How to Clean Suede Shoes? Suede shoes are a popular fashion item, but they are not the simplest to keep clean. If you’ve walked into a puddle or spilled coffee on your suede shoes, don’t panic. Whether you have an expensive suede cleaner or none at all, there are many ways to clean suede shoes at home with common household materials.
What is Suede?
Suede vs Leather
Suede is a softer, thinner, and more flexible leather made from the underside of animal hides. Unlike polished leather, suede has a velvety texture that absorbs moisture and collects dust.
Why Suede Needs Special Care?
Suede’s open-pore nature allows the fabric to absorb liquids and stains easily. That is why specific tools or careful DIY substitutes are required to clean and maintain it without damaging the material.
What Materials do You Need to Clean Suede Shoes?
- Suede brush (or a soft toothbrush)
- Suede eraser (also known as a pencil eraser).
- White vinegar or rubbing alcohol
- Clean a white cloth.
- Baking soda, cornstarch
- Paper towels or tissues
Optional: suede cleaner, suede protector spray
How to Clean Suede Shoes at Home?
Cleaning suede shoes does not require an advanced kit. The majority of the cleaning can be done using products already in your kitchen, bathroom, or pantry.
Using Household Items
White vinegar, rubbing alcohol, baking soda, and toothbrushes are all good (and affordable) ways to remove stains and restore the softness to your suede.
How Often Should You Clean?
Give your suede shoes a light brush every 2-3 wears. Deep cleaning? Once or twice a month, depending on how unclean they get.
How to Clean Suede Shoes Without Suede Cleaner?
Don’t have any suede cleaning on hand? Not an issue. Try this:
Step 1: Brush your shoes lightly with a soft toothbrush or towel.
Step 2: Spot clean spots with white vinegar or rubbing alcohol.
Step 3: Let them dry completely before brushing again to fluff out the nap.
Step 4: These methods are just as effective as store-bought cleaners; simply be careful and patient.
How to Clean Suede Shoes with Household Products?
Let’s get into some good DIY methods.
How to Clean Suede Shoes with Vinegar?
- White vinegar is excellent for suede.
- Dip a clean cloth in vinegar and gently massage the spot.
- Allow it to air dry (never use heat).
- Brush carefully with a suede brush or a toothbrush.
- Vinegar is quite effective in removing salt stains, water marks, and food spills.
How to Clean Suede Shoes with Baking Soda?
Greasy area on your suede?
- Sprinkle baking soda liberally on the stain.
- Allow it to sit for 6 to 8 hours, or overnight.
- Brush it off kindly the next day.
- This absorbs oil without affecting the nap.
How to Clean Suede Shoes with a Toothbrush?
No suede brush?
- A soft-bristled toothbrush can replicate the movement of a suede brush.
- To lift dirt, make slowly circular strokes.
- For spot cleaning, combine with vinegar or baking soda.
- To ensure nap uniformity, always brush in the same direction.
How to Clean Suede Shoes with Alcohol?
- Rubbing alcohol dries faster than water and is not harmful to suede.
- Apply it using a cotton ball or cloth.
- Dab the stain without soaking.
- Allow it to dry and then brush to remove the nap.
- Ideal for writing marks, dirt, and wine spills.
How to Clean Suede Shoes with Suede Cleaner?
If you have a dedicated suede cleaning spray or foam:
- Brush off any loose dirt first.
- Apply the cleaner according to the directions.
- Wipe the area with a clean cloth.
- Allow the shoes to dry naturally.
- Finish by brushing the nap up.
- Suede cleaners are extremely effective at caring for the natural shine and color.
How to Clean Suede Shoes Without a Suede Brush?
No suede brush? Use one of the following:
Required items: soft toothbrush and microfiber cloth.
- Clean, dry sponge.
- Old makeup brush (yeah, seriously!)
- Simply be careful and move in one direction to lift dirt while maintaining texture.
Deep Cleaning for Stubborn Stains
To remove thick stains, combine vinegar and cornstarch or baking soda.
Let it dry overnight.
Brush the surface again to restore texture.
Advice for Cleaning: Wipe ink or dye stains with rubbing alcohol or invest in a suede cleaning pen.
Restoring the Nap and Texture
After cleaning, suede may appear flattened.
Use a brush or toothbrush to get up the nap.
You can also expose the shoe to steam for a few seconds (from a kettle or pot) before brushing.
Always let it air dry; never heat suede directly.
How to Protect Suede After Cleaning?
Prevention is essential.
To repel water and stains, apply a suede protective spray.
Shoes should be stored in an environment that is dry and cool using shoe trees or tissue stuffing.
Never wear suede in rainy or muddy weather.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Do not scrub harshly.
- Never soak suede in water.
- Avoid using colorful towels that can bleed dye.
- Avoid drying suede with a hair dryer or in direct sunlight.
- Suede Care Tips for Rainy Season
- Avoid wearing suede.
- If wet, blot quickly and allow to dry naturally.
- Use protection spray once a week.
- Winter Care
- Remove salt stains with a vinegar solution.
- Brush off any dried snow and, if available, add conditioner.
Final Thought
Suede shoes need a little extra care, but they’re well worth it. Whether you use white vinegar, a trusty toothbrush, or a proper suede cleaner, there are many cheap and easy ways to care for your footwear. The goal is to provide easy care and ongoing care. With this guide, your suede shoes will stay fresh, clean, and beautiful.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I clean suede shoes with just water?
No. Water can discolour suede and make it solid. Always utilize alternatives, such as vinegar or alcohol.
What’s the easiest household product to clean suede?
White vinegar is the most effective and safest solution for general stains.
Is baking soda safe for coloured suede?
Yes, but always test in a small, hidden place first.
Can I put suede shoes in the washing machine?
Never. Machine washing damages the texture and form of suede.
How do I keep my suede shoes looking new?
Brush your suede regularly, spot clean any stains as soon as they occur, and use a suede protective spray once a month.
