Suede shoes are a stylish and timeless footwear choice, especially perfect for adding a touch of sophistication to your fall outfits. Their soft, napped finish brings a luxurious feel to any look. However, the delicate nature of suede can make cleaning them seem daunting. If you’ve ever experienced the panic of a sudden stain on your favorite suede shoes, you’re not alone. From unexpected puddles to accidental spills, suede shoes can easily fall victim to everyday mishaps.
Rainy days, muddy sidewalks, and crowded gatherings can all pose threats to your pristine suede footwear. But don’t let the fear of stains keep you from enjoying your suede shoes. With the right techniques and a little know-how, you can effectively clean and maintain them, keeping them looking their best for years to come. This comprehensive guide will walk you through each step of How To Clean Suede Shoes, providing you with the essential tips and tricks to tackle dirt, stains, and keep your suede shoes in top condition.
1. Let Them Dry Completely
If your suede shoes are wet, whether from rain, a spill, or stepping into a puddle, the very first and most crucial step is to let them air dry completely. Resist the urge to start cleaning them immediately while they are still damp. Attempting to clean wet suede will only spread the moisture and grime further into the material, potentially making the stain worse and harder to remove.
It’s important to allow your suede shoes to dry naturally at room temperature. Avoid placing them in direct sunlight or using heat sources like a hairdryer or radiator. Excessive heat can cause the suede to become stiff, brittle, and even crack. Patience is key here; allow ample time for the shoes to dry thoroughly before moving on to the next cleaning steps. This initial drying phase is fundamental to preventing further damage and ensuring effective cleaning.
2. Brush Off Loose Dirt and Debris
Once your suede shoes are completely dry, the next step is to remove any loose dirt, dust, or debris from the surface. For this, a suede brush is the ideal tool. These brushes are specifically designed with soft bristles that are gentle enough for suede yet effective at lifting away surface dirt. If you don’t have a suede brush, alternatives like a soft-bristled toothbrush, a fingernail brush, or even a clean crepe brush can work.
Using your chosen brush, gently work over the entire surface of the suede shoes. Brush in the direction of the suede nap (the direction the fibers naturally lie) for general cleaning. For areas with more ingrained dirt or scuff marks, you can use slightly more pressure and brush back and forth to agitate the fibers and loosen the dirt particles. This step is essential for removing surface-level grime before tackling deeper stains, making the subsequent cleaning stages more effective.
Alt text: Person brushing brown suede shoes with a suede brush to clean off dirt and dust.
3. Utilize a Suede Eraser for Dry Stains and Scuffs
For stubborn dry stains, scuff marks, or areas that didn’t come clean with brushing alone, a suede eraser is your next best tool. Often referred to as a suede rubber, this specialized eraser is designed to gently lift and remove marks from suede without damaging the delicate material. If you don’t have a dedicated suede eraser, a clean pencil eraser or any type of rubber eraser can be used as a substitute, but ensure it’s clean and white or gum-colored to avoid transferring color to your shoes.
To use a suede eraser, apply gentle to moderate pressure and rub it back and forth over the stain or scuff mark. Work in small, controlled motions, focusing on the affected area. The friction from the eraser will help to lift the stain particles from the suede fibers. Avoid rubbing too aggressively, as excessive force can damage the suede. After erasing, use your suede brush again to gently brush away any eraser residue and restore the nap of the suede. This step is particularly effective for handling everyday marks and minor stains on suede shoes.
4. Tackle Wet Stains with White Vinegar or Rubbing Alcohol
For tackling tougher, set-in stains, especially water-based stains, you can turn to household solutions like white vinegar or rubbing alcohol. These liquids act as mild cleaning agents that can help break down stain molecules in suede. White vinegar, known for its versatile cleaning properties, is a natural and readily available option. Rubbing alcohol is another effective alternative for stain removal.
To use either vinegar or rubbing alcohol, dampen a clean, soft cloth – microfiber or flannel works well – with a small amount of your chosen liquid. It’s crucial to dampen the cloth, not soak it. Gently dab the stain with the damp cloth, working from the outside of the stain inwards to prevent spreading. As you dab, you might notice the suede becoming darker in the treated area; this is normal and will fade as it dries. Repeat the dabbing process gently until you see the stain starting to lift. Allow the area to air dry completely. If the stain persists after drying, repeat the process carefully. Remember, less is more when working with liquids on suede; avoid oversaturating the material.
Alt text: Close-up of a person’s hand dabbing a light-colored suede shoe with a white cloth dampened with white vinegar to remove a stain.
5. Combat Oil and Grease Stains with Baking Soda, Cornstarch, or Dish Soap
Oil and grease stains on suede can seem particularly challenging, but they are not impossible to remove. Common household items like baking soda, cornstarch, and liquid dish soap can be surprisingly effective in tackling these types of stains. Baking soda and cornstarch are absorbent powders that work to draw out oil and grease from the suede. Liquid dish soap, on the other hand, acts as a degreaser to break down oily stains.
For baking soda or cornstarch, start by testing in an inconspicuous area of your shoe to ensure colorfastness. Once you’ve confirmed it’s safe, generously apply the powder directly onto the oil or grease stain, completely covering it. Let the powder sit on the stain overnight, or for several hours, to absorb the oil. The longer it sits, the more oil it can draw out. After waiting, use your suede brush to gently brush away the powder. For stubborn oil stains, you might need to repeat this process.
If baking soda or cornstarch isn’t sufficient, you can try mild liquid dish soap. Mix a tiny drop of dish soap with a small amount of water to create a very diluted soapy solution. Dampen a cloth with this solution (again, ensuring it’s just damp, not wet) and gently dab at the grease stain. Avoid rubbing vigorously. Once you’ve treated the stain, use another clean, damp cloth to gently blot away any soap residue. Allow the area to air dry completely.
Maintaining Your Clean Suede Shoes
Once you’ve successfully cleaned your suede shoes, taking preventative measures is key to keeping them in excellent condition and minimizing future cleaning efforts. Consider using a suede protector spray. These sprays create a barrier that repels water and stains, helping to protect your shoes from everyday elements. Apply a suede protector spray according to the product instructions, typically after cleaning and allowing your shoes to dry completely. Reapply the protector spray periodically, especially after heavy wear or cleaning.
Store your suede shoes properly when you’re not wearing them. Keep them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture. Using shoe trees can help maintain their shape and absorb moisture. By incorporating these maintenance practices into your routine, you can extend the life of your suede shoes and keep them looking their best, step after stylish step.
