How to Clean Suede Shoes - Step by Step Guide | Regional Services (2024)

How to Clean Suede Shoes - Step by Step Guide | Regional Services (1)

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How to Clean Suede Shoes - Step by Step Guide | Regional Services (2)

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Suede shoes get dirty easily, and you need to clean them to maintain them for years. Suede shoes are prone to stains and will easily collect scuff, dirt, water spots, and grime. Before you start cleaning your suede shoes, check for care instructions and if they are made with faux or real suede. Wait until your shoes are dry and remove the dirt.

Avoid washing your suede shoes because excessive water will cause damage. Check the care label on your shoes to verify if they can be washed. Knowing how to clean your suede shoes is not difficult with the right techniques and tools. Avoid cleaning your shoes when still damp because the stain will go deeper, making it hard to remove. Never dry the shoes in direct sunlight or use other heat sources, as it can cause the suede to harden. Here are 4 easy steps to clean your suede shoes.

What you’ll need

  • Suede rubber
  • Suede brush
  • White vinegar
  • Microfibre cloth Suede protector

Steps

Step 1: Remove excess dirt

You should never clean your shoes when they are wet. Use a clean towel to absorb the wetness and allow your shoes to dry before cleaning them. The first step in cleaning your suede shoes is to remove dirt from the shoe surface. Use a suede brush and apply light strokes to remove loose dirt particles. You can also use a toothbrush if it is only a small area. Always brush along the grain. If your shoe has stubborn stains, apply more pressure and move the brush in a back and forth direction. Repeat until all the debris is removed.

Step 2: Use a suede rubber to remove blemishes

For surface stains, use a suede rubber to get rid of any blemishes that remain. Move the rubber back and forth until the marks are removed. Don’t force any stain that won’t come out. You can try another stain removal product. Rubbing your shoe too hard will only damage it.

Step 3: Use white vinegar

If the stain still won’t come off after using the suede rubber, you should try something else. White vinegar is acidic and will break down the clumps causing the scuffs. Do not dilute it with water to avoid causing damage to your shoes. Dip the white vinegar in a microfiber cloth and rub it gently on the stain. Be careful not to dampen the shoe surface.

The vinegar can change the colour of your shoe while it’s damp. The shoe will return to its original colour once the moisture evaporates. Allow the area to dry and check if there is still some stain. Repeat the process if needed until the stain is gone. Brush the show surface once it is dry to restore its appearance. The key to using white vinegar to remove a stain is patience and repetition.

Step 4: Apply the suede protector

Now that your suede shoe is clean, you need to protect it with a suede protector. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when applying the suede protector. A suede protector will reduce the times you have to clean your suede shoes. Leave your shoes to dry after applying the protector spray. The protector spray will protect your shoes from scuffs, stains, and water. Avoid wearing your suede shoes in wet weather to avoid splatter and maintain them for a long time.

Now you know how to clean suede shoes, don’t allow the stains to prevent you from wearing your shoes. Suede may seem like a tricky fabric, but once you know how to care for it, you’ll maintain it for longer. Follow the above simple steps to clean your suede and have them look brand new.

How to Clean Suede Shoes - Step by Step Guide | Regional Services (3)

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How to Clean Suede Shoes - Step by Step Guide | Regional Services (2024)

FAQs

How to Clean Suede Shoes - Step by Step Guide | Regional Services? ›

Importantly, suede shoes should never be put in the washing machine. They can generally be cleaned by rubbing them with a damp, lint-free cloth or a specialist suede brush. It's best to do this in straight motions but in different directions, as this will help remove dirt without pushing it deeper into the fibres.

How do you professionally clean suede shoes? ›

Importantly, suede shoes should never be put in the washing machine. They can generally be cleaned by rubbing them with a damp, lint-free cloth or a specialist suede brush. It's best to do this in straight motions but in different directions, as this will help remove dirt without pushing it deeper into the fibres.

What is the cleaning method for suede? ›

For oil or grease stains on suede shoes, apply cornstarch to the area and allow it to soak up the excess grease for a few hours. Gently scrape off the cornstarch with a brush. Repeat as needed until the spot is gone. For grease stains that have dried, clean the area with a small amount of dish soap.

Does white vinegar damage suede? ›

Plain white vinegar or rubbing alcohol can easily remove spots without staining the suede. Pour either liquid onto a soft cloth and rub it into the stain. After letting the fabric dry, brush with a dry towel to fluff the suede. To protect your suede belongings in the future, you can purchase a suede protectant spray.

What are the best household items to clean suede shoes? ›

You'd be forgiven for thinking suede shoes once damp or dirty are a lost cause. But have no fear, there *is* a way to clean your suede shoes. All you'll need is a rubber or eraser, some white vinegar, baking soda, a flannel or face cloth, a suede brush or nail brush, and some suede protector if you have it.

Can suede be professionally cleaned? ›

Its open-pored surface absorbs liquids easily, making it more challenging to take out stains. Professional cleaning services will always be the safest and most comprehensive option when it comes to cleaning your suede items.

What not to do when cleaning suede? ›

Suede stone: A rubber suede stone can help remove dirt. However, take caution as suede is delicate; avoid scrubbing vigorously. Pro tip: rub the stone in the same direction. Suede brush: Brushes are used after the stone to restore the soft buttery texture of the suede.

How do you clean suede shoes without ruining them? ›

We recommend wetting the corner of a dry cloth with a small amount of suede cleaner, white vinegar or rubbing alcohol. Be sure not to drench the shoe in liquid, but rather lightly dampen the suede. Massage the shoe with a rapid side-to-side motion, and then allow the suede to dry.

What is the best cleaner for suede fabric? ›

For natural suede, cornstarch is also an excellent oil absorber, and commercial glue removers like Goo Gone can take care of sticky residue. Baking soda is another way to clean suede furniture because it removes stains on real suede without harming the material.

Are suede shoes hard to clean? ›

Suede clothing and accessories like shoes, belts and handbags have a reputation for being difficult to clean and maintain. Unfortunately, that reputation is well earned — suede is, indeed, a delicate and temperamental material that requires more care than hides like leather or even sheepskin.

Does hydrogen peroxide clean suede? ›

Be careful using hydrogen peroxide on colored suede, which may cause bleaching or discoloration. Test the hydrogen peroxide in an inconspicuous spot first. Unfortunately, it can be tough to get blood stains out of suede and other forms of leather.

Do it yourself suede cleaner? ›

You can't use water-based cleaning methods to clean suede, so vinegar and alcohol are great substitutes. Pour a little bit of white vinegar or rubbing alcohol onto a washcloth, gently rub the stained area, then let it totally dry before reassessing. If the stain is gone, use a suede brush to retexture the treated area.

Can you clean suede shoes with Dawn? ›

No, do not clean suede shoes with Dawn dish soap. Dawn is a powerful grease-cutting soap, and the formula is too harsh for suede. It can leave behind stains or residue. Only a drop of Dawn diluted in water might be effective on spot treating your shoes, but it's safer to stick to suede soap or suede shampoo.

How do you clean and care for suede? ›

A suede brush

Ensuring your shoes are completely dry, use your suede brush to gently brush away the dirt and grime in small motions with a light hand. If necessary, brush against the nap of the suede but always finish brushing in the direction the natural grain to maintain its smooth finish.

How to remove mold from suede shoes? ›

Removing mold from suede shoes requires a gentle yet effective approach to preserve the delicate material. Begin by brushing off any loose mold with a soft-bristle brush, being careful not to spread it further. Dampen a cloth with a mixture of white vinegar or mild soap and water, then gently wipe the affected areas.

Can dry cleaners clean suede shoes? ›

Suede leather shoes should be brought to a professional for cleaning, especially when stains are involved. Because suede cannot be cleaned with water so if you are in a pinch, lightly scrub your suede shoes with dry terry cloth. Most dry cleaners which have shoe cleaning service, are equipped to clean suede.

Can you steam clean suede shoes? ›

The fabric lining of suede items can be freshened and revived using steam, but take care not to touch the suede directly with the steamer head, and not to oversaturate the suede item with water while steaming. If needed, periodically let the item “rest” during the steaming process to avoid water marks.

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