How to clean Suede shoes?

Suede shoes add a sophisticated touch to any outfit and they are one of the most versatile shoe pairs that a person can own. However, if you own a pair of suede shoes then you probably know how tough it is to clean them. These kinds of shoes require the utmost care as the material is delicate and can get easily ruined if you take any wrong measures. In this article, we are going to tell you how to clean your suede shoes so you can keep them as good as new! 

 

Things you need to clean suede shoes

Before starting the cleaning process, here are a few things that you should gather:

A soft brush

It is advised that you buy a brush specifically made to clean suede shoes as it has softer bristles and doesn’t damage the shoes while removing the dirt. 

White vinegar or suede cleaner 

You can either buy a suede cleaning solution or use white vinegar to remove stubborn stains.  

Corn starch

In case of oil stains, you should use cornstarch. 

Cleaning cloth

Keep a cleaning cloth to easily apply the cleaning solution over the shoe.

Protector spray

You can also use suede protection spray as it makes the shoes water-resistant and makes it easier to remove stains. 

Toothbrush

A toothbrush can be used to clean thoroughly. 

 

How to clean suede shoes?

Below are various measures that you can take to keep your suede shoes as good as new:

Brush off the dirt

Using a soft brush, gently remove all the dirt and grime stuck on the shoe. While doing so, you can stuff newspaper inside the shoe so that it doesn’t lose its shape in the cleaning process. You can also use a suede eraser to get rid of the stuck dirt and grime. Don’t be too hard while cleaning or else you will end up damaging the material. 

Use a cloth to clean it instantly

If you accidentally spill something on your shoes, use a clean cloth to remove the excess liquid from your shoe. While doing this, make sure that you don’t end up rubbing the liquid all over the shoe. 

Removing stains

While removing stains, you can softly clean it with a cloth soaked in white vinegar. Gently clean the stain and leave it to dry for a while. If you still see the stain, you can repeat the process until it vanishes completely. 

If you have suede cleaner, you can use that instead of the vinegar. 

Getting rid of oil stains

Oil stains are stubborn and might give you a tough time. Using cornstarch can help get rid of the grease and oil from your shoe. 

Use suede protection spray

Once you have cleaned your suede shoes, you can use a suede protection spray as it helps make your shoes waterproof and also makes it easier to remove stains. 

 

How to wash suede shoes?

To wash your suede shoes, you can mix your suede shampoo with water and then with the help of a soft bristle brush, clean your shoes. Once you have thoroughly removed all the dirt and stains from your shoes, you can use a towel dipped in warm water to clean it further. 

 

Some tips from us

Here are a few tips and tricks that you should follow while cleaning your shoes:

• Do not dip your shoes in water as it can ruin the material.
• Do not put your shoes in the washing machine. Always gently clean them. 
• Let your shoes dry before blotting it with a cloth dipped in warm water. 
• If the stain is stubborn and you cannot remove it yourself, it’s best to take it to a professional shoe cleaner or else you will end up damaging it. 

 

FAQs

Can I wash suede shoes with soap?

It is advised to not clean your suede shoes with soap as it can damage the material. Instead of soap, you should use a suede shampoo.

Is it bad to put suede shoes in a washing machine?

Yes, it is bad to put suede shoes in a washing machine as it can significantly damage your shoes.

How should I protect my suede shoes from scuff marks?

If you wish to prevent scuff marks, you should not drag your shoes on your floor and even if you do get scuff marks, you can use a soft brush.

Can I use a hairdryer to dry my shoes faster?

Putting your suede shoes under heat can damage them, hence, you should let them dry out naturally instead of using a hairdryer.

Can I use a normal toothbrush to clean my suede shoes?

A normal toothbrush has hard bristles and it can damage your shoes, hence, you should use a brush specifically designed for suede shoes.

What if I do not have vinegar or suede cleaner?

If you do not have vinegar or suede cleaner, then you can use rubbing alcohol to get rid of stains on your suede shoes.

Can a suede eraser remove stubborn stains?

Yes, a suede eraser can help in removing stubborn stains.

Got any questions or point of view on our article? We would love to hear from you. Write to our Editor-in-Chief Jhumur Ghosh at jhumur.ghosh1@housing.com