How to Clean Suede Shoes

Suede is a soft, flexible material that’s often used for shoes. A type of leather, it’s naturally porous, which makes it highly breathable and comfortable to wear in all climates. Not only that but there’s little to no break-in period due to how thin the material is.

Compared to other materials, however, suede can be hard to maintain. For one thing, it can easily become scratched or scuffed. It’s also sensitive to water, and will harden if not dried promptly.

Don’t worry, though, you can still clean suede shoes. You just need to be extra careful with what you use and how you do it.

How to Clean Suede Shoes Properly

Before you clean your shoes, make sure they’re completely dry. You don’t want to treat spots or stubborn stains while they’re still wet as that will set them deeper into the suede material, making them harder to remove.

And remember, you should never clean your suede shoes with water.

Step 1: Remove Loose Debris

Using a suede brush, remove any loose dirt or debris from the surface. For the best results, brush in the same direction as the grain.

For set-in particles, move the brush back and forth gently until the particles come out.

Tip: You can remove scuff marks using a suede rubber or suede eraser. Simply rub it back and forth over the spot. Remember to be gentle as you don’t want to damage the material.

Step 2: Apply White Vinegar

Dampen a microfiber cloth with white vinegar and use it to wipe the surface of the shoe, making sure not to soak the surface.

The vinegar will temporarily change the color of the suede while it’s wet but don’t worry, it will go back to its original color once the moisture evaporates.

Once the suede is dry, gently brush the surface a few times using a suede brush to restore its appearance.

Step 3: Apply a Suede Protector Spray

Suede footwear can easily become damaged if it comes into contact with water. The good news is that you can pre-treat them to resist moisture.

To do that, you’ll need a suede shoe protector spray, one that’s specifically designed for suede. It will protect your shoes from water and stains so that they will always look their best.

Depending on the product, you may need to wait several hours in between coats. For the best results, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

How to Remove Tough Stains From Suede Shoes

Different stains have to be treated differently. Here are some tips on how to treat some of the most common stains.

Removing Oil and Grease Stains

Oil and grease stains can be tricky, however, with the right technique, it’s possible to remove them from your shoes.

Start by applying cornstarch to the stained area. Make sure it’s completely covered with the powder and leave it on the suede for a few hours; that will give it time to soak up the excess oils.

Remove the cornstarch afterward using a soft-bristled brush. If the spot is still visible, repeat the steps again.

For oil stains that have already dried, apply a small amount of dish soap to the area and let it sit on the surface for 10-15 minutes, before blotting the material with a clean, damp cloth.

Tip: You can also use baking soda if you don’t have cornstarch.

Removing Mud Stains

When it comes to mud stains, you want to make sure they’re completely dry before trying to remove them. If you rub a mud stain while it’s still wet, it can stain the fibers.

Start by removing as much of the caked-on dirt or mud as possible using an old tooth brush or a suede brush.

If necessary, you can use a steamer on a low setting to gently loosen the mud. Once it’s loosened, blot the surface with a clean soft cloth or paper towel to remove the residue.

Allow the area to completely dry afterward. Do not leave the shoes out in direct sunlight as the sun’s rays will cause the suede to fade.

Removing Salt Stains

Salt stains can be an issue for those who live in colder climates. For example, it’s not uncommon for suede boots to discolor or darken upon contact with salt.

To remove these stains, you want to first brush away as much of the salt as possible. We recommend using an old toothbrush or suede brush.

Next, mix a small amount of dish soap with cold water in a bowl. Dampen a clean cloth or towel with a bit of the mixture and use it to gently blot the stain. Continue until the stain is gone.

Make sure not to rub the area as that can spread the stain further.

Removing Water Stains

The easiest way to remove water stains is to add a bit of water. It might sound counterintuitive, but as long as you don’t add too much (we recommend spritzing the shoes with a spray bottle), it will help the stains come out.

Once the stain is damp, brush the surface with an old toothbrush or suede brush. Then use a paper towel or clean cloth to blot up the excess water.

Tip: We highly recommend applying a suede protectant spray once the shoes are dry to prevent future water stains from developing.

How to Clean Suede Shoes – FAQs

What’s the best way to prevent stains on suede shoes?

We recommend using a protectant spray to protect the shoes from dirt and mud. Also, you should only wear suede shoes when the weather permits; avoid wearing them in the rain or snow as that can lead to staining.

Can you clean suede shoes with rubbing alcohol?

Yes, you can use rubbing alcohol to remove stains from your suede shoes. Simply dampen a microfiber cloth with the liquid and use it to wipe the surface in a circular motion.

Once the suede has dried, you can use a brush to fluff the material to restore its original appearance.

Can I put suede shoes in the washing machine?

No, you should never put your suede footwear in the washing machine. The water and tumbling action will permanently damage the material.

Instead of using the washer, clean the shoes white vinegar or rubbing alcohol using a suede brush or lint-free cloth.

Can I wash suede shoes with soap or detergent?

Generally speaking, you do not want to clean your suede shoes with soap as there’s a chance of staining. The only exception is if you’re dealing with an old grease stain – in that case, you can apply a small amount of dish soap to loosen the oils.