Caring for suede, a delicate fabric with a luxurious touch, demands special attention. Explore effective techniques on ‘How to Clean Suede Shoes’ to eliminate dirt, stains, and scuffs, ensuring your suede kicks maintain their pristine appearance. Suede shoes become a must-have during the cooler seasons, providing a blend of style, comfort, and warmth. Nevertheless, the plush nap responsible for suede’s soft and fuzzy texture comes with a downside – it makes the material vulnerable to wear and tear. As you navigate through your day, the unavoidable accumulation of dirt, grime, oils, scuffs, moisture, and salt becomes evident on your suede footwear, especially when worn in less favorable weather conditions.
Required Tools and Materials To Clean Suede Shoes
- Suede brush
- Pencil eraser
- White vinegar
- Rubbing alcohol
- Baking soda
- Suede degreaser
- Paper towels
- Cloth towel
- Hairdryer
- Newspaper
Step-by-Step process to clean Suede Shoes
Setting Up for Cleaning
- Begin with maintaining the shape of your suede shoes using a shoe tree or crumpled newspapers.
- Avoid attempting to clean wet shoes to prevent unintended stains.
Rubbing Away Surface Marks
- Utilize a suede eraser or a clean block eraser to address scuff marks.
- Preserve the delicate fabric by using a gentle back-and-forth motion.
Treating Stubborn Stains
- For persistent stains, an acidic solution such as suede cleaner, white vinegar, or rubbing alcohol is effective.
- Repeat the process until the stain is no longer visible.
Additional Techniques for Specific Stains
- Tailored tips for oil and grease stains, gum or wax residue, blood stains, and more.
Applying Suede Protector Spray
- Emphasize the importance of an additional layer of defense against moisture and stains.
Ensuring Suede Shoes are Dry
- Complete dryness before cleaning is crucial for effective dirt and stain removal.
- Techniques involving paper towels, cloth towels, and hairdryers are elucidated.
Also check: How To Clean White Shoes : 4 Different Ways
How to Remove Stains from Suede Shoes
Dealing with specific stains on suede footwear calls for specialized techniques. Follow these guidelines to effectively eliminate some of the most common stains from your suede shoes and boots.
Dirt or Mud
When tackling dirt or mud on suede shoes, ensure the material is entirely dry. Utilize a suede brush or toothbrush to eliminate as much dirt as possible. If any marks persist, employ a steamer to gently loosen the dirt, then blot with a paper towel or cloth to lift it away. Allow the area to dry.
Oil or Grease
To address oil or grease stains on suede shoes, apply cornstarch to the affected area, letting it absorb the excess grease for a few hours. Delicately scrape off the cornstarch with a brush and repeat as necessary until the stain disappears. For dried grease stains, clean the area with a small amount of dish soap. Let the soap sit on the stain for approximately 10 minutes, then rinse off the soapy residue by blotting with a damp cloth. Avoid soaking suede shoes directly in water.
Salt
Salt stains resulting from snow and ice melt are common during winter when wearing suede shoes or boots outside. Begin by brushing away as much salt as possible. Dip a clean cloth in a mixture of cold water and a small amount of dish soap. Gently blot the stain, refraining from rubbing. Repeat as necessary until the stain vanishes. Let it dry completely.
Water Stains Counterintuitive as it may sound, water can help eliminate water stains on suede shoes. Lightly spritz water across the surface using a spray bottle. Gently brush the surface with a suede brush or toothbrush. Absorb any excess water with a clean cloth or paper towel, then allow it to dry completely. Once dry, apply a suede waterproofing spray ($11, Target) to prevent future water spots.
FAQ’s
Can Suede Shoes Be Washed?
Avoid washing suede shoes in the machine or with soap and water. Suede absorbs water, causing stains. Instead:
- Dry brush for surface dirt.
- Use a rubber eraser for marks.
- Tackle stubborn stains with rubbing alcohol, white vinegar, or suede cleaner.
How do I clean my suede shoes at home?
Wondering how to keep your suede shoes looking sharp? Skip the washing machine, as it’s a no-go for suede. Instead, grab a damp, lint-free cloth or a suede brush. Give your shoes a gentle rub in straight motions, varying directions to effectively remove dirt without pushing it deeper into the fibers.
How can I make my suede look brand new?
Revive your suede with these 6 easy steps:
- Place crumpled paper inside the boots.
- Knock off dirt.
- Use a suede brush to remove grit.
- Rub the boots with a suede eraser.
- Consider white vinegar or rubbing alcohol for stains.
- Smooth out the texture with a razor.
Can I wash suede shoes with soap and water?
In a nutshell, it’s not the best idea. Soap may lead to staining, and suede doesn’t exactly love water. Opt for a suede brush and cleaning kit for a safer approach. In case of surface marks (like a hand sanitizer stain), water might work, but be cautious.
What’s the best homemade suede cleaner?
For a DIY suede cleaner, skip water-based methods. Instead, try white vinegar or rubbing alcohol. Dab a bit on a washcloth, gently rub the stain, and let it dry completely. If the stain vanishes, use a suede brush to restore the texture.
What’s the easiest way to clean suede?
Keep it simple! Skip the water and soap. Instead, use a suede brush or a damp, lint-free cloth. Clean in straight motions, changing directions to effectively remove dirt without pushing it deeper into the suede fibers.