Learning how to clean suede shoes doesn't have to be difficult. With a few household items and the right technique you can bring your kicks back to life without breaking the bank or making a special trip to the cleaners.
The truth is, knowing how to clean suede shoes is a skill every shoe lover needs in their back pocket. This is especially true when you're investing in quality footwear that needs to last.
What Makes Suede Different?
Suede isn't your regular leather. It's got a soft, velvety texture because it's made from the underside of animal hide.
This makes it way more delicate and honestly more temperamental than your average sneaker material. Water is basically suede's kryptonite and can leave permanent stains, make the material stiff, or even cause shrinkage.
What is the Best Way to Clean Suede Shoes at Home?
The best way to tackle how to clean suede shoes starts with patience.
First rule: never clean wet suede. If your shoes are soaked, stuff them with newspaper or paper towels and let them air dry completely.
Here's what you'll need from around the house to get the job done:
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An old toothbrush or suede brush
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A clean pencil eraser
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White vinegar or rubbing alcohol
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Baking soda or cornstarch if you're dealing with oil stains.
See? Nothing fancy. Just stuff you probably already have.
Your Step-by-Step Cleaning Process
Step 1: Brush Away the Surface Dirt
Take your suede brush or clean toothbrush and gently work on the surface dirt. You want to brush in the direction of the suede's grain and not against it.
For scuff marks you can brush back and forth with a bit more pressure. This step alone can work miracles on how to clean suede shoes that just have everyday street grime.
Step 2: Tackle Scuffs with Rubber
Got marks that won't budge with brushing? Time to bring out the eraser.
A suede eraser works best but a clean pencil eraser will do the job just fine. Apply steady pressure and rub back and forth over the stain.
Don’t go crazy. Too much pressure can damage the suede fibers and nobody wants that.
Step 3: Address Stubborn Stains
For the really stubborn spots it's time to get serious about how to clean suede shoes with what you've got at home. But what household items can clean suede shoes when you have stubborn stains?
White vinegar is your secret weapon. Dampen (don't soak) a clean cloth with white vinegar and gently dab the stain.
The area might look darker at first, but don't panic. That's normal and the color should return once it dries completely.
For oil or grease stains, cover the spot with baking soda or cornstarch and let it sit overnight. These powders will absorb the oil and make it easier to brush away in the morning. This method shows you how to clean suede shoes even when dealing with the trickiest stains.
How To Clean Suede Shoes at Home Without a Suede Cleaner?
Sometimes you have to fight water with water. Lightly spray the entire shoe with clean water from a spray bottle then brush gently and let it air dry.
Salt stains from winter sidewalks? Mix a tiny bit of dish soap with cold water, dampen a paper towel and pat (don't rub) the stain.
The key to mastering how to clean suede shoes? Knowing when to pat and when to brush.
How Do You Clean Suede Shoes Without Ruining Them?
The biggest mistakes people make? Soaking their suede shoes in water, throwing them in the washing machine, or using harsh chemicals.
Also, keep suede away from hair dryers, radiators, or by the heater to "dry faster." Heat will shrink and warp your shoes faster than you can say "ruined."
Shoe polish is another no-go. It'll just make a bigger mess and potentially stain your suede permanently.
Professional-Grade Options That Won't Break the Bank
Household items work great for how to clean suede shoes. But sometimes you want something made specifically for the job.
The SofSole Suede & Nubuck Cleaning Kit – budget-friendly option gives you professional-grade tools without the professional price tag. For those who want versatility the Jason Markk Quick Clean Kit – works on suede, canvas & nubuck.
Prevention & Maintenance Tips
Regular care beats emergency cleaning every time. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:
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Brush your suede shoes after each wear to prevent dirt from settling in.
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Invest in a suede protectant spray.
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Store your suede shoes properly with cedar shoe trees or newspaper stuffing to maintain their shape.
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Save suede for dry days when possible.
Keep Your Suede Game Strong
Learning how to clean suede shoes is about more than just maintenance. It’s about respecting your investment and keeping your style fresh.
At WSS, we believe great shoes deserve great care, and that care doesn't have to be complicated or expensive. Your neighborhood shoe store has your back with quality suede options that are built to last when you treat them right.
Ready to step up your suede game? Visit WSS and let us help you find your next pair of suede favorites that keep you looking fresh no matter what the world throws at you.
