How to clean suede shoes: the right way

Suede shoes might seem a bit impractical at first since they require some special maintenance. However, they are totally worth it! They are extremely versatile, classy, and so in right now! (we also can’t forget how loved they were by Elvis Presley) So to the age-old question “how to clean suede shoes”, we say…easily! With the help of some household products you already have laying in your kitchen and a few tricks we are going to mention, you will never again have to worry about the state of your favorite suede shoes. Continue reading to find out the easiest ways to clean your suedes and some much-needed tips. As a bonus, we are going to show you what are the trendiest suede options for you to rock this season, as well as some high-fashion suede inspiration straight from the runway.

Suede pumps are much more comfortable than traditional leather heels

What is suede?

Suede is a type of leather made from the underside of animal skin, which is a popular material for fashion items such as shoes, accessories, and jackets. It is thinner and much softer than traditional leather, which also makes it not as strong and durable. Suede has a fuzzy matte finish, which feels more like cotton or another plant-based fabric. That is why many people are surprised to hear that suede is derived from animals. Another key characteristic of traditional leather is that it is waterproof, whereas suede is highly permeable, and it tends to stain easily.

Suede is a soft, matte material, commonly used for the production of fashion items

Is suede the same as velvet?

No! Many people confuse suede and velvet since they share some of the same characteristics, like their softness. Velvet, however, is made from both natural and synthetic fibers, and it has higher breathability than suede.

Suede is a more delicate material, so you have to make sure to take proper care of it

Suede details on sneakers have recently been gaining more and more popularity

What is the best way to clean suede shoes?

The million-dollar question! At the end of the day, shoes are shoes, they get dirty, there is no way around it. What’s important is that you remember to be extra careful with your suede babies and never do any puddle jumping.  Some of the most common reasons you might need to clean your suede shoes include things like scuff marks, water stains, and good old dirt. Let’s dive into the different methods of cleaning suede shoes.

Here you can clearly see the places where the suede was most impacted

For dirt and scuff marks

What you will need:

• a suede brush (you can find it in almost any department store, it will change your life!)
• a pencil eraser (you can also buy a special eraser for suede)
• suede protector spray (optional)

Method:

1. First, make sure your shoes are completely dry. Since suede is sensitive to water, it is best to treat scruff and dirt marks while the shoes are dry.
2. Start brushing the shoes to remove the accumulated dirt and dust. Make sure to brush in the same direction, don’t go back and forth.
3. After that, continue the brushing more vigorously for the removal of the scuff marks. This is done because when you scuff your shoe, the suede’s grain gets pressed down into the shoe. You want to lift the grain so that the scuff marks disappear.
4. If the marks go deeper into the shoe and cannot be fixed with the brush, try using a knife to gently lift the grain.
5. Pro-tip: use the pencil eraser to rub away any leftover stubborn marks. Make sure to apply pressure.
6. Finally, spray some suede protector spray to ensure your shoes are protected from any future marks and scuffs.
7. You are done!

You can find special suede cleaning kits in almost any drugstore or department store 

For water stains

What you will need:

• a suede brush (a toothbrush will work as well)
• water
• a dry cloth
• a pair of socks or paper towels (for stuffing)

Method:

Before we dive into the instructions, we have to talk about using water to clean water stains. We said that water is bad for suede, which it is. But used properly and in moderation, water can help clean already existing water stains. Let’s see how:

1. First, start by dipping the suede brush in some water and evenly distributing it in the entire outside of the shoes.
2. Then use the dry cloth to gently soak up all the excess water.
3. Dab until the shoes become evenly wet and there are no visible stains.
4. After that, use paper towels or socks to stuff the inside of the shoe so that it holds its shape while drying.
5. Leave the shoes to air-dry.
6. Finally, after the shoes have dried, use the suede brush to gently brush the shoes and fluff up the grain to its original look.
7. You are done!

Using a nail file is another great hack for shaking out the suede grain

Take a look at this instructional video:

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