If you’ve been Googling “How to clean suede shoes” you’re not alone.
Besides causing commuting nightmares and skyrocketing our energy bills, the frigid temps and recent snowfall have likely led to some sartorial casualties. Namely, the ruining of our favourite suede shoes.
Puddles, muddy sidewalks, wet escalators—water in general is kryptonite to suede and this is prime season when our suede pieces are getting hit the hardest. As beautiful as suede pieces are, they’re also incredibly delicate and prone to stains. Hands up if you, too, have splashed some coffee and marked your fave suede booties (ouch).
Christian Vierig
Raimonda Kulikauskiene
If you, like us, have recently ruined some lovely footwear, and are wondering how to clean suede shoes, you’re in luck. We’ve rounded up some expert tips on how to clean suede shoes, what to do when the damage has been done and how to prevent it from happening again to make cleaning suede shoes a breeze.
“Suede is a material that, with the right care, can develop character and last a lifetime,” Frej Lewenhaupt, co-founder and CPO at Scandinavian clothing care brand Steamery.
Edward Berthelot
Here’s how to clean your suede shoes
1.Let Them Dry
So you’ve just gotten splash-back from a car speedy through a puddle. Now get somewhere dry and let your suede shoes air dry. Don’t attempt to speed up the process with sunlight or a hairdryer as that can cause more unwanted damage. Messing with the shoe while it’s still damp can work the stain deeper into the material and make it harder to remove. “Should your shoes get wet, remember to blot gently with a dry towel and let it air dry naturally,” says Frej. “Suede benefits from regular brushing rather than conditioning like leather.”
2. Brush
Use a suede brush or an old toothbrush to remove loose dirt and debris, anything with soft bristles could work. Be sure to brush in the same direction as the pattern or grain. If it requires a little more elbow grease, a gentle back-and-forth motion could help but the keyword here is gentle!
3. Use An Eraser
Got a pretty tough stain? A suede eraser could be the answer, or you could even use a simple pencil eraser to spot clean. Rub the eraser back and forth over the mark but again, don’t be too aggressive as it could cause irreparable damage to the leather.
4. Clean With Vinegar
What can’t vinegar clean? For even more stubborn stains, turn to this trusty household product known for its ability to break down oils and stains. Use a microfibre cloth and gently dab some white vinegar on the stain. Do not soak the surface, only use tiny amounts on the stain where needed. Rubbing alcohol could be a good alternative if you don’t have vinegar lying around.
5. Clean With Cornstarch
If you’re pretty sure the stain is coming from grease or oil, you can also try another common household product: cornstarch. Cover the grease or oil stain with the powder and let it sit overnight which should help with absorbing the stain, and then gently brush it off the next day.
Let’s be honest, prevention is the best way to keep your suede shoes from getting ruined, so here’s a friendly reminder to get that protective leather spray and get spraying before wearing them out next, rain or shine. But there are also a few things to keep in mind for your suede boots to stay in good shape. “Storage is crucial,” says Frej. “Suede should be kept in a cool, dry environment, away from direct sunlight, which can fade colours and dry out the material.”
