How To Clean Shoes With Suede?

Written ByKevin K. Shaw Last Updated on: Shoes
How To Clean Shoes With Suede?

Suede is a delicate material that can be easily damaged by water and harsh chemicals. Therefore, it is important to clean suede shoes carefully and gently. Here are the steps on how to clean suede shoes:

  1. Remove any loose dirt or debris. Use a soft brush to brush away any dirt, dust, or sand that is loose on the surface of the shoes.
  2. Use a suede eraser. A suede eraser is a rubber tool that can be used to remove light stains and scuffs from suede. Rub the eraser gently over the stain or scuff in a circular motion.
  3. Apply a suede protector. A suede protector will help to repel water and dirt, making it easier to clean your shoes in the future. Apply the protector according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

If you have a stubborn stain that cannot be removed with a suede eraser, you can try using a suede cleaning solution. However, it is important to test the solution in an inconspicuous area of the shoe first to make sure it does not damage the suede.

Here are some additional tips for cleaning suede shoes:

  • Avoid getting suede wet. If your shoes do get wet, dry them immediately with a soft cloth.
  • Do not use harsh chemicals to clean suede. These chemicals can damage the material.
  • Store suede shoes in a cool, dry place. This will help to prevent them from getting damaged.

By following these tips, you can keep your suede shoes looking their best for years to come.

What are the essential supplies needed to clean suede shoes?

The essential supplies needed to clean suede shoes are:

  • A suede brush: A soft-bristled brush is used to remove dirt, dust, and debris from the surface of the suede.
  • A suede eraser: A rubber tool that can be used to remove light stains and scuffs from suede.
  • A suede cleaning solution: A specialized product that can be used to remove stubborn stains from suede.
  • A soft cloth: A lint-free cloth is used to apply the cleaning solution and to buff the suede after it has been cleaned.
  • White vinegar or rubbing alcohol: These can be used as a substitute for suede cleaning solution in a pinch.
  • Hydrogen peroxide: This can be used to remove stubborn stains, but it should be used with caution as it can discolor the suede.
  • Cornflour: This can be used to absorb oil and grease stains.
  • Suede protector: This product can be used to protect suede from water and dirt, making it easier to clean in the future.

It is important to note that not all suede cleaning products are created equal. It is best to choose a product that is specifically designed for suede and that has been tested to be safe for the material.

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Can you explain the step-by-step process of cleaning suede shoes?

Here are the step-by-step instructions on how to clean suede shoes:

  1. Prepare your supplies. Gather the following supplies:
    • A suede brush
    • A suede eraser
    • A suede cleaning solution (optional)
    • A soft cloth
    • White vinegar or rubbing alcohol (optional)
    • Hydrogen peroxide (optional)
    • Cornflour (optional)
    • Suede protector
  2. Remove any loose dirt or debris. Use a suede brush to brush away any dirt, dust, or sand that is loose on the surface of the shoes.
  3. Treat any stains. If there are any stains on the shoes, you can try to remove them using a suede eraser, a suede cleaning solution, or a combination of both.
    • For light stains, use a suede eraser to rub the stain in a circular motion.
    • For more stubborn stains, you can use a suede cleaning solution. Apply the solution to a soft cloth and rub it over the stain. Be careful not to rub too hard, as this can damage the suede.
    • If the stain is still visible after using a suede eraser or cleaning solution, you can try using hydrogen peroxide. Apply the hydrogen peroxide to a cotton ball and dab it on the stain. Be sure to test the hydrogen peroxide in an inconspicuous area of the shoe first to make sure it does not discolor the suede.
    • For oil or grease stains, you can try using cornflour. Sprinkle the cornflour on the stain and let it sit for 30 minutes. Then, brush the cornflour away.
  4. Apply a suede protector. Once the shoes are clean, apply a suede protector to help protect them from water and dirt in the future.
  5. Let the shoes dry completely. Allow the shoes to dry completely in a cool, dry place.

By following these steps, you can clean your suede shoes and keep them looking their best for years to come.

Are there any specific precautions to take when cleaning suede to avoid damage?

Yes, there are a few specific precautions you should take when cleaning suede to avoid damaging it:

  • Do not use water. Water can damage the nap of the suede, making it look dull and matte. If your suede shoes get wet, blot them dry with a soft cloth as soon as possible.
  • Do not use harsh chemicals. Harsh chemicals, such as bleach or ammonia, can also damage suede. If you need to use a cleaning solution, choose one that is specifically designed for suede.
  • Be careful not to rub too hard. Rubbing too hard can damage the nap of the suede, making it look fuzzy. Instead, use a soft brush or eraser to gently remove dirt and stains.
  • Let the suede dry completely before applying a suede protector. Suede protectors help to repel water and dirt, but they can also damage the suede if they are applied to wet shoes.
  • Store suede shoes in a cool, dry place. This will help to prevent them from getting damaged.

By following these precautions, you can clean your suede shoes without damaging them.

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What should be done if suede shoes have stubborn stains or scuffs?


If your suede shoes have stubborn stains or scuffs, you can try the following methods to remove them:

  • Suede eraser: A suede eraser is a rubber tool that can be used to remove light stains and scuffs from suede. Rub the eraser in a circular motion over the stain until it is gone.
  • Suede cleaning solution: A suede cleaning solution is a specialized product that can be used to remove stubborn stains from suede. Apply the solution to a soft cloth and rub it over the stain. Be careful not to rub too hard.
  • White vinegar: White vinegar is a natural cleaning agent that can be used to remove stains from suede. Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spray the solution on the stain and let it sit for 15 minutes. Then, blot the area with a clean cloth.
  • Rubbing alcohol: Rubbing alcohol is another natural cleaning agent that can be used to remove stains from suede. Apply the rubbing alcohol to a cotton ball and dab it on the stain. Be sure to test the rubbing alcohol in an inconspicuous area of the shoe first to make sure it does not discolor the suede.
  • Cornflour: Cornflour can be used to absorb oil and grease stains from suede. Sprinkle the cornflour on the stain and let it sit for 30 minutes. Then, brush the cornflour away.
  • Suede shampoo: Suede shampoo is a more powerful cleaning solution that can be used to remove deeper stains from suede. Apply the shampoo according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

If you have tried all of these methods and the stain is still visible, you may need to take your shoes to a professional cleaner.

Is there a recommended frequency for cleaning suede shoes to maintain their condition?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the frequency of cleaning suede shoes will vary depending on how often you wear them and the conditions you expose them to. However, a good rule of thumb is to clean suede shoes every few weeks or so, or more often if they get dirty or wet.

Here are some factors to consider when determining how often to clean your suede shoes:

  • How often you wear them: If you wear your suede shoes every day, you will need to clean them more often than if you only wear them occasionally.
  • The conditions you expose them to: If you live in a rainy or snowy climate, you will need to clean your suede shoes more often than if you live in a dry climate.
  • The type of activities you do in them: If you wear your suede shoes for outdoor activities, such as hiking or walking, you will need to clean them more often than if you only wear them for indoor activities.

If you are unsure how often to clean your suede shoes, it is always best to err on the side of caution and clean them more often. This will help to prevent dirt and stains from building up and damaging the suede.

Here are some tips for cleaning suede shoes:

  • Use a suede brush: A suede brush is the best tool for removing dirt and dust from suede shoes. Brush the shoes in the direction of the nap to prevent the fibers from becoming damaged.
  • Use a suede eraser: A suede eraser can be used to remove light stains and scuffs from suede shoes. Rub the eraser in a circular motion over the stain until it is gone.
  • Use a suede cleaning solution: A suede cleaning solution can be used to remove stubborn stains from suede shoes. Apply the solution to a soft cloth and rub it over the stain. Be careful not to rub too hard.
  • Apply a suede protector: A suede protector can help to protect suede shoes from water and dirt. Apply the protector according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

By following these tips, you can keep your suede shoes looking their best for years to come.

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Kevin K. Shaw is a fashion blogger who loves all things related to style, beauty and culture. He has been blogging for years now and he takes pride in his work.