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How to clean suede shoes without damaging them

Step-by-step guide to get your shoes back to new

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Overhead image of suede shoes on floor
David Lezcano / Unsplash

No matter the season or occasion, suede shoes offer a unique texture to your looks. Typically, suede shoes are ideal footwear for dressier events, giving you a more luxurious and sophisticated touch. However, despite the event or outfit, suede shoes offer a distinct challenge in keeping them clean. Unlike other materials, keeping your suede shoes clean is a lot more difficult than just dusting off dirt.

Removing scuffs and dirt when suede shoes get dirty can become a hassle, considering how suede fabrics entrap them. For that reason, you’ll want to frequently care for your suede footwear to keep them pristine and in shape for plenty more years. Although it takes a few more steps, cleaning suede isn’t too challenging and is the perfect remedy for stubborn dirt and stains. You can clean any suede footwear from sneakers to boots; however, it’s important to handle it with care as this fabric is easy to mishandle. 

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How to easily clean suede shoes

A pair of hands using a suede brush to clean a suede shoe on the floor.
Pinkyone / Shutterstock

You’ll want to gather the necessary supplies before cleaning your suede footwear. If you’re dusting or brushing off your shoes, you won’t need more than a soft-bristled brush and a suede rubber or eraser. Before you start brushing, ensure your suede shoes are completely dry. Any wet stains or dirt left on the shoes will spread the spot further, making it harder to remove. 

Using your small brush, start dusting away from dirt from the top. Follow the grain using gentle pressure to avoid damaging the fabric. If you encounter stubborn scuff marks, try applying more pressure on the area to see if the dirt will lift. For these stubborn scuff marks, you can use your suede eraser or rubber to attempt to remove the stain. Do not apply too much pressure in one area, as this can damage the fabric even more. Unless you encounter further stains or marks, this is the only care you need to keep suede shoes in great condition. 

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Lifting stubborn stains from suede

Green suede boots in snow
Arūnas Naujokas / Unsplash

If your suede shoes need more care to get back into proper shape, there are ways to lift more stubborn stains and marks.

Vinegar or alcohol

The first method is to use one of two popular household items: white vinegar or rubbing alcohol. Dampen a cloth using one of these two liquids and lightly tap onto the stained area. While this may temporarily darken the fabric, it will return to its normal color once dried. Do not over-dampen the area, as an excess liquid can damage it. If the stain isn’t completely removed, you may repeat the step once dry.

Baking soda, cornstarch, or dish soap

If rubbing alcohol or white vinegar isn’t working, you can also attempt using other household items like baking soda, cornstarch, or dish soap on the area. If you’re using baking soda or cornstarch, cover the area with the powder and leave it sitting overnight. These powders should pick up any oil or grease on the shoe, meaning the longer you leave the powder, the better it should pick it up. The following day, lightly dust off the powder with a brush. If you plan to use dish soap, lightly apply it to the stain and let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes. After this time, wipe off the dish soap with a damp washcloth or paper towel. 

Water

As a last resort, you can also try to remove a stubborn stain off the suede using water. Although a riskier option, water can help loosen trapped dirt or marks, making it easier to brush off. However, if over-dampened, the suede fabric can get ruined. Use a spray bottle to lightly spritz water over the area to avoid damaging the material. Using a brush, gently wipe the area and soak up any excess water with a towel before leaving to dry. 

Caring for your suede shoes

Unlaced suede boots sitting on rock
Elin Tabitha / Unsplash

Regularly cleaning suede shoes is important if you plan to have them look pristine for a longer time. Taking the time to brush off light dirt helps prevent stains and marks from settling into the fabric, giving you an easier time later on.

For those who have a harder time preventing stains or water damage, investing in a suede protector can help keep the footwear in top shape for longer. These suede protectors are typically sold directly from brands or shoe retailers and are easy to apply. In most cases, you can spritz these suede protectors on the shoes and leave them overnight before they are ready to wear. Although suede is a luxurious fabric, it’s a delicate material that easily captures dirt and stains. However, with these quick steps, your shoes can look brand-new for longer.

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Beau Hayhoe
Beau Hayhoe
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Beau Hayhoe is a freelance men's style writer, consultant and PR pro based in Brooklyn. Beau's menswear and gear writing has…
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