How to Clean Suede Shoes: A Complete Guide

I remember the first time I scuffed my favorite pair of suede shoes. I was heartbroken, thinking they were ruined forever. The soft texture seemed impossible to clean without causing more damage. After some trial and error, I discovered a simple method to restore them to their original beauty.

Over the years, I've learned effective ways to care for suede footwear. From removing stains to brushing away dirt, these techniques have saved many of my shoes. By using the right tools and methods, maintaining suede is easier than you might think.

Learn how to clean suede shoes with our complete guide below. Tips to remove stains, protect suede, and keep your shoes looking new.

Materials Needed and Why

Here's a quick list of materials I used and why they're essential for cleaning suede and mesh shoes effectively:

Cleaning Solution: Necessary for breaking down and removing dirt without harming the shoe's material.
Soft, Medium, and Stiff Brushes: Each brush serves a specific purpose. Soft for delicate surfaces, medium for general cleaning, and stiff for soles.
Microfiber Towel: Perfect for drying and polishing without leaving any residue.
Laundry Bag & Pods: These might not be needed for every cleaning session, but they're great for a thorough wash.
Adjustable Shoe Trees: Critical for maintaining the shoe's shape during cleaning.
Dry Suede Kit: Including a dry suede brush and eraser, vital for restoring the suede's texture.

Step by Step Instructions

Learn how to clean suede shoes with step-by-step instructions, from initial setup to post-cleaning care. Keep your suede looking pristine!

Initial Setup

My first step was to set up my cleaning station, ensuring I had all the materials listed above. I placed a cleaning mat under the shoes to protect my working surface.

Pre-Cleaning

I removed the laces and inserted the adjustable shoe trees into the shoes. This helped keep their shape throughout the cleaning process. I then used an air compressor to blow away any surface dust, which accounted for a surprising amount of superficial dirt.

Cleaning the Soles

Starting with the soles, I applied a few squirts of cleaning solution into a bowl of water and used a stiff brush to scrub them clean. It was satisfying to see the dirt come off relatively easily.

The Midsoles

Moving on to the midsoles, I switched to the medium bristle brush. This step required a bit of elbow grease but was essential for removing grime without damaging the material.

Uppers – Suede and Mesh

For the delicate suede and mesh uppers, I used the soft bristle brush. I made sure to gently scrub to prevent any damage. In spots where the mesh was particularly dirty, I carefully went over it again with a bit of the medium brush.

Rinsing and Drying

After a thorough clean, I wiped the shoes down with a microfiber towel and set them aside to dry. Since I was pleased with the initial results, I opted not to use the laundry system this time around.

Post-Cleaning – Suede Care

Once dry, I took my dry suede kit to tackle any remaining blemishes on the suede. I carefully used the dry suede brush to uplift the nap and followed up with the suede eraser on tougher spots. This step was crucial in restoring the suede's original texture and look.

Final Touches

The last step was to lace the shoes back up, a simple but satisfying conclusion to the cleaning process. Standing back and comparing the cleaned shoe to its untouched pair was eye-opening – the transformation was remarkable.

Stain-Specific Solutions for Suede Shoes

When it comes to suede shoes, each stain type requires a different approach. Here's a comprehensive guide to tackle the most common stains, ensuring your suede stays in top condition.

Water Stains

Water can leave marks on suede, but they're easy to handle.

Dry the Shoes: Let your shoes dry naturally. Avoid heat sources, as they can damage the suede.
Brush Gently: Once dry, use a suede brush to lightly lift the nap.

Oil Stains

Oil stains can be stubborn but not impossible to remove.

Blot the Stain: Use a clean cloth to blot any excess oil.
Apply Cornstarch: Sprinkle cornstarch on the stain and let it sit for a few hours. It absorbs the oil.
Brush Off: Gently brush off the cornstarch with a suede brush.

Ink Stains

Ink stains require quick action.

Blot Immediately: As soon as the spill happens, blot with a paper towel.
Cleaning Solution: Apply a small amount of rubbing alcohol or vinegar to a clean cloth and dab the stain.
Dry and Brush: Let it dry, and then use a suede brush to restore the texture.

Mud Stains

Mud should be dealt with once it's dry.

Let Mud Dry: Resist the urge to clean wet mud. Let it dry completely.
Break Off the Dirt: Use a suede brush to break off the dried mud.
Brush to Finish: Brush the area to get rid of any remaining dirt.

Chewing Gum or Wax

Freezing can make removal easier.

Freeze the Shoes: Put your shoes in a plastic bag and freeze them for a few hours.
Chip Away the Gum or Wax: Once hard, gently chip away at the gum or wax.
Brush Gently: Use your suede brush to tidy up the area.

Pro Tips:

Always test any cleaning method on a small, inconspicuous area first.
Invest in a good quality suede brush and eraser to effectively handle stains and maintain the nap of the suede.
For persistent or complex stains, consider seeking professional cleaning services to avoid damaging your shoes.

Follow these solutions to tackle each stain and keep your suede shoes in top shape. Act quickly and gently to avoid more damage to the delicate material.

clean suede shoes with household products

DIY Cleaning Solutions for Suede Shoes

Creating your own suede shoe cleaner can be both cost-effective and environmentally friendly. Here's how you can make a simple yet effective cleaning solution at home:

Homemade Suede Cleaner

DIY Homemade Suede Cleaner Guide: Discover simple ingredients and step-by-step instructions for maintaining and cleaning your suede items at home.

Ingredients:

2 cups of cold water
1 teaspoon of dish soap or mild shampoo
1 teaspoon of white vinegar

Instructions:

Mix the Solution: In a bowl, combine the cold water, dish soap, and white vinegar. Stir gently until fully mixed.
Apply Gently: Dip a soft cloth into the solution and wring it out so it's damp, not wet. Gently dab at the stain on your suede shoes.
Blot Dry: After cleaning, take another dry cloth and blot the area to remove excess moisture.
Brush: Once the shoe is dry, use a suede brush to gently restore the nap.

Spot Cleaning Paste

Discover the power of Spot Cleaning Paste. Ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions are included for effective and quick stain removal.

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon of baking soda
Water

Instructions:

Make a Paste: Mix the baking soda with a small amount of water to create a thick paste.
Apply to Stain: Use an old toothbrush to apply the paste to the stain in a gentle circular motion.
Let it Sit: Allow the paste to sit for a few minutes.
Wipe Off: Wipe the paste off with a damp cloth and then blot dry.
Brush Up: Once dry, use a suede brush to lift the nap.

Tips for Success:

Always test your homemade cleaner on a small, hidden part of the shoe first to ensure it doesn't cause any discoloration.
For tougher stains, you may need to repeat the cleaning process a few times.
Avoid using too much water or cleaner, as suede is sensitive to moisture.

With these DIY solutions, keep your suede shoes pristine without harsh chemicals. You'll know the ingredients, making it safer for you and the environment.

Troubleshooting Common Issues with Suede Shoes

Suede shoes are stylish but can be tricky to maintain. Here's a guide to solving common problems you might encounter using plain language and straightforward solutions.

Flattened Nap

The nap is the soft, fuzzy surface of suede that can sometimes flatten.

Brushing: Use a suede brush to gently lift the nap.
Steam: Hold the shoe over steam for a few seconds, then brush.

Discoloration

Suede can lose its color when cleaned improperly.

Even Cleaning: Clean the entire shoe, not just the stained area, to avoid uneven shades.
Color Spray: Use a suede dye spray to restore the original color.

Shiny Spots

Rubbing suede too hard can cause shiny spots.

Gentle Care: Always brush suede gently.
Nap Lifting: Use a suede eraser to lift the nap and remove the shine.

Water Damage

Suede isn't naturally waterproof and can get damaged by water.

Drying: Let wet shoes dry naturally, away from direct heat.
Re-brushing: Once dry, brush them to restore the texture.

Stretched Suede

Suede can stretch out of shape when wet or not stored properly.

Proper Storage: Use shoe trees to maintain shape.
Professional Help: If stretched, a cobbler can sometimes shrink them back.

Determinate:

Always test any treatment on a small, hidden area first.
Be patient; some treatments may need to be repeated for the best results.
If you're unsure about a method, it's better to seek professional advice rather than risk further damage.

By following these tips, you can address the common issues that come with owning suede shoes and keep them looking their best for longer.

FAQs About How to Clean Suede Shoes

Discover the essential FAQs About How to Clean Suede Shoes and keep your footwear looking fresh and new with our expert tips and tricks.

1. What’s the first step in cleaning suede shoes?

Begin by ensuring your suede shoes are completely dry. Brush off any loose dirt with a suede brush or a soft-bristled brush. Always brush in the direction of the fibers to avoid damaging the nap.

2. How can I remove scuff marks from my suede shoes?

For scuff marks, use a suede eraser or a clean pencil eraser. Gently rub back and forth over the mark until it fades. If the scuff is stubborn, try lightly sanding it with an emery board.

3. What's the best way to tackle tough stains on suede?

For tough stains, apply a small amount of white vinegar or rubbing alcohol to a clean cloth and gently dab the stain. Let the area dry completely before brushing it. Repeat if necessary.

4. Can I use water to clean my suede shoes?

Water can be used cautiously. For salt stains, mix water with a little fabric softener and dish detergent. Apply the solution lightly and brush gently. Always let the shoes dry naturally after using water.

5. How do I protect my suede shoes after cleaning them?

After cleaning, protect your suede shoes with a suede protector spray. This will help shield them from future stains and water damage. Apply the spray evenly and allow it to dry completely.

Conclusion:

By following these easy steps, I've found that keeping my suede shoes clean is simple and satisfying. I hope my experiences help you feel confident in caring for your own suede footwear. You'll be amazed at how great your shoes can look with just a little effort.