How to clean suede shoes and restore them to near spotless with these experts tips

Suede is a gorgeously soft and supple material, known for its luxurious finish and signature texture. What it's also known for, however, is how difficult it is to clean.

As suede can be damaged by water, it's no surprise that suede shoes can be tricky to keep spotless and stain-free. But, armed with the right tools, you will be able to avoid the risk of water marks, brittleness and even bald spots, cleaning experts assure.

Here we spoke to the pros for their cleaning tips on dealing with suede – so you can keep your shoes looking their best without any stress.

How to clean suede shoes

You will need:

• A suede brush: such as the bestselling Sof Sole Suede and Nubuck Brush with Cleaning Eraser available at Walmart
• A suede eraser such as the Shacke suede and leather 4-way tool on Amazon
• White vinegar or rubbing alcohol
• A soft cloth: such as the MR.SIGA Microfiber Cleaning Cloth available at Amazon

Step 1: Brush

First things first, much like when washing shoes in a washing machine, use a brush to remove any dust or debris clinging to the fibers. It's best to use a suede brush, but an old soft toothbrush will do the trick in a pinch.

Karina Toner, operations manager at Spekless, advises, 'Begin by using a suede brush to gently brush away surface dirt. Start by brushing in one consistent direction, which helps lift away dust and minor particles. For deeper stains, brush back and forth with more pressure, paying attention to avoid causing fraying.'

Using a brush to clean suede fabric is effective, as it maintains the texture and removes dirt before it becomes ingrained, explains Toner. 'Brushing in one direction prevents roughing up the texture (or the nap), preserving suede's smooth finish,' she adds.

All prices right at time of publication.

Step 2: Follow up with an eraser

Next, use a suede eraser, such as the Sof Sole Suede and Nubuck Cleaning Brush Kit for Shoes available at Amazon to remove marks.

Forrest Webber, founder of Bear Brothers Cleaning and The Trade Table, says, 'For those small scuffs and mystery stains, use an eraser with gentle circular motions. Take it slow and easy until the stains gone.'

You can use a regular stationery eraser, but make sure it's clean beforehand, warns Webber. 'There's no sense in swapping one stain for another,' he adds, which is one of the golden rules for stain removal.

Step 3: Spot treat stubborn stains

There are so many things you can clean with vinegar around the home, and it's also a great, affordable and eco-friendly cleaning agent for tackling suede.

Cleaning expert Webber explains, 'This might seem strange, but trust me: dab a cloth in some white vinegar or rubbing alcohol (such as the Equate 70% Isopropyl Alcohol Antiseptic available at Walmart), then gently blot those stubborn stains. This will keep your suede from getting waterlogged.'

If vinegar or cleaning with rubbing alcohol isn't enough, you may need to utilize a commercial product. These are specifically formulated for suede, and work well to lift deeper, more stubborn stains without using excessive moisture which may lead to damage.

Cleaning pro Toner says, 'For deeper, or oil-based stains, apply a suede-specific cleaner sparingly on a cloth and dab onto the stained area, avoiding over-saturation. For best results, apply gentle pressure and avoid spreading the stain.

'This method won't cause damage to the nap or create lasting watermarks, which can happen with traditional cleaning products.'

In either case, after spot-cleaning, blot your shoes with a dry cloth and leave to air-dry completely before moving onto the next step.

Step 4: Brush again to raise the nap

Once your shoes again, use your suede brush once more to raise the nap and give them back that signature, soft texture.

Cleaning pro Webber says, 'Now that everything's dry, brush again to revive the suede's natural texture. Feel free to brush in different directions – those fibers deserve a little lift.'

This will also help to conceal any light wear, like balding spots or matting, and give the shoes a more polished look. For an extra boost, cleaning expert Toner recommends using your best steam cleaner from a distance, to slightly moisten the nap before giving it a brush. 'This trick can make the fibers more pliable and easier to lift,' she says, but ensure you stay well back when doing so, and don't over-wet your shoes.

'This process gives the shoes a renewed, fresh appearance, and ensures the softness suede is known for,' she adds.

Then, optionally you can apply a suede protector, such as the KIWI Suede & Nubuck Waterproofer Spray available at Walmart, to protect against future stains.

'Like a fabulous coat of hair spray, a suede protector can keep your shoes cleaner for longer,' says Webber. 'Spray lightly, let it dry, and voilà! Your shoes are now dressed for whatever adventure (or puddle) lies ahead.'

Hold the can about six to eight inches away, to prevent oversaturation, and repeat if desired. This will form an invisible barrier on the shoe to help repel dirt, moisture and stains.

FAQs

Can you wash suede with soap and water?

Unfortunately, suede is very much one of the things you shouldn't clean with soap, as it will damage them irreparably. Therefore, they're also one of the things to never put in the washing machine. Instead, stick to a suede brush and gentle cleaning agent for the best results.

How do you fix suede after getting wet?

if you've been caught out in the rain in your suede shoes or jacket, when drying them never use excessive heat, from a hairdryer or radiator, for example.

Simply make use of the benefits of air-drying, before fluffing them up with a suede brush once completely dry.

Next, learn how to wash sneakers the right way – to keep your shoe collection in tip-top condition.