing or using too much water. Follow these five simple techniques to keep your suede shoes looking like new for years to come.

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