Suede shoes are a timeless classic, and when cared for properly, can last for years. But with all the dirt, mud, and water that gets tracked in on our shoes each day, it’s important to take extra care of your suede footwear. Knowing how to clean suede shoes is essential if you want them to stay looking fresh and new.
In this blog post we will provide you with some tips on how to keep your suede shoes looking their best! From brushing off any dirt or mud to using special cleaning products designed specifically for suede; we have everything you need right here! So read on and get ready to make sure your beloved suedes look good as new.
Are Suede Shoes Hard to Clean?
Suede shoes can be a little more tricky to clean than other types of footwear, so it’s important to know exactly what you’re doing. Regularly brushing the surface is key for removing any dirt or mud that gets trapped in the suede material, along with protecting against water damage.
Get Your Suede Shoes Professionally Cleaned
If you’re looking for the best results when cleaning your suede shoes, then it may be worth considering using a professional shoe cleaner. Professional shoe cleaners have the experience and knowledge to safely clean your suede shoes without damaging them or discolouring the material.
They will also know what products to use in order to get rid of any stubborn stains that may be present on your shoes. In addition, they can provide advice on how to prevent staining and wear and tear in future, so you can keep your suede footwear looking new for longer. Whether you need to clean suede boots or sneakers, a professional cleaner can help you achieve the best results.
How to Clean Suede Shoes: Step by Step Process
Cleaning suede shoes may take a little patience, but the cleaning process is more simple that you might expect! It’s easy to wash your shoes at home. That being said, we recommend you pull together some supplies to make it easier for you. You can pick up a suede cleaning kit or just pick up what you need.
What you’ll need
- Suede Brush
- Suede Eraser
- Suede Cleaner
- Suede Protectant Spray (Optional)
Directions
- Before you begin, put crumpled paper inside your shoes to help retain its shape. Anything from paper towel, newspaper to computer paper works fine.
- Start by brushing off the surface of your suede shoes with a suede brush, paying special attention to any excess dirt or mud that may be stuck in the texture. Make sure to use light strokes and go with the grain of the material.
- Next, take a suede eraser and gently brush it over any tough stains on your shoes. This should help to lift any dirt or mud that has been ground into the suede material.
- Now it’s time to use a suede cleaner. You can use a spray or cream-based product specifically designed for suede, and apply following the instructions on the bottle. Be sure not to over saturate the leather, as this can cause it to become discoloured.
- Allow the cleaner to dry for a few minutes before using a suede brush and lightly going over the surface once again in a back and forth motion. Be sure to follow your nap’s pattern. You should be able to see an immediate difference in the look and feel of your shoes!
- Allow your shoes to sit overnight and dry completely before wearing them again. Avoid leaving them in direct sunlight as this can damage your shoes.
- Lastly, you may want to consider using a suede protectant spray. This will help to repel water and dirt, giving your shoes added protection against the elements.
And there you have it! After following these simple steps you should be able to get your suede shoes back into tip-top condition with ease. So make sure to take good care of them and they’ll continue to look great for years to come. For more cleaning guides, read our tutorial for cleaning UGG boots!
How to Clean Suede Shoes with Household Products
For times when you’re in a pinch, there are a few household products that you can use to wash suede shoes. Plain white vinegar, for example, is an effective way of removing stubborn dirt and mud from the material. Here’s our tips for cleaning suede shoes at home. For more shoe cleaning tips, read our article on shoe cleaning mistakes to avoid.
White Vinegar or Rubbing Alcohol
Simply mix equal parts white vinegar or rubbing alcohol and water in a bowl and then dip an old toothbrush into the mixture before scrubbing it over the surface of your shoes. This will help to lift dirt and bring a shine back to your suede sneakers.
Baking Soda
You can also use a mixture of baking soda, water, and white vinegar to remove stubborn stains from your suede shoes. Simply mix equal parts of each ingredient together and then apply the paste directly to the stain with an old toothbrush. Allow this to sit for a few minutes before wiping off with a damp soft cloth.
Cornstarch
Finally, you can also use a mixture of cornstarch and warm water to clean your suede shoes. Simply mix the two ingredients together until you form a paste-like consistency, then apply it directly to the stain. Allow this to sit for 15 minutes before wiping off with a damp cloth.
These clever household hacks are great for times when you don’t have the right products to hand. However, we do recommend using specialist cleaning products specifically designed for suede whenever possible as they will be more effective and gentle on the material.
How to Remove Stains on Suede
It can be frustrating when your favourite footwear gets stained, especially suede shoes. Due to the delicate material, it’s important to treat them right away as set in stains are more difficult to remove. To learn more, read our article about removing stains quickly.
Water Stains
For water stains, the first step is to let your shoes dry completely. Once they are fully dry you can use a suede eraser or sandpaper to lightly rub away any discolouration.
If this doesn’t do the trick, then use a spray bottle to lightly spritz water across your shoes surface. Then, use a suede cleaning brush and gently rub. You can blot any excess water with a clean cloth or paper towels, then let dry completely. For more tips, read our guide on what to do when suede gets wet.
Oil or Grease Stains
For oil or grease stains, the key is to use a product specifically designed for suede. Apply a few drops of the cleaning agent directly onto the stain and allow it to sit for 30 minutes before wiping away with a damp cloth.
If you don’t have any specific products available, then try using cornstarch or talcum powder. Simply sprinkle the powder directly onto the stain and let it soak overnight. The powder will absorb any excess oil or grease, allowing you to brush them away in the morning.
Salt Stains
Salt stains are common in winter when snow and slush is kicked up onto your shoes. To remove them, mix equal parts vinegar and warm water in a bowl. Use an old toothbrush to scrub the salt stains before wiping away any excess liquid with a damp cloth. For an in-depth guide, read Shoewash Supreme’s tips and tricks on surviving salt stains.
By following these simple steps you should be able to get your suede shoes back into perfect condition with ease. Remember to always be gentle and use the right cleaning products for best results.
Essential Tips to Keep Your Favourite Suede Shoes Clean and Looking Great
Now that you know how to clean your suede shoes, here are a few tips for keeping them looking their best.
Firstly, make sure to store your shoes in an area that is free from humidity and extreme temperatures. This will help to prevent the material from discolouring.
Secondly, avoid walking in wet or muddy conditions as much as possible. When you wear suede shoes in the rain, they can easily become ruined. If you do need to go out in the rain, use a suede protector on your suede shoes beforehand so that the material is better protected from the elements.
Finally, make sure to clean and treat your shoes regularly. This will help to extend their life-span and keep them looking their best.
Conclusion
Keeping your favourite suede shoes clean and looking great is not as difficult as it may seem. By following the essential tips we’ve outlined in this blog post, you should be able to keep them in perfect condition for years to come.
From using specialist cleaning products designed for suede to avoiding wet or muddy conditions whenever possible, taking proactive steps now will help ensure that your beloved pair of shoes remain beautiful and stylish into the future. Or just skip the headache and try Shoewash Supreme’s cleaning services. Whatever you decide to do, take care of those lovely leather goods! You won’t regret it!
Tags: shoe cleaning
