5 Ultimate Ways to Clean Suede Shoes and Maintain Them Like New

Suede shoes are a timeless fashion choice, but let’s face it—they can be a nightmare to clean. Don’t worry! Here are five foolproof ways to restore your suede shoes to their original charm.

1. Use a Suede Brush

A suede brush is a must-have for cleaning these shoes. It has soft bristles designed specifically for delicate materials.

• How to use it: Gently brush your shoes in the same direction to remove dirt and restore the suede’s texture. Avoid circular motions to prevent damage.

• Pro tip: Brush while the shoes are dry for the best results.

2. Erase Stains with a Suede Eraser

For stubborn marks, a suede eraser works wonders.

• How to use it: Rub the eraser lightly on the stained area. For deeper stains, apply a little extra pressure, but don’t overdo it.

• Bonus tip: If you don’t have a suede eraser, a regular pencil eraser can be a decent substitute.

3. White Vinegar for Tough Stains

White vinegar is a household favorite for tackling tough stains on suede.

• How to use it:

• Dab a cloth in white vinegar (do not soak).
• Gently rub the stained area, allowing the vinegar to break down the dirt.
• Let the shoes dry naturally, then brush them with a suede brush to restore texture. Sometimes, your shoes can get yellow stains after using this technique, and for this, you should know how to Unyellow your white shoes.

4. Cornstarch for Oil Stains

Oil stains on suede can feel like a disaster, but cornstarch can save the day.

• How to use it:

• • Sprinkle cornstarch generously over the oil stain.
• • Let it sit for several hours (overnight if possible).
• • Brush off the powder with a suede brush.

5. Steam Cleaning

Steam cleaning is an effective yet gentle way to remove dirt and freshen up suede shoes.

• How to use it:

• • Hold the shoes near (but not directly over) a pot of steaming water for a few seconds.
• • Once the suede becomes slightly damp, use a suede brush to clean the surface.

• Note: Don’t overexpose the suede to steam, as excessive moisture can damage the fabric.

Maintaining Tips for Suede Shoes

Cleaning is only half the battle. Proper maintenance ensures your suede shoes stay in top-notch condition:

1. Protect with a Suede Protector Spray

Always apply a suede protector spray to shield your shoes from water and stains. Reapply after cleaning or every few months.

2. Store Shoes Properly

Store your suede shoes somewhere dry and cold. To keep them in shape, use shoe trees, and to avoid dust buildup, put them in dust bags.

3. Avoid Water Exposure

Suede and water don’t mix well. If you must wear suede shoes in damp conditions, make sure they are properly treated with a water-repellent spray.

4. Rotate Your Shoes

The same shoes may wear out more quickly if you wear them every day. To make your shoes last longer, rotate them.

5. Clean Regularly

Every few weeks, give your suede shoes a short brush, even if they don’t appear to be dirty. By doing this, filth is kept from penetrating deeply into the fibres.

5 FAQs About Suede Shoe Care

Additional Resources

Here are some great online resources for learning more about suede shoe care:

• “How to Clean Suede Shoes Properly“
• “Suede Shoe Maintenance Tips“
• “Best Suede Shoe Protector Sprays“

Final Thoughts

Suede shoes are a stylish investment that deserves proper care. By following these cleaning methods and maintenance tips, you can keep them looking new for years to come.