The ultimate guide to cleaning suede shoes at home
“How do you clean suede shoes?” If you’re asking that question, know you’re definitely not alone in it. Suede shoes are made up of a soft and beautifully delicate type of hide that’s stylish, comfortable and flexible. The downside is that it’s all-too-easy to scuff, mark and soil.Made from the underside of animal hide instead of the tougher, hardier topside, you may think you need to wear suede shoes on sunny days only and store them in waterproof containers, but that’s not the case. Like durable leather boots, all they need is a little bit of love to keep them in top shape.
What do I need to clean suede?
As with all good things, prevention is the best course of action. Before modelling your shoes outside for the first time, be sure to use a suede protector spray or conditioner to add an extra defence against scratches and dirt.When your shoes have seen a bit of wear, however, it’s good news – cleaning is simple and you don’t need any fancy equipment.
● Suede brush, soft cloth or clean toothbrush; for dirt and grit
● Suede cleaner, white vinegar or rubbing alcohol; for overall cleaning
● Corn starch; for tackling grease or oil
● Pencil eraser or suede eraser; for scuffs and scratches
● Suede protector spray; for finishing and sealing
The best way to clean stains
Suede shoes may be attractive and fashionable, but they need regular upkeep to keep them in top condition. So if you’ve stepped in a puddle, trampled through mud or got a little overzealous with a burger, here’s a few things you can do to tackle tricky stains.Water spots – If you notice dark droplets on your shoes, you can use a suede brush to spot treat the area before it fully dries and use a paper towel to blot up any excess. Or, if you have an existing stain, you can dab it with a damp cloth and then use your brush to gently buff the stain away.
Mud/Dirt – When it comes to dirt or mud, the first thing you want to do is let it dry completely. Then, move your suede brush in one direction to gently rub at the dirt. Keep on going until all the dirt has come away.
Oil/Grease – Use a paper towel to dab up what you can if the stain is still wet, first and foremost. Then, cover the stain with corn starch for at least an hour, carefully brushing the excess powder away after the time is up.
How to remove mould from suede
As suede is much more porous than other types of leather, it’s susceptible to absorbing moisture. If your shoes are left wet for lengthy periods of time, or generally unused without treatment, they can end up developing mould and mildew. But, if you see dark spots, don’t worry. There’s an easy fix.This is where white vinegar or rubbing alcohol will be your best friend. Firstly, mask up to avoid breathing in any nasty mould spores. Then, give your shoes a quick vacuum and clean them with a suede brush or toothbrush (remember to wash your brush afterwards to avoid spreading any mould). Prepare the affected area with a little bit of petroleum jelly and let that sit for 10-20 minutes – remember to always spot test your shoes first to see if your shoes are compatible.
Whether you’re using white vinegar or rubbing alcohol, mix one part of your chosen substance with one part water, then use a clean cloth or cotton ball to rub at the affected patches until the stain is gone. Give it one last brush and leave it to air dry before protecting/sealing it.
Removing scuff marks
Scuffing your suede shoes is annoying, but, thankfully, it’s not the end of the world. Whether you have a suede eraser or even just a clean pencil eraser, rub back and forth along the mark. You’ll want to apply a little more pressure than previous cleaning methods, but not too hard or you’ll risk damaging the fibres. If the mark still isn’t budging, you may have to try a deeper clean.Does nubuck protector and Scotchgard work?
Though nubuck is a hardier type of leather than suede, the same sort of protection can be applied across leather, nubuck and suede fabric. Using sprays like Scotchgard before wearing your shoes outside, and treating them frequently thereafter, is the best thing you can do to keep shoes in perfect condition and reduce the likelihood of water and salt stains.Does vinegar clean suede?
Vinegar can help shift trickier stains like mould, but with a big caveat – not all vinegars can be used. White vinegar is the only sort you should consider to avoid further staining, and you should always spot test the material before using it in your cleaning routine.FAQs
Can you wear suede shoes in the rain?
If it’s raining outside or you know it’s on the forecast, your smartest choice is to pick out another pair entirely. But, if you find yourself caught out by a sudden downpour, don’t fret – suede shoes can stand up against a bit of water. The important part is how you’ll take care of them once you’re back home.Grab a towel and blot as much of the water off your shoes as possible, as soon as possible. Then, once you’ve soaked up the worst of it, give the suede a quick brush (with a suede brush, toothbrush, or any soft-bristle brush), and dry with a hairdryer. The key thing here is that you don’t want them to dry on their own.