Suede shoes are stylish but can be tricky to maintain. To clean suede shoes properly, you’ll need a suede brush, an eraser, and some white vinegar. Stains and dirt can be removed effectively with these simple tools.
It’s important to use gentle strokes with the brush to avoid damaging the material. For more stubborn marks, a bit of white vinegar can work wonders. Always let the shoes dry naturally.
Taking time to care for new suede shoes right from the start will keep them looking fresh. Regular brushing and immediate spot cleaning are key to their longevity.
Understanding Suede
Suede is a unique material that offers a soft and velvety texture, often used in footwear. Knowing what sets suede apart from leather helps in proper care and maintenance.
Characteristics of Suede
Suede is made from the underside of animal hides, usually sheep, goats, or calves. This gives it a napped finish that feels soft to the touch. Key traits of suede include its porous nature and flexibility. These traits make suede shoes comfortable but also prone to stains and scuffs.
Suede has a matte appearance, different from the shiny look of polished leather. Its texture allows for more breathability, making it a popular choice for casual and dress shoes. Due to its softness, suede often molds better to the shape of the foot over time.
Differentiating Between Suede and Leather
Leather is made from the outer side of animal hides, giving it a more durable and less porous surface. This makes leather shoes sturdier and more water-resistant compared to suede shoes. Leather is often polished and treated, offering a shinier finish that seems more formal.
Suede’s unique texture can be identified by its napped surface, while leather is smoother. Leather also feels tougher and less flexible than suede. The cleaning methods for leather and suede are different due to their distinct properties. Knowing these differences helps in choosing the right care techniques to extend the life of suede footwear.
Pre-Cleaning Preparation
Prepare to clean suede shoes by gathering the right tools and checking if the shoe color will bleed when cleaned.
Assembling Cleaning Tools
To clean suede shoes, you need a few essential tools. Get a suede brush to lift dirt and revive the texture. A suede eraser is useful for removing stains and marks. You’ll also need a soft cloth—preferably microfiber—for general cleaning.
A bottle of suede protector will help protect the shoes after cleaning. White vinegar is handy for tougher stains, while a blow dryer can help dry the shoes faster after cleaning. Make sure the dryer is set to cool to avoid damaging the suede. Have everything within reach before starting.
| Cleaning Tools | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Suede Brush | Lifting dirt, reviving texture |
| Suede Eraser | Removing stains and marks |
| Microfiber Cloth | General cleaning |
| Suede Protector | Protecting shoes after cleaning |
| White Vinegar | Cleaning tougher stains |
| Blow Dryer (Cool) | Drying shoes faster |
Testing for Colorfastness
Check if the suede color will bleed when cleaned. Choose a hidden spot on the shoe. Use the suede brush or a soft cloth to apply a small amount of white vinegar. Wait a few minutes and then check the cloth for any color.
If no color comes off, it’s safe to proceed. If color does bleed, take extra care. Test areas like under the shoelaces or near the heel. Always inspect thoroughly. This step ensures that you don’t ruin the shoes during cleaning.
The Cleaning Process
Cleaning suede shoes requires careful steps to remove dirt, water stains, and oil spots while preserving the material. Each method addresses specific types of dirt and stains.
Removing Surface Dirt and Stains
Begin with a suede brush. Brush the shoes gently to remove surface dirt and dust. Use short, gentle strokes. For scuffs, apply a suede eraser or a clean pencil eraser to rub the area lightly.
For small stains, a white cloth dipped in white vinegar or rubbing alcohol works well. Dab the stained area gently, then let it dry. After drying, brush the suede to restore texture.
Dealing With Moisture and Water Stains
Let wet shoes air dry naturally. Avoid heat sources like radiators. Once dry, brush the shoes with a suede brush to lift the nap.
For water stains, mix a small amount of dish soap with water. Dip a clean cloth in the solution and apply it to the stained area. Blot with a paper towel to absorb excess moisture. Allow it to dry, then brush.
Addressing Oil and Stubborn Stains
For oil stains, sprinkle cornstarch or baking soda on the area. Let it sit for several hours or overnight. These powders absorb oils. Brush off the powder with a suede brush.
If the stain persists, use a suede cleaner. Apply the solution with a clean cloth, following the product’s instructions. After cleaning, let the shoes dry naturally and brush to restore their appearance.
Post-Cleaning Care and Maintenance
Caring for suede shoes doesn’t end with cleaning. Ensuring they dry properly and taking steps to protect them can extend their lifespan.
Drying and Final Touches
After cleaning, drying suede shoes correctly is crucial to avoid damage. Always let shoes air dry at room temperature. Avoid using direct heat sources like heaters or hairdryers as they can cause the suede to stiffen and crack.
Stuffing the shoes with paper towels can help maintain their shape and absorb moisture. If possible, use shoe trees to preserve form. Gently brush the suede with a soft cloth afterward to restore the nap. Check for any stubborn stains that need extra attention with a suede eraser.
Leaving shoes in direct sunlight is harmful because it can fade the color. Regular care like this keeps the suede looking new and fresh.
Protective Measures and Storage
To protect suede shoes from future stains and damage, apply a suede protector spray regularly. This spray acts as a barrier against water and excess moisture, especially important before winter or during the rainy season.
Keep suede shoes waterproof by reapplying a waterproofing spray after each cleaning. For added protection, consider using a suede protectant or leather conditioner recommended for suede materials. These products can minimize wear and tear from regular use.
Store suede shoes in a cool, dry place. Use shoe trees if available to help maintain shape. Avoid crowded spaces where the shoes might get scuffed or squished. Proper storage and protection can significantly extend the life of your suede shoes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Cleaning suede shoes can be tricky, but there are simple ways to remove stains, use household products, and make them look new again. Some methods work better for different colors like white or black suede.
What is the best method to remove stains from suede shoes?
To remove stains from suede shoes, use a suede brush or a clean, dry cloth to gently scrub the stained area. For tougher stains, consider using a white vinegar solution or a suede eraser.
How can you clean suede shoes using household products?
Household products like white vinegar and baking soda can be effective for cleaning suede shoes. Apply a small amount of white vinegar to a cloth and gently rub the stained area. Baking soda can help with oil stains when sprinkled and left to sit before brushing off.
Is there a way to make suede shoes look new again?
To rejuvenate suede shoes, use a suede brush to lift the nap and remove embedded dirt. A suede protector spray can also help restore their appearance and provide future protection.
Can you safely clean suede shoes with soap and water?
Soap and water are not recommended for suede shoes as they can leave water marks and damage the material. Instead, use a suede cleaner or other recommended cleaning agents for suede.
What are the steps to clean white suede shoes effectively?
For white suede shoes, use a suede brush to remove loose dirt. Then, apply a mixture of water and white vinegar with a sponge, blotting gently. Avoid rubbing too hard to prevent discoloration.
How should you approach cleaning black suede shoes to maintain their color?
When cleaning black suede shoes, a special suede cleaner designed for dark colors is ideal. Use a suede brush to remove dirt, and clean gently with the suede cleaner to avoid fading. Finish with a suede protectant spray to keep the color vibrant.
