How to Clean Suede Shoes

Many of our favorite shoes are made out of suede, including fashion trainers, ankle boots, Birkenstocks and others. The material is comfortable and sophisticated, but it gets dirty easily.

If suede isn’t cleaned with the proper techniques and products, you might ruin your favorite pair of shoes. So, how do you clean suede shoes the right way?

Why Proper Cleaning Is Essential

As is true with any other pair of shoes in your closet, suede shoes are subject to scuffs and stains. You might step in mud or a rain puddle, or someone might spill something on your shoes. Oil, grease and even salt in the winter months are problematic, too.

Suede’s unique texture and composition makes it a veritable magnet for dirt. The material absorbs moisture and hangs onto stains. When your shoes aren’t cleaned properly, you could actually make the problem worse.

Learning how to clean suede properly enables you to keep your shoes in like-new condition for as long as possible.

Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Suede Shoes

Here are 6 simple steps to clean suede boots, trainers, heels, and sandals quickly and easily:

Step 1: Preparing the Shoes

Before you start cleaning the shoes, ensure that they are completely dry. Wet suede holds onto dirt and grime. If you scrub wet suede, you might work the stain in deeper.

Use a dry towel to soak up moisture on very wet shoes. Then, allow your shoes enough time to completely air dry. Avoid using a hair dryer, sunlight or other heat sources. These drying methods will harden and ruin the suede.

Step 2: Removing Stains with a Suede Eraser

Once your suede shoes are completely dry, use a suede brush or a toothbrush to wipe off loose dirt. Use a gentle motion that moves with the grain of the fabric.

If you are dealing with a tougher stain, wipe the suede with a back-and-forth movement. Scuffs and marks can be removed with a suede eraser or a pencil eraser. You will need to use slightly more pressure with the eraser, but remember that too much pressure will ruin your shoes.

Step 3: Treating Water Stains

Vinegar or rubbing alcohol are effective at treating water stains on suede.

Before applying your preferred product to your suede shoes, test a small, out-of-the-way area to see if damage occurs. You will need to let the shoes dry completely after doing the rest to identify discoloration and other issues.

If you determine that your shoes are safe to clean with vinegar or rubbing alcohol, apply a small amount to a clean microfiber cloth. Rub the stain until it is gone. You may need to let the material dry to determine if the stain is removed. Repeat the process until you can no longer see the stain.

Step 4: Dealing with Oil or Grease Stains

If your suede shoes are stained with oil, grease or another substance that is difficult to remove, blot off as much of the substance as possible.

Sprinkle baking soda generously over the stain. Let the baking soda sit for several hours undisturbed. Then, wipe off the baking soda with a suede brush. If the stain remains, repeat the process.

Step 5: Restoring the Texture of Suede

After the dirt and stains are completely removed from your shoes, give them time to air dry. You will notice that the material appears flat or matted if the shoes have been exposed to moisture. Rest assured that you can restore the soft suede texture.

Using a special suede brush, brush the material gently in the direction of the grain. Too much pressure will damage the material.

Step 6: Protecting Suede Shoes From Future Damage

Most suede shoes are pre-treated by the manufacturer to protect them from damage, but this protectant will wear away over time.

After cleaning and brushing your shoes, apply a special suede protector spray. Follow the product’s instructions carefully. You should also avoid wearing shoes on wet days to minimize future issues.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Cleaning Suede Shoes

The wrong cleaning techniques can damage your suede shoes. What should you not do when cleaning suede?

• Don’t use excess moisture to clean suede.
• Don’t start scrubbing stains while the shoes are still wet.
• Don’t let your shoes dry in sunlight or use a hair dryer. Air drying is best.
• Don’t apply too much pressure when cleaning and brushing suede shoes.
• Don’t forget to test a small area for damage when using a new cleaning method or product. 

How to Store Suede Shoes to Prevent Damage

Suede is damaged by sunlight and moisture, so always store suede shoes in an area that is dry, cool and out of direct sunlight.

Using a shoe tree or tissue paper in the shoes can help them maintain their shape. You can also use a shoe bag to maintain the integrity of your suede shoes. In your closet, leave space between your shoes to promote air circulation.

DIY Cleaning Solutions for Suede Shoes

While there are special suede cleaning products available at local stores and online, you may already have everything that you need to clean your shoes.

Baking soda, for example, can remove grease and oil stains. Vinegar or rubbing alcohol can remove water stains. Instead of buying a suede brush, you can use a clean toothbrush. If you don’t have a suede eraser, you can use a pencil eraser.

Suede is only one of many materials that require special care. You don’t have to risk damaging your home and belongings using the wrong techniques and cleaning products when you let our pros do the work for you. Schedule Cleanzen cleaning and organizing services for your home today.