The Ultimate Guide to Cleaning Suede Shoes: Keep Them Looking Brand New

Introducing the Ultimate Guide to Suede Shoe Care: Transform Your Shoes, Elevate Your Style. Suede shoes are a delicate affair, and one wrong move can lead to disaster. They can quickly become victims of unsightly stains, color fading, and loss of shape if not cared for properly. But fear not, for we are here to guide you through the intricate art of cleaning suede shoes. With our expert advice, you'll master the techniques to transform your shoes and elevate your style game. It's time to embrace the challenge and fall in love with your suede shoes all over again!

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1 What is Suede Leather?

What type of leather is suede made from?

Suede leather is made from the skin of animals such as sheep, cattle, and pigs, but it is made from the reverse side of these leathers and is professionally known as Suede Leather.

The reverse side of the leather will be sanded and polished continuously by craftsmen to increase smoothness and softness. Therefore, when touching the suede fabric, you will feel it as soft as snow, along with very small fuzzy fibers.

Suede is made from the reverse side of animal leather, commonly from sheep, buffalo, and pigskin.

Advantages

  • Suede fabric is durable and has a substantial thickness.
  • It helps keep the body warm.
  • It expresses youthfulness, personality, and elegance for the wearer.
  • The longer it is used, along with proper care and maintenance, the softer and more beautiful suede becomes.
  • It is safe for the wearer’s health, reducing skin irritation.

Suede has high aesthetic value, creating an elegant look for the product.

Disadvantages

  • It is prone to damage due to external factors.
  • It gets dirty quickly and is challenging to clean.
  • Limited elasticity makes suede prone to tearing and damage.
  • It absorbs water well and is sensitive to it, so it is prone to blistering and flaking.
  • Suede is usually more expensive than some other types of leather.

Suede is easily damaged if exposed to water frequently.

Classification of Suede

In the current market, suede is divided into 2 types:

  • Rough-out: The rough side of the leather is exposed outward, while the smooth side is kept inside. This type of leather is considered thick, durable, resistant to friction, and long-lasting. Rough-out leather is quite expensive.
  • Suede: The surface of the leather is sanded and polished to increase softness and sleekness. This type of leather is not thick but looks cool, has a unique personality, and is more affordable than rough-out leather.

There are 2 common types of suede on the market, with different colors, thicknesses, and some basic characteristics.

2 How to Wash Suede Shoes for Each Type of Shoe

Suede Sports Shoes

Preparation: Specialized leather shoe cleaning solution, towel, and soft-bristled brush.

Instructions:

  • Step 1: Use white paper or a shoe tree to stuff inside the shoe. Avoid using newspaper as the ink may affect the color of the suede sports shoes.
  • Step 2: You can mix the shoe cleaning solution at a ratio of 1:5, meaning 1 part detergent (or fabric softener) and 5 parts water. If you are using a specialized leather shoe cleaning solution, skip this step and do not need to mix the solution.
  • Step 3: Dip the brush into the cleaning solution and brush the suede shoes up and down until the stain is removed. You can brush along the fabric’s grain or rotate in a certain direction to effectively remove the stain.
  • Step 4: Use a dry white towel to lightly blot the shoes to absorb water and foam. Then, air-dry the shoes for about 12 hours in a well-ventilated area (you can use a fan), while avoiding damp areas or direct sunlight.

Use a soft-bristled brush to clean suede sports shoes.

Suede Boots

Preparation: Towel, specialized shoe cleaning solution, and brush.

Instructions:

  • For liquid stains: Use a sponge, wooden mold, or crumpled white paper to stuff inside the boot to maintain its shape. Then, use a dry towel to absorb the liquid stain. You can use a specialized shoe cleaning solution to deal with stubborn stains (if any).
  • For dry stains: Use a soft, clean brush to lightly brush the stain. Then, use a towel dampened with a small amount of specialized boot cleaning solution to remove stubborn stains. At this point, just lightly brush with the towel and then wipe again with a clean cloth.

Use a dry towel to clean suede boots.

Black Suede Shoes

Preparation: Soft-bristled brush, specialized shoe cleaning solution, and dry towel.

Instructions:

  • Step 1: Mix the cleaning solution in the same way as for suede sports shoes above. If you are using a specialized cleaning solution, just dampen a cloth with it and scrub the stain on the shoes.
  • Step 2: After removing the stain, use a clean cloth to wipe the entire shoe before air-drying them in a well-ventilated area, avoiding direct sunlight.
Note: Black suede shoes are prone to fading over extended use. You can use dye to improve the appearance of faded areas.

Use a brush to move from the surrounding area to the inside of the black suede shoes.

White Suede Shoes

Preparation: Specialized leather shoe cleaning solution, soft-bristled brush, dry towel, pencil eraser, and shoe protection solution.

Instructions:

  • Step 1: You can use a pencil eraser to remove small and non-stubborn stains.
  • Step 2: For stubborn stains, use a specialized leather shoe cleaning solution, just like the method for cleaning suede sports shoes described above.
  • Step 3: After finishing stain removal, you need to spray the shoe protection solution and then air-dry the shoes in a well-ventilated area as usual.

Spray shoe protection solution on white suede shoes after cleaning.

Faux Suede Shoes

Preparation: Brush, specialized shoe cleaning solution, and dry towel.

Instructions:

  • Step 1: Use a brush to remove dust and dirt from the shoes.
  • Step 2: Dip a cloth into the cleaning solution to remove stains from the shoes. Then, use a dry cloth to wipe the entire shoe before air-drying them in a well-ventilated area, such as in front of a fan.

Use a soft-bristled brush to remove stains from faux suede shoes.

3 How to Wash Suede Shoes for Each Stain Type

Suede Shoes with Dust or Mold Stains

Step 1: Stuff white paper into the shoes to maintain their shape.

Step 2: Use a soft-bristled brush to remove the dirt and brush in the same direction as the fibers on the surface.

Step 3: For stubborn stains, use a rubber eraser instead of a brush to remove them.

Step 4: If your suede shoes have a nap, use a nylon brush to lift the nap. Then, remove the white paper from inside and wear the shoes as usual.

Note:

  • Let the shoes dry before cleaning them.
  • Use suede shoes properly, such as avoiding wearing them in dusty places or in the rain.

Use a rubber eraser or a soft-bristled brush to remove dust or mold stains from suede shoes.

Suede Shoes with Liquid Stains

Step 1: Use a soft cloth to absorb the liquid stain on the shoes.

Step 2: Spray a thin layer of water on the shoes and then use a soft-bristled brush to scrub the surface of the stain. You can clean the stain from the surrounding area to the inside.

Step 3: Use a damp soft cloth to clean the stains.

Step 4: Air-dry the shoes in a well-ventilated area or in front of an electric fan.

Spray water on suede shoes to more easily remove liquid stains.

Suede Shoes with Grease Stains

Step 1: Use a dry cloth or paper towel to absorb the grease on the shoes.

Step 2: You can sprinkle cornstarch on the grease stain and let it sit overnight.

Step 3: Use a soft brush to gently sweep away the cornstarch. Then, you can moisturize the scratch with Vaseline or special shoe polish. Next, use a brush to buff the leather surface.

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Frequently asked questions

Use a suede brush to gently brush the shoes and remove any dirt or debris. For stubborn stains, use a suede eraser or a pencil eraser to rub the stain until it disappears. If your shoes are wet, stuff them with white paper towels and let them air dry away from direct heat. Finally, use a suede protector spray to help repel dirt and stains.

For tough stains, such as oil or grease, sprinkle a generous amount of cornstarch or baby powder on the stain and let it sit for a few hours or overnight. Then, use a suede brush to gently brush away the powder and the stain.

It is recommended to clean your suede shoes regularly, ideally after each wear. This will help to remove any dirt or debris that has accumulated and prevent stains from setting in.

In addition to regular cleaning, there are a few other things you can do to maintain your suede shoes. First, use a suede protector spray to help repel dirt and stains. Second, store your shoes in a cool, dry place and avoid stacking them to prevent creasing. Third, if your shoes become wet, stuff them with paper towels and let them air dry away from direct heat.

It is not recommended to use water to clean suede shoes, as it can cause the suede to become stiff and damaged. Instead, use a suede brush, eraser, and suede protector spray to clean and maintain your shoes.

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