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 buffed and polished by craftsmen to increase smoothness and softness. Therefore, when touching the suede fabric, you will feel it as soft as snow, along with very fine fluff.
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 the 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 from 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 peeling.
- Suede is usually more expensive than some other types of leather.
Suede is easily damaged if exposed to water frequently.
Suede Classification
In the current market, suede is divided into 2 types:
- Rough-out: The rough side of the leather is exposed on the outside, while the smooth side is kept on the inside. This type of leather is considered thick, durable, abrasion-resistant, and long-lasting. Rough-out leather is quite expensive.
- Suede: The surface of the leather is buffed and polished to increase softness and sleekness. This type of leather is not thick but looks cool, has a personality, and is more affordable than rough-out leather.
There are 2 common types of suede on the market, differing in color, thickness, 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 the inside of 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 in an up and down motion until the stain is removed. You can brush along the fabric’s grain or rotate in a fixed direction to effectively remove the stain.
- Step 4: Use a dry white towel to lightly dab the shoes to absorb the 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 towel.
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 similarly to the method for suede sports shoes mentioned above. If you are using a specialized cleaning solution, simply dampen a cloth with it and scrub the stain on the shoes.
- Step 2: After removing the stain, use a clean towel to wipe the entire shoe before air-drying them in a well-ventilated area, avoiding direct sunlight.
Use a brush to move from the surrounding area to the inside of 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, you can use a specialized leather shoe cleaning solution, similar to the method for suede sports shoes mentioned above.
- Step 3: After removing the stains, 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 towel 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
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 piece of rubber to rub the stain instead of a brush.
Step 4: If your suede shoes have a nap, use a nylon brush to lift the nap. Then, remove the white paper from the inside and use the shoes as usual.
- Let the shoes dry before cleaning.
- Use suede shoes properly, such as avoiding wearing them in dusty places or in the rain.
Use a piece of rubber or a soft-bristled brush to remove stains from suede shoes with dust or mold.
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 moisten the scratch with Vaseline or specialized shoe polish. Next, use a brush to buff the leather surface.
15 Tips to Keep Your Shoes Fresh and Shiny Like New
Feeling more confident in your steps? Keep your shoes looking their best and feel great while wearing them with these simple tips. Shine up your new shoes to bring out their full potential and enjoy the freshest look.
Tips on Maintaining Suede Shoes’ Shape When Washing
Is your beloved pair of suede shoes starting to look old and worn? Let Điện máy XANH show you how to care for your footwear with an easy-to-follow guide on how to effectively clean suede shoes!
