How to Clean Suede Shoes and Boots
Suede may absorb moisture well, but water actually embeds the stain further into its fabric and makes removal harder. Instead, try a dry brush and eraser combined with white vinegar or rubbing alcohol (but do not soak your shoes) for effective stain removal.
Home remedies such as cornstarch can help absorb oil and stubborn marks on suede boots. Its absorbency also makes it ideal for eliminating salt stains from suede footwear.
Dishwashing Soap
To maintain regular, everyday clean, apply dishwashing soap to a cloth and gently rub your suede shoes or boots along the grain of their material, taking care not to use brushes or hard bristle objects that might damage it. After your shoes or boots have been thoroughly cleansed, rinse off any residual soap and allow them to air-dry away from direct sunlight or heat – and consider investing in suede protector spray or brush to maintain their brand new appearance.
If a stain on your suede shoes or boots won’t come off with regular cleaning methods, white vinegar might be just what is needed. Simply dampen a microfiber cloth with white vinegar – making sure not to soak the fabric – then gently rub over the stain, allowing it to set for at least 15 minutes and repeat as necessary until stain is removed from shoes or boots. While damp vinegar might temporarily alter their hue, once moisture has dissipated this will return back to its normal state.
Another effective solution for removing stubborn stains from suede is mixing equal parts of rubbing alcohol and hydrogen peroxide in a bowl, then applying with cotton ball directly onto stained areas. Be mindful not to oversaturate fabric as this solution could sit for 10 minutes before being gently rubbed off using soft bristle brush or nail file; additionally a damp cloth may help clean away any residual.
Suede cleaning products can be found in most shoe stores and major retailers; however, you may already possess some of them at home. Laundry detergent, dish soap and vinegar can all be used to successfully clean suede; for bloodstains use hydrogen peroxide and baking soda while for grease spots cornstarch can absorb any extra oil present.
Shaving cream is another household item that can help clean suede shoes effectively. Simply mix some shampoo into water in a bowl, dip your suede brush (or an old toothbrush) into the mixture, and scrub in circular motion over your shoe or boot to remove as much dirt or pomade as possible before rinsing off with clean water and leaving to dry in a safe location without direct sunlight or heat exposure.
White Vinegar
White vinegar can provide an organic, economical, and effective solution for staining suede shoes, helping break down stubborn food or salt stains that brushing or wiping alone cannot remove. Simply pour a small amount on a clean cloth and apply gently over affected areas; be careful not to soak or flood your shoe as this could cause permanent damage! Just dampen rather than submerge it completely – too much moisture could result in permanent waterlogging damage causing irreparable harm.
Baking soda may help loosen any stain on suede shoes and speed their drying time after use, as this method loosens and lifts away stains more efficiently than brushing alone. Prevention is the key when it comes to protecting this delicate material – try wearing them around areas likely to create dirt such as puddles and wearing socks in case they end up getting wet!
Instead of using just white vinegar and rags to clean suede shoes, special suede cleaners may also be available – though you should always read labels carefully as these products could contain chemicals that damage them further.
White spirit can also help tackle greasy marks on suede shoes, unlike water which will stain the material if used carefully. Simply dampen a clean cloth with white spirit and use it to rub over the area affected. For deeper stains you could try rubbing it off using an eraser (available for $8 on Amazon! ) with light pressure while applying pressure. Once complete, brush your shoes to fluff up their nap and eliminate any remaining marks or dirt that remain.
If a tough stain on your suede shoes remains stubbornly intact, consider taking them to a cobbler or leather specialist for professional treatment. They may even be able to use an even more advanced cleaning product without damaging the fabric!
Rubbing Alcohol
When it comes to suede shoes, knowing how best to handle stains can be challenging. While soap and water may appear like the obvious solution, they could actually make things worse by damaging leather fibers. Instead, try reaching for household items which can gently clean suede but powerfully remove stains such as rubbing alcohol, vinegar, or baking soda (all commonly available products).
Moisture is one of the biggest problems when it comes to cleaning suede, so the best way to avoid staining is soaking up any excess liquid before beginning your cleaning process. A lightweight, clean towel or even paper towels work great for this, or stuff your shoes with silica packets for additional absorbing power.
Once the moisture is out, gently use a fresh cloth to blot away any visible debris and marks with fresh cloths. For stubborn marks that remain, repeating this process may be necessary several times until fully removed; be careful not to rub too hard as that could damage fabric fibers and cause further issues.
After waiting several minutes, you can begin drying your shoes. For best results, allow them to air dry instead of using an electrical dryer such as a hairdryer; once dry, brush them vigorously using either a suede eraser or soft brush until their original appearance has been restored.
Rubbing may be your instinctive reaction when trying to remove a stain, but this only spreads it further and does not actually remove it. Therefore, it’s better to blot any marks on suede shoes instead – either using a special suede cleaning kit with brush attachment or just an old toothbrush will do.
Salt from snow and ice melt is another common culprit of suede shoe staining, but you can treat this type of stain using cold water and peroxide. First brush away as much salt from the shoes as possible before using a cotton ball soaked in the mixture to apply pressure directly over affected area; continue this procedure as needed before leaving shoes to air dry fully before wearing again.
Hydrogen Peroxide
As there are various things you can do to maintain the appearance of your suede shoes, it’s essential that they remain at their best. Stains should be avoided at all costs – it might help if you can watch where you walk to avoid spots where there may be spills and mud; also avoid wearing them on rainy days if possible; should stains occur immediately, they should be addressed quickly with cleaning products.
When your shoes become covered in grease or oil, try soaking them in an equal mix of water and dish soap before brushing them to help loosen and dissolve any build-up of grease or oil. Use a soft bristled brush to then use this solution as you would when applying cornstarch directly on stain to absorb grease for several hours before gently scraping away with brush. Alternatively, make a paste out of baking soda and water as an effective grease removal alternative if cornstarch isn’t available – either way should do just as good of job in terms of making any buildup disappear quickly!
Blood stains are a common issue that can be easily addressed using hydrogen peroxide. Simply pour some on a cotton ball and dab at the stain until all evidence of its removal has been eliminated, before leaving your shoe to air-dry naturally afterwards.
Other stains caused by gum or wax require additional steps for removal. Begin by soaking the affected area in water, followed by using suede eraser or brush to scrape it off with suede eraser or suede brush. If that fails, try nail polish remover instead; otherwise use nail polish remover before trying again.
Kiwi Suede Cleaner can also help protect suede shoes. Simply follow the instructions on its package to protect them from further stains, which is particularly helpful if your shoes tend to get dirty more easily. Ideally, using this spray after cleaning them so they will remain protected for as long as possible.
