How to Clean Suede at Home
Whenever dirt or mud lands on your suede shoes, make sure it’s removed as soon as possible using either a suede brush, nail brush or toothbrush.
If the stain remains stubbornly, use an absorbent cloth (e.g. a bath towel) to dab at it with. Do not rub as this will spread the stain further.
1. Sweep
Suede is an elegant choice for vests, jackets and boots that adds an exquisite finishing touch to casual outfits. Plus it’s less costly than leather! Available in numerous colors and styles. However, many people tend to avoid suede as it may seem difficult to care for; in truth it can easily be cleaned at home using common household products!
As the first step of suede cleaning, using a suede brush will remove dirt and debris trapped beneath its napped texture of fabric. Next, use a pencil eraser to buff away stains or scuff marks without over-rubbing as this could damage fabric fibers. If rubbing too aggressively doesn’t do the trick, try applying cornstarch to absorb oil or grease stains so your shoe looks uniform across its entirety.
Purchase a suede protectant spray that will help to safeguard against future stains and scuffs on the shoes, such as stains or scuffs. Test it on an area before spraying all over. It will darken slightly; but this small sacrifice could keep your shoes looking their best!
Keep your shoes in a cool, dry area containing cedar shoe trees or blank newspaper to maintain their shape and prevent moisture build-up. By being proactive with this simple maintenance of their shoes you will ensure they look their best over time and save both money and time by eliminating professional cleaner visits for dirty shoes when worn down or dirty.
2. Soot Sponge
Suede is another animal hide material made up of soft velvety texture, similar to leather but with more gentle stitching patterns. Due to this softness, suede can become susceptible to oil and water stains as well as abrasions over time; with proper cleaning supplies however you can restore its pristine state once again. Items commonly found around the home such as cornstarch for oil-based spills; commercial glue remover for sticky glue spills and rubbing alcohol are all great solutions when dealing with salt, sweat or water stains on suede!
Regular brushing of suede shoes and boots, particularly after wearing them outdoors or in dirty environments, is key to keeping dirt at bay from becoming lodged between their fibers. As soon as a stain occurs, treatment must take place quickly to stop liquid from seeping into its depths and causing permanent damage.
As a general guideline, soap and water should never be used on suede fabric. Soap may damage its fibers and stiffen them up; cleaners designed specifically for suede are much more effective and safer to use; additionally they may lift stubborn stains that brushes or other household items cannot, like salt residue from snowmelt or mud from footpaths.
When cleaning your shoes, begin by first clearing away excess dirt from affected areas before using paper towels to dry blot them dry. This step is especially essential if there are scuff marks caused by abrasions on your shoe or boot. Next, use a pea-sized drop of the appropriate product on each shoe or boot and rub in circular motions using your fingertips; finally use a dry cloth to wipe away any remaining product before leaving your footwear or boot air-dry.
3. Vinegar
Suede owners know the frustration of sudden rainstorms or salty sidewalk slush being enough to turn pristine shoes into dirty disasters. White vinegar (probably already present in your pantry) is an effective cleaner that can tackle even the toughest suede stains and salt marks, providing relief and aiding removal.
Baking soda is another household essential that works wonders for suede cleaning. Like talcum powder and cornstarch, baking soda helps absorb grease or oil that accumulates on suede shoes’ fabric surfaces – an especially serious issue when wearing suede footwear. Simply sprinkle baking soda onto any spots where there are stains before waiting a few minutes to brush away before brushing away with any brush suitable for suede or an old toothbrush!
If your shoes are particularly susceptible to oil or grease stains, rubbing alcohol could also help. According to Toner, it is essential to immediately clean up spills or stains so they do not set in. Also, placing them in a cool and dry environment will keep them from setting in even further.
For regular maintenance, Toner suggests keeping a suede brush at hand and giving your shoes or boots a quick light brush before wearing them in the morning. It will go a long way toward maintaining their appearance! You could also consider investing in suede protectant spray to further guard your shoes from staining or marks; just follow label instructions carefully and do a spot test first to be safe.
4. Baking Soda
Washing suede may seem like the quickest and easiest solution, but using ordinary soap and water could damage its fabric and ruin its nap. Instead, invest in products designed specifically for suede cleaning such as leather cleaners (available at shoe stores or major retailers). If severe damage has been done to the suede garment or accessory, professional dry cleaners who specialize in suede garments/accessories may help restore it back to its original state.
Most suede shoes come pre-treated to resist stains and moisture damage, but adding extra protection never hurts. Consider investing in a waterproof suede protector spray specifically formulated to be safe for leather fabrics – simply spray on an even coat over the fabric following its instructions on the label.
Cleaning dark suede items with baking soda, an everyday pantry item, can also be an effective solution. Simply apply a generous layer of the powder directly on any spots with brush strokes until rubbed in and allow it to sit for about 15 minutes before gently brushing it away for a fresher and cleaner appearance. Baking soda’s absorbency of dirt makes for easier maintenance in future cleaning sessions!
Pencil erasers ($4, Amazon) or block erasers can also be used to gently remove light marks and scuffs on suede; just be careful not to damage its material! For more stubborn spots, an emery board nail file from Target ($2) could provide an efficient solution.
If a light mark or scuff remains visible after trying these solutions, try applying an oil-absorbing product such as cornstarch. Other alternatives could be commercial glue remover and/or rubbing alcohol (but be cautious before testing both solutions on small areas of your shoe first).
5. Peroxide
We’ve all been there: You get yourself a great new pair of suede shoes or boots, proudly show them off, only for some mischievous seagull to drop some salty crud on your toes. If left unattended, these stains could set in and ruin the overall appearance of your shoe or boot if left alone for too long. Luckily, cleaning this mess up doesn’t require special tools: white vinegar or isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol, baking soda, flannel face cloth, suede brush/nail brush combination and rubber eraser are among many commonly found around your home.
Crawled-in oil or grease stains on suede can be difficult to eradicate. For the tougher spots, sprinkle a generous amount of cornstarch on it before leaving it sit for several hours before brushing it away using your suede brush – repeat this procedure until all marks have vanished from view.
Water stains are another frequent challenge for suede owners, yet often among the easiest stains to get rid of. If the stain isn’t too widespread, first brush gently in one direction with a suede brush or eraser (don’t scrub!) until any visible stain has vanished from view. If that fails, try dipping a flannel cloth in vinegar or isopropyl alcohol (without completely submerging it!) before wiping away marks with it.
Consider investing in a waterproofing product designed specifically for suede shoes or boots to provide long-term protection from water damage while maintaining style. Just be sure to test any waterproofing solutions on an inconspicuous area first before applying it directly onto clothing, bags or shoes.
