How to Clean Suede Shoes

How to Clean Suede Shoes

How to clean suede shoes

Are you excited to break out your warm suede shoes for the fall season? For a special event, how about stepping into those gorgeous suede dress shoes? Suede is a popular material for both women’s and men’s footwear since it is robust and long-lasting, as well as breathable and comfortable to the touch. It also maintains heat like leather that’s why there are so many suede boots and booties for the fall and winter seasons. Suede, on the other hand, isn’t as durable as leather and is more prone to filth and stains from everyday use.

What are suede shoes?

Suede shoes are made from the undersides of hides from animals such as lambs, pigs, cows, deer, goats, and others. Suede is a softer, more porous material formed from deeper layers of the skin found inside an animal’s body, as opposed to leather, which is made from the skin’s outer layer. Leather has a buttery, glossy appearance and is smooth and tough. Suede, on the other hand, has a fuzzy or nappy finish that allows the material to retain heat. While both fabrics are tough, suede is a little more fragile and prone to absorbing liquids and staining.

A liquid that would normally roll off a leather shoe can sink into suede. Suede is a beautiful material that looks sophisticated and fashionable. The leather, on the other hand, is quite sensitive and can easily be soiled or marked. As a result, maintaining the appearance of your suede shoes can be difficult. It’s foolish to spend money on a wonderful pair of shoes only to keep them in the box, which is why learning how to clean suede shoes is critical. With these helpful tips and tactics, we can help you keep your favorite suede shoes looking as good as new.

Suede shoes should be cleaned regularly

Let’s start with the fact that the suede used to make your shoes is most likely not the same as the suede utilized to make suede clothes. If you have suede hanging in your closet, you can wash it or take it to the dry cleaners according to the instructions on the tag. That’s because suede fabric isn’t the same as suede leather, which is used to produce high-quality shoes. If you want to learn how to clean suede shoes on your own, keep reading.

Purchase a suede-cleaning brush

First and foremost: You can clean your suede without a suede-cleaning brush, but it’s generally a better idea to invest in one. An old toothbrush or any form of soft-bristled brush can suffice if you’re in a hurry. Because even a small amount of moisture can permanently discolour suede, make sure your boots are totally dry before brushing them.

Before cleaning, stuff it with crumpled paper.

Okay, this is more of a pre-step, but it’s still necessary in the “how-to” of cleaning suede shoes. Put enough crumpled paper (like a newspaper or used computer paper) inside the shoes before you start cleaning them to retain their natural form while you work on them. This will help to toughen up suede’s naturally soft substance, making it easier to clear the tougher stains.

Use white vinegar to get rid of particularly tenacious dirt.

If you have any harsher stains on your shoes, such as salt, food, or alcohol, use a clean cloth and a little white vinegar to gently wipe the damaged areas. First, apply the vinegar to the affected area and allow it to dry. Finally, use a suede brush to remove any stubborn spots.

An eraser can be used to remove stains.

Brushing and cleaning the shoes down does not always erase all of the marks. If you detect any stains, get a suede eraser and carefully rub away any water, oil, or grease with it. Rub gently at first, increasing pressure as needed for stubborn stains.

If a suede eraser isn’t available, a pencil eraser will suffice.

Using a clean bath towel, rub the surface of your shoes

After using your suede-cleaning brush to remove excess dirt clumps, gently massage the shoes with a clean, dry bath towel. Wipe them down to eliminate any hidden layers of dust, grime, and so on. Always wipe against the grain and avoid strong back-and-forth motions.

Special stains can be removed

  • With a nail brush, remove oil or “unknown” stains. Scrub the stain with a suede brush as if it were a scuff. After that, scrub stubborn stains with warm water and a nail brush. If the oil is still wet, some people recommend cornstarch for oil stains. Sprinkle it on top of the stain and set it aside overnight. Brush away the starch the next day and spray the stain with an iron.

Allow time for the muck to dry before cleaning.

Wipe away any excess muck with a soft cloth, being careful not to scratch the suede, and then hang your shoes to dry in the sun. You should be able to break off the larger portions with your hands once the mud has solidified. After that, break off any leftover dirt particles with a suede brush. Freeze your shoes to remove wax and chewing gum stains. Put your shoes in the freezer for a few hours if they get gum adhered to them. The gum will finally harden to the point where it may be chipped away in huge chunks. Apply a suede brush to the final step.

Before the ink dries, get to it with sandpaper.

If you spill ink on your sneakers, hastily dab it up with a towel. Scrape the stain off with sandpaper if it settles. In these grave conditions, a cotton ball soaked in rubbing alcohol can also aid.

 

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