How to Clean Suede Shoes
Suede and suede shoes are versatile, elegant, and often super comfortable.
However, what we don't like is that they (inevitably) get dirty and need cleaning. You'd be forgiven if you thought your dirty suede was a lost cause. After all, how do you clean something that you can't even get wet? But fear not because there is a way to clean your suede shoes and save them from all kinds of dirt.
Even better, the trick to cleaning suede shoes is actually pretty simple, and it uses everyday household items, which means you don't need to shell out for some fancy equipment (although a suede brush and some suede protectors might be good investment).
All you need: an eraser or eraser, some white vinegar, a flannel or washcloth, a suede brush or nail brush, and some suede protector (if you have one).
Here are four easy steps to quickly and effectively clean suede and suede textile (fabric) boots, sneakers, heels and sandals:
1. Use a suede brush first to remove excess dirt and grit from the surface of the shoe
2. Next, use the Eraser/Eraser to try and move the remaining traces
3. If the stain still won't move, try white vinegar
Scroll down for full instructions, including materials and in-depth guides for each step
what do you need:
Suede Brush/Nail Brush
white vinegar
flannel or face towel
Eraser/Eraser
illustrate:
1. First use a suede brush to remove excess dirt and grit from the surface of the shoe
If you don't have a suede brush, a clean nail brush or toothbrush will do. Begin by sweeping the surface of the shoe to remove loose particles and grit. When brushing your teeth, remember to brush against the grain (aka, the same direction that the suede will naturally lay).
For more stubborn marks, like scuff marks, apply more pressure and move the brush back and forth quickly to help lift the flattened suede fibers to further aid in cleaning.
If the dirt is still wet, wipe off the excess and let dry before removing particles with a brush. If you try to clean a stain that's still wet, it will usually push the particles deeper into the suede, making it harder to remove in the long run.
2. Next, use the rubber to try to move the remaining
traces of the first. Think of this as a slightly more aggressive method of removing wear marks by using constant back and forth pressure to help remove any excess particles. If after a while you think it's still not working, don't push it - you don't want to push too hard on the suede and risk damaging the shoe.
3. If the stain remains, try white vinegar or rubbing alcohol
While it might seem counterintuitive to use liquids like white vinegar and rubbing alcohol, their acidic content means they're actually pretty good at breaking down clumps of particles—exactly what you want to clean.
Dip a corner of the flannel/face wash into a small bowl of vinegar or rubbing alcohol (be careful not to wet the entire cloth) before applying the stain, and rub it back and forth into the suede. The goal here is to wet the suede, not soak it.
Continue working on the mark and reapply the vinegar/alcohol if necessary to effectively remove the stain. The key to this step is repetition and patience. While both liquids have their own smell, it will fade over time.
NOTE: Vinegar and alcohol will temporarily wet the suede, changing the color of the fabric, then evaporate and return the fabric to its original color. You may need to use more than one application to determine if the stain has been removed properly.
