How to Keep Your Suede Shoes Looking Fresh
Suede shoes are a stylish choice for any wardrobe, but they can be tricky to maintain. The soft, velvety texture of suede makes it more prone to stains, scuffs, and dirt than other types of leather.
If you want to keep your suede shoes looking fresh, it's important to know how to clean them properly.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about caring for your suede footwear, so they remain in tip-top shape for as long as possible.
Understanding Suede and Why It Needs Special Care
Suede is a type of leather made from the underside of animal hide, which gives it that characteristic soft and fuzzy texture. However, this unique texture also makes suede more delicate than traditional leather. Water and dirt can easily cause stains or damage if not treated properly.
Suede also tends to absorb liquids and marks more quickly, which is why it’s essential to use the right techniques to clean and care for it.
Before you dive into cleaning, it’s important to assess the condition of your shoes. Are there dust, dirt, or scuff marks? Identifying the type of dirt on your suede shoes will help you choose the most effective cleaning method.
Essential Tools You Need to Clean Your Shoes
You don’t need anything too fancy, but having the right supplies can make a big difference:
- Suede brush: Specially designed with soft bristles to clean without damaging the material.
- Suede eraser: Great for removing scuffs and stains.
- White cloth or towel: For blotting and absorbing moisture.
- White vinegar or rubbing alcohol: Perfect for tackling tougher stains.
- Paper towels or shoe trees: To help maintain the shape of your shoes while they dry.
- Protective suede spray: After cleaning, this will help guard your shoes from future dirt and water damage.
Each of these tools serves a specific purpose, and together they ensure your shoes remain clean and undamaged during the process.
How to Remove Dirt and Dust
The first step in cleaning suede shoes is to remove any loose dirt or dust. This is the simplest part of the process but is also crucial in maintaining the appearance of your shoes.
- Brush your shoes gently: Using a suede brush, gently brush your shoes to lift dirt and dust. Always brush in the same direction to avoid damaging the nap (the soft, fuzzy surface of the suede). This will also help restore the texture of your shoes.
- Use a clean cloth for loose dirt: If the brush isn’t enough, you can also use a soft, white cloth to gently rub the surface and remove any extra debris.
This process alone can dramatically improve the appearance of your shoes, making them look fresh and clean again.
Removing Stains
Stains are inevitable, especially with suede, but with the right method, most can be removed without a trace.
- Blot, don’t rub: If your suede shoes get wet or stained by a liquid, immediately blot the spot with a clean white cloth or paper towel. Do not rub the area, as this can push the liquid deeper into the suede.
- Use white vinegar or rubbing alcohol: For more stubborn stains, use white vinegar or rubbing alcohol. These liquids won’t damage the suede-like water can. Dampen a soft cloth with either vinegar or alcohol and gently rub the stained area. Allow the shoes to air dry completely, and then use your suede brush to restore the texture.
- Tackle oil stains with cornstarch: Oil stains can be particularly tough on suede. Sprinkle a bit of cornstarch or baking soda on the affected area and let it sit overnight. The powder will absorb the oil, and you can brush it off in the morning.
- Suede eraser for scuffs and marks: For scuff marks or light stains, a suede eraser can work wonders. Simply rub the eraser on the stained area to lift the mark. After using the eraser, brush the area to restore the texture.
How to Remove Water Stains
Though suede and water don’t mix well, it’s possible to remove water stains if they happen. Here's how:
- Even out the stain: Surprisingly, the best way to remove a water stain is to use more water—but in a controlled way. Lightly dampen the entire area of the shoe with a small amount of water using a soft cloth or sponge. Be careful not to soak the suede.
- Blot excess moisture: Use a clean towel to blot the shoes and remove excess moisture.
- Allow them to air dry: Insert paper towels or shoe trees into the shoes to help them maintain their shape while drying. Leave them in a well-ventilated area, but avoid direct sunlight or heat, which can warp the suede.
- Brush the suede after drying: Once the shoes are completely dry, use your suede brush to gently lift and restore the nap.
How to Protect Your Suede Shoes After Cleaning
Once your shoes are clean and dry, the final step is to protect them from future damage. Applying a protective suede spray is the best way to ensure your shoes remain stain-free and resistant to water.
- Choose the right spray: Make sure the protective spray is designed specifically for suede.
- Apply in a well-ventilated area: Lightly mist the shoes with the spray, holding the bottle about 6 inches away. Apply evenly across the entire shoe.
- Let it dry: Allow the spray to fully dry before wearing your shoes. This may take a few hours, so it’s best to apply the spray in advance of when you plan to wear the shoes.
By regularly using a protective spray, you can help extend the life of your suede shoes and keep them looking fresh with minimal cleaning required.7
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even with the best intentions, it’s easy to make mistakes when cleaning suede shoes. Here are some of the most common errors and how to avoid them:
- Don’t use water unless necessary: Water can easily damage suede, so avoid using it unless you’re dealing with a water stain. Instead, stick to vinegar or rubbing alcohol for most stains.
- Avoid harsh scrubbing: Be gentle when brushing your shoes. Scrubbing too hard can damage the delicate fibers of the suede.
- Don’t use household cleaners: Standard cleaners or detergents are too harsh for suede and can leave behind stains or discoloration. Always stick to products specifically made for suede.
- Don’t dry suede in direct heat: Whether from a radiator or direct sunlight, heat can shrink and warp the suede. Always allow your shoes to air dry naturally in a cool, shaded area.
By avoiding these common mistakes, you’ll ensure that your suede shoes stay in great condition for longer.
How Often Should You Clean Them?
Maintaining your suede shoes doesn’t mean cleaning them after every wear. Depending on how often you use them, you can get away with cleaning suede shoes once every couple of months. However, it’s important to brush your shoes regularly to remove dirt and dust, which can accumulate quickly.
If you wear your suede shoes often in environments prone to spills or dirt, consider applying a protective spray more frequently to keep them safe from potential stains.
Conclusion
Cleaning suede shoes may seem intimidating, but with the right tools and techniques, it’s easier than you think. By regularly brushing and using gentle cleaning methods like vinegar and cornstarch, you can keep your suede shoes looking stylish and fresh. With the added protection of a suede spray, your shoes will stay in top condition, ready for any occasion. Just remember to be gentle, avoid water, and take your time—your suede shoes will thank you!
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Last update on 2024-12-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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