How to clean suede shoes

Cleaning suede shoes requires a bit of care and attention, as suede is a delicate and porous material.Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to clean suede shoes:

Materials you’ll need:

A suede brush or suede eraser
White vinegar or specialized suede cleaner (optional)
A clean, dry cloth
A suede protector spray (optional)
A soft brush or toothbrush (optional)

Step 1: Remove loose dirt and dust Before you start cleaning, gently shake your suede shoes to remove any loose dirt or dust. This will prevent scratching the suede during the cleaning process.

Step 2: Use a suede brush or eraser A suede brush or eraser can help remove surface stains and scuffs. Gently brush or rub the affected areas in one direction to lift off the dirt or stains. Use a light touch to avoid damaging the suede.

Step 3: Address stains or scuffs For stubborn stains or scuffs you can try using a white vinegar solution or a specialized suede cleaner:

White vinegar solution: Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a small bowl. Dip a clean cloth or sponge into the solution and gently blot the stained area. Don’t rub just blot and allow it to air dry. This may help with some stains but be careful not to oversaturate the suede.
Specialized suede cleaner: Follow the instructions on the cleaner’s label. Typically you’ll apply the cleaner to a cloth or sponge and gently blot or rub the stained area. Again be careful not to oversaturate.

Step 4: Allow your shoes to dry After cleaning let your suede shoes air dry at room temperature. Avoid direct sunlight heat sources or using a hairdryer as these can damage the suede. Stuff your shoes with newspaper or shoe trees to help them maintain their shape and absorb moisture.

Step 5: Brush the suede Once your shoes are completely dry use a suede brush to restore the nap (the fuzzy texture of the suede). Brush in one direction typically following the grain of the suede.

Step 6: Protect your suede Consider applying a suede protector spray to help repel stains and water. Be sure to read and follow the product’s instructions and always test it on a small in conspicuous area of your shoes first.

Additional Tips:

For oil-based stains like grease or oil sprinkle a small amount of cornstarch or talcum powder on the stain and let it sit overnight. Brush off the powder the next day.
If your suede shoes get wet stuff them with newspaper and let them dry naturally. Avoid using heat to speed up the drying process as it can damage the suede.

Regular maintenance is key to keeping your suede shoes in good condition. Brushing them after each wear and applying a suede protector can help prevent stains and keep them looking their best.

How to clean white suede shoes

Cleaning white suede shoes requires special care to avoid damaging the delicate suede material.Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to clean them effectively:

Materials you will need:

Soft-bristle suede brush or an old toothbrush
White vinegar
Water
Clean, white cloth or sponge
Suede eraser (optional)
Suede protector spray (optional)

Steps to clean white suede shoes:

Remove loose dirt and dust: Before you start cleaning, gently brush off any loose dirt or dust from the suede using a soft-bristle suede brush or an old toothbrush.Brush in one direction to avoid damaging the suede fibers.
Prepare a cleaning solution: Mix a solution of equal parts white vinegar and water. Make sure it’s a very diluted solution as vinegar can be quite strong.
Spot test: Before applying the solution to the entire shoe, it’s a good idea to spot test a small inconspicuous area to ensure the mixture doesn’t discolor or damage the suede. If the test area looks fine proceed with the following steps.
Apply the solution: Dampen a clean, white cloth or sponge with the vinegar and water solution. Gently blot and rub the stained or dirty areas on the shoes. Do not soak the suede, and avoid rubbing too vigorously, as it can damage the material.
Let it dry: Allow the shoes to air dry naturally. Do not use direct heat sources like heaters or hairdryers, as they can cause the suede to crack or warp.
Restore the nap: After the shoes are completely dry, use a suede brush or an old toothbrush to brush the suede in the direction of the nap (the natural direction of the fibers). This helps to restore the texture and appearance of the suede.
Use a suede eraser (if needed): If there are still stubborn stains or marks, you can gently rub them with a suede eraser. Use light pressure and be careful not to overdo it, as erasing too vigorously can damage the suede.
Protect your shoes: Consider using a suede protector spray to prevent future stains and dirt. Follow the instructions on the product carefully. Make sure to apply it in a well-ventilated area.

Regular maintenance and protection of your white suede shoes can help keep them looking their best. Be sure to store them in a cool, dry place and avoid wearing them in wet or muddy conditions to prevent unnecessary stains and damage.

How to clean Leather suede shoes

Cleaning leather suede shoes without damaging the leather requires some care and specific techniques. Suede is a delicate material and you should avoid using water or harsh chemicals. Here’s a step-by-step guide to clean your suede shoes properly:

Gather your materials:
- A suede brush or a soft bristle brush
- A suede eraser or a white rubber eraser
- A clean, dry cloth
- A suede protector spray (optional)
Remove loose dirt: Use the suede brush to gently brush off any loose dirt, dust or debris from the surface of the shoes. Brush in one direction to avoid damaging the suede fibers. Make sure to be gentle to prevent scuffing.
Erase stains and scuffs: For more stubborn stains or scuffs, use a suede eraser or a white rubber eraser. Rub the eraser gently on the stained area in a circular motion. This should lift off most marks. Do not press too hard to avoid damaging the suede.
Stubborn stains: If stains remain after erasing, you can try a mixture of white vinegar and water. Dampen a clean cloth with the mixture and blot the stained area. Make sure not to saturate the suede. Blot don’t rub to avoid spreading the stain. Allow it to air dry.
Restore the nap: After cleaning use the suede brush again to restore the nap (the soft fuzzy texture) of the suede. Brush in one direction to ensure the fibers lay evenly.
Protect your suede: To prevent future stains and water damage consider applying a suede protector spray. Be sure to follow the product instructions and apply it evenly over the entire surface of the shoes. Allow the shoes to dry thoroughly before wearing them.

Additional Tips:

Avoid using water directly on suede as it can leave water stains and damage the material.
Keep your suede shoes away from direct heat sources like radiators or direct sunlight which can cause the suede to fade or become discolored.
If your suede shoes get wet stuff them with newspaper and let them air dry at room temperature. After drying, brush them to restore the nap.
Regularly brush your suede shoes to prevent dirt buildup and maintain their appearance.

Cleaning suede shoes can take some time and patience but by following these steps and being gentle with the material you can clean them without damaging the leather.

Use all the no effect colour:

Suede shoes require special care to clean without causing color damage or damaging the delicate suede texture. Here are some tips to clean suede shoes effectively while minimizing the risk of color damage:

Use a suede brush: Before attempting any wet cleaning use a suede brush to gently remove dirt and dust from the surface of the shoes. Brush in one direction to maintain the suede’s texture.
Suede eraser: For scuff marks and light stains you can use a suede eraser. Gently rub the eraser over the stained area and then brush with a suede brush to restore the texture.
White vinegar and water solution: For more stubborn stains, mix equal parts of white vinegar and water. Dampen a clean cloth with this solution and gently blot the stained area. Avoid soaking the suede just use a small amount of the solution. Let the shoes air dry.
Suede shampoo or cleaner: You can also use a specialized suede cleaner or shampoo designed for suede shoes. Follow the product’s instructions carefully and use a suede brush to restore the texture after cleaning. Test the cleaner on a small inconspicuous area first to ensure it doesn’t cause color damage.
Cornstarch or talcum powder: For oil or grease stains, sprinkle cornstarch or talcum powder on the affected area and leave it overnight.The powder will absorb the oil. Brush it off the next day.
Suede protector spray: To prevent future stains and water damage apply a suede protector spray to your shoes. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the specific product you use.
Professional cleaning: If the stains are severe or you’re unsure about cleaning suede shoes on your own it’s a good idea to take them to a professional cleaner who specializes in suede and leather.

How to clean suede shoes