When it comes to fall dressing, breaking out your favorite suede boots is a time-honored tradition. But knowing how to clean suede shoes? That isn’t always a given. It is, however, a necessary skill. After all, who amongst us hasn’t suffered a sudden suede shoe disaster? You’re walking down the street for an afternoon coffee, when surprise! You’re hit with a splash of something on your favorite suede shoes.
It comes with the season. Cooler days and longer evenings bring puddles hidden under fallen leaves. Random bursts of rain leave mud in their wake. A stranger at a crowded party spills a drink on your feet. Annoying, yes—but no reason to stress: we’ve got all the tips you need to know to transform the mess. Read on to learn how to clean suede shoes, as well as helpful info on how to keep them pristine once you do.
1. Let them dry
Are your suede shoes still wet from the unfortunate puddle you stepped in? Stop. Put the pair of shoes down and let that excess moisture air dry before you pick up any kind of soap or suede eraser. Be sure to avoid drying the shoes under direct sunlight or with heat, as that can cause further damage. Dry time is key, because if your suede shoes are still wet when you start the cleaning process, you’ll just wind up rubbing in more grime.
2. Brush off extra dirt
Once your suede shoes are moisture-free, the first step is to brush away any superficial dirt. We recommend using a suede brush if you have one on hand; otherwise, a fingernail brush, toothbrush, or anything with soft bristles will suffice. A nail file can also work, as long as you operate gently. While brushing, try to follow the grain of the suede with a gentle amount of pressure. Should you encounter unsightly scuff marks, apply elbow grease: brush back and forth with a bit more pressure to agitate the fibers and get those dirt particles moving.
3. Use rubber for tough stains
If you have a suede rubber—also known as a suede eraser—lying at the bottom of an everything drawer, this is its time to shine. If not, you can use a pencil eraser, or any kind of rubber eraser, to rub out stubborn stains or marks that are still catching your eye. Apply additional pressure while attempting to rub out these stains, but don’t go crazy. Rub too hard, and you risk damaging the fabric.
4. Try white vinegar or rubbing alcohol
White vinegar is often regarded as a holy grail household cleanser, for both stains and surfaces. Easily accessible and environmentally conscious, vinegar’s unique acidic makeup is a whizz at breaking down stains. Another readily available household staple that has similar effects is rubbing alcohol. Once you decide which cleaning product to use, dampen a washcloth or flannel and lightly dab the stain. And remember: the operative word is lightly.
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That said, don’t be alarmed if the area you’ve patted turns a darker color. Whether you have bright pink clogs or orange suede boots, the material should return to its original color once it dries. If the stain is still there after air drying, repeat this process carefully until you see improvement. Excess liquid will only do more damage to the shoe (especially if that’s how it got there in the first place), so resist the temptation to soak or dunk your suede footwear in the vinegar or alcohol to speed up the process. Repeated, gentle patting may be slow and tedious, but it will be very worth the effort.
5. Don’t underestimate baking soda, cornstarch, or liquid dish soap for tough stains
You may feel intimidated by oil and grease stains. Conventional wisdom is that these stains are impossible to remove, so hesitation is understandable. But don’t back down from this fight! Products you almost certainly have at home—baking soda, cornstarch, and liquid dish soap—are strong enough to take on these challenging splotches.
When working with baking soda or cornstarch, be sure to do a small patch test in a discreet spot before proceeding. Once you’re ready, amply cover the grease or oil stain with the powder and let it sit overnight before gently scraping it off with a cleaning brush. Either product should help with absorbing the oil and grease, so the more time it sits, the better.
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For grease stains that you’ve just noticed and aren’t sure how old they are, try dish soap. Again, don’t soak the shoe—the rule about excess liquid applies to soap and water, too. Let the soap sit on the stain for about 10 to 15 minutes before gently wiping it with a dampened paper towel or clean cloth. This is also a good trick for salt stains. With salted sidewalks and melting snow, these pesky marks become more common as the season progresses. Mix cold water and a dash of dish soap before dampening a paper towel and patting the stain. Friendly reminder: Pat, don’t rub.
6. Use water to combat water stains
Yes, it is very important not to soak your suede shoes. The principle stands—but when it comes to combating water stains and water spots on suede, sometimes you need to test the limits. Grab an empty (and clean!) spray bottle to lightly spray water on the surface of the shoe. Water is the top reason suede gets ruined, so be careful when spritzing. Exercise restraint! Once spritzed, lightly brush the stain and soak up any excess water with a paper towel or microfiber cloth before letting it air dry.
7. Use a suede protector spray
While not necessary, your future self might thank you for applying a suede protector before facing off with the next stain. Most shoe companies carry suede protectant or waterproofing sprays to help prevent damage to your shoes, so consider making the additional purchase during your next shoe shopping trip.
What not to do when cleaning suede?
As mentioned, it’s important to avoid soaking your suede shoes in water or anything else. If your suede shoes do get soaked, try to absorb as much water as you can with a paper towel or a microfiber cloth. Let the shoes dry completely before handling them or trying to remove any stains. Stuffing your shoes with paper towel or cedar shoe trees may help them dry quicker and help retain the shape. Do not put suede in the washing machine.
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It’s also important to avoid using harsh chemicals or household cleaning products on suede. Shoe polish is another big no-no. And, while a little bit of baking soda can definitely help remove stains, avoid using it in excess as it can be abrasive. A Magic Eraser—which is also primarily made of baking soda—can be super useful for removing stains on suede. However, avoid using it in excess and always be gentle when rubbing anything on suede.
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Another thing to avoid when it comes to suede is heat. Heat can cause suede to shrink, warp, or become otherwise misshapen, so keep your suede shoes away from direct sources of heat. Do not use a hair dryer on suede, do not place suede items in the dryer, and do not set suede items near radiators or heaters to dry.
Can suede get wet?
In a word, no. Water is like kryptonite to suede—it leeches natural oils from the material, which may cause the suede to become stiff or weak. It can also cause shrinkage. Aside from using a light spritz here and there to remove small water stains, it really is best to keep suede away from water as much as possible. Try your best not to wear suede on days where it might rain or drizzle. Don’t wear suede in the snow. If your suede shoes do meet an unfortunate incident with water, try your best to absorb the liquid by dabbing with a towel as quickly as possible and let them air dry naturally.
How to care for suede shoes to keep them in good condition
When it comes to maintaining suede, a little attention goes a long way—and having a few useful tools in your arsenal can make all the difference. Keep a suede brush on hand and brush (dry) suede in the direction of the grain after each wear in order to remove any street grime, dust, or debris. Cedar shoe trees are also helpful for storage; they help maintain the shape of your shoes and absorb any excess moisture from sweat or humidity. If you want to go the extra mile, investing in a good suede cleaner, suede erasers, and a suede protector is also helpful—though you can certainly make do without them by using the alternatives mentioned above.
Above all, if you’re able to keep your suede shoes clean, dry, and supple by avoiding water and brushing them regularly, you’ll enjoy them for seasons to come.
TopicsShoesFall Fashion