Suede shoes are a classic fashion staple—luxurious, stylish, and comfortable.
Don’t despair! With the right tools and technique, you can restore your favorite suede footwear. For those tough jobs, or simply to save time, expert services like Shoe Laundry & Co. are also available to professionally handle the process.
Here is a comprehensive, step-by-step guide on how to clean your suede shoes and keep them looking their best.
The Suede Shoe Cleaning Process
Cleaning suede requires patience and a gentle touch, focusing on lifting dirt rather than rubbing it in.
Step 1: The Initial Dry Clean (Brushing)
The first and most crucial step is to remove any loose dirt, dust, and dried mud.
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Use a Suede Brush: Invest in a dedicated suede brush (often with brass or nylon bristles on one side and a rubber block on the other).
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Brush in One Direction: Gently and consistently brush the entire shoe in one direction (not back and forth). This helps to lift the nap and remove surface debris.
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Target Stubborn Dirt: For hardened dirt or mud, let it dry completely, then use the firmer (brass or nylon) side of the brush to gently break it up and sweep it away.
Step 2: Addressing Scuffs and Marks (The Suede Eraser)
For surface marks, scuffs, and minor stains, a specialized tool is your best bet.
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Use a Suede Eraser: A rubber or crepe suede eraser (often included with a suede brush kit) is designed to gently “erase” marks without damaging the material.
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Gentle Rubbing: Rub the eraser firmly but carefully over the scuff or stain. The friction and rubber will lift the mark from the fibers.
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Re-brush: After erasing, lightly brush the area again to restore the nap.
Step 3: Tackling Wet Stains (The Vinegar Method)
Water is the enemy of suede, often leaving a distinct ring or stain.
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Dampen a Cloth: Lightly dampen a clean cloth or cotton swab with white vinegar. The cloth should be moist, not soaking wet.
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Dab, Don’t Soak: Gently dab the stained area with the vinegar-dampened cloth.
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Brush and Dry: Allow the area to dry completely. As it dries, lightly brush the entire shoe to ensure the nap blends seamlessly.
Step 4: Handling Deep or Greasy Stains (The Powder Method)
Grease, oil, or stubborn food stains require an absorbent approach.
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Apply Absorbent Powder: Immediately sprinkle an absorbent powder, such as cornstarch or baby powder, directly onto the stain. The goal is to draw the oil out of the suede fibers.
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Let it Sit: Leave the powder on the stain for several hours, ideally overnight.
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Brush Off: Once the time is up, gently brush the powder away with your suede brush. Repeat the process if the stain persists.
Step 5: Reviving the Nap (Final Brush)
After any cleaning treatment, the final step is crucial for restoring the suede’s signature look.
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Steam (Optional): If the suede looks flat, you can hold the shoe over a steamer or boiling kettle for a few seconds.
The moisture will help the fibers stand up. Do not let the shoe get wet. -
Final Brushing: Once the shoe is completely dry, use your suede brush to brush the entire surface again in a brisk, back-and-forth motion to achieve a uniform, soft, and velvety texture.
When to Call the Experts: Shoe Laundry & Co.
While DIY cleaning is effective for minor wear, deep cleaning, color restoration, or damage repair are best left to professionals. Services like Shoe Laundry & Co. specialize in rejuvenating all types of footwear, including delicate suede.
Their professional cleaning process includes specialized products and techniques that can safely remove embedded dirt and stubborn stains that home methods can’t touch, all while conditioning the leather base to ensure the suede remains soft and flexible.
You can entrust your favorite pair of suede shoes to their experts at their various branches, including Taguig City, Makati City, Cebu City, and Tarlac City. For a pristine clean that preserves the integrity of your suede, letting the pros handle it is a choice you won’t regret.