How to Clean Suede Shoes at Home

Hey there, friends! Have you ever gone out in your favorite suede shoes and stepped in the mud or got wet in the rain? When you come home, your shoes are already dirty and your mood is at the bottom of the barrel. Don’t worry, today we will talk about how to easily clean your suede shoes at home, restore their original charm, so that you never worry about the “mud crisis”!

Step 1: Check your shoes to determine the level of cleanliness

First, pick up your suede shoes and carefully inspect the uppers. You should know that suede is a very delicate material, so it’s important to know how dirty it is before you clean it. Is there light dust on the surface, or are there already stubborn stains? This step will help you determine the difficulty of the cleaning and the tools needed.

Step 2: Gently Remove Dust with a Suede Brush

You will need a specialized suede brush, preferably one with soft bristles. If you don’t have one, try using a clean toothbrush instead. When brushing, press the brush gently against the shoe, don’t press too hard, lest you damage the suede fibers.

Caution! The brush should preferably be dry, avoid using a wet brush, so as to avoid moisture seeping into the upper, leading to deformation or discoloration of the shoes.

Step 3: Tackle stubborn stains

If there are stains on your shoes, don’t throw them away in a hurry. We have tips to make it easy for you!

Remove stains with an eraser: this method is simple and effective! Directly using the suede shoes special eraser, gently rub the stained area, the stain will disappear without a trace. Remember not to use too much force to avoid rubbing the upper.

Clean with white vinegar: White vinegar is also a good helper for suede cleaning! Pour a small amount of white vinegar onto a damp cloth and gently rub the stain. White vinegar will remove the stain without damaging the suede. But be careful not to overdo it by pouring vinegar directly onto your shoes.

Use baking soda to remove grease stains: If there are grease stains on your shoes, try sprinkling some baking soda on them, letting them sit for 10 minutes, and then gently brushing them off with a brush. The baking soda will absorb the oil stains and restore the cleanliness and texture of your shoes.

Step 4: Remove moisture and restore shape

If your suede shoes accidentally get wet with water, don’t rush to wear them yet. Wet shoes may be deformed, so we have to let them dry completely first. You can stuff the shoes with newspaper or paper towels to soak up the excess moisture while keeping the original shape of the shoes.

Tip: Do not use a hair dryer or powerful heating source to speed up the drying process. High temperatures can cause the suede to harden and even crack, which is not worth the effort.

Step 5: Apply Suede Treatment Spray

After your shoes are clean, remember to use a suede conditioning spray. Not only will it protect your shoes from water and stains, but it will also keep the upper smooth and soft, extending the life of your shoes. Choose a spray designed for suede, keep a certain distance when spraying and cover the surface of the shoes evenly.

Step 6: Regular maintenance, so that the shoes are always new!

With the cleaning method, the next step is regular maintenance! Suede shoes are not as easy to care for as leather shoes, but with regular cleaning and care, they can still look great for a long time. Every once in a while, use a brush to gently brush the dust and give your shoes a “clean maintenance” to prevent stains from building up.

Rain and mud are what suede shoes fear most, so try to avoid wearing them in rainy or muddy places. If you must wear them, consider using a waterproof spray as a precautionary measure.

I hope today’s share is helpful to you! Don’t forget to let me know in the comment section if you have other great tips for cleaning your shoes too!