How to Clean Suede Shoes and Remove Stains

Are you a shoe enthusiast who loves collecting and flaunting stylish footwear? If so, you understand the importance of keeping your shoes in pristine condition. With their luxurious texture and elegant appeal, Suede shoes require special care to maintain their beauty. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the process of cleaning suede shoes, removing stubborn stains, restoring their original charm, and tackling scuffs. With our expert tips and recommendations, you’ll be able to preserve the lifespan and allure of your suede footwear.

Understanding Suede: A Brief Introduction

Suede is a delicate and velvety material that requires specialised attention to maintain its softness and beauty. The suede is made from the inner layer of animal hide, which is known for its luxurious feel and unique texture. However, it is prone to staining and damage if not properly cared for. This section will provide you with a basic understanding of suede and its characteristics.

Tools and Products for Suede Care

You’ll need a few essential tools and products to effectively clean suede shoes. These items will help you in the cleaning process and ensure the longevity of your suede footwear. Here are the must-have tools and products for suede care:

Suede Brush with Metal Bristles: This specialised brush helps restore the suede’s nap and remove dirt and debris.
Gummy Wrasers: These erasers are excellent for removing scuffs and light stains from suede.
Suede and Nubuck Shampoo: A high-quality suede shampoo is essential for deep cleaning and tackling stubborn stains.
Clean Towel: A soft towel is crucial for blotting excess moisture and cleaning the shoes.
Paper or newspaper: These absorbent materials aid in drying the shoes after cleaning.
Waterproofing Spray: To protect your suede shoes from water damage and stains, invest in a reliable waterproofing spray.

Routine Maintenance: Brushing and Erasing

Regular brushing and erasing are the foundation of suede shoe care. This simple routine helps remove surface dirt and debris, keeping your shoes looking fresh. Follow these steps for routine maintenance:

Take your suede brush and gently brush the shoes in one direction to lift the nap and remove loose dirt. Avoid applying excessive pressure to prevent damaging the suede.
Use the gummy eraser to remove scuffs and light stains. Rub the eraser gently over the affected areas in a circular motion until the stains start to fade away.
After brushing and erasing, use a clean towel to wipe off any residue or excess debris.

Deep Cleaning with Suede Shampoo

Sometimes, routine maintenance may not be sufficient to remove deeply embedded stains or restore heavily soiled suede shoes. In such cases, suede shampoo is the key to deep cleaning. Follow these steps to clean suede shoes using suede shampoo and vinegar effectively:

Mix the suede shampoo with water according to the instructions on the product label. Generally, a ratio of two parts water to one part shampoo is recommended.
Dip the provided brush or a soft brush into the shampoo-water mixture. Ensure the brush is damp but not excessively wet.
Gently work the lather into the stained or soiled areas using circular motions. Take care not to oversaturate the suede.
For overall cleaning, apply the shampoo to the entire shoe, working it into the suede with the brush. This helps maintain uniformity and prevents uneven discolouration.
Once the shampoo has been applied, rinse the shoes thoroughly with clean water. You can either rinse them under a faucet or clean them with a damp cloth. Ensure all the shampoo is removed.
Blot the shoes with a clean towel to remove excess moisture. Avoid rubbing, as it can damage the suede.

Removing Stubborn Stains

Stubborn stains can be a nuisance regarding suede shoes. However, you can effectively tackle even the most persistent marks with the right techniques. Here’s how to remove common stains from suede shoes:

Oil and Grease Stains: Sprinkle a small amount of cornstarch or talcum powder over the stained area. Allow it to sit for a few hours or overnight to absorb the oil. Then, gently brush off the powder and follow the routine cleaning steps.
Water Stains: Lightly dampen the entire shoe with clean water using a sponge or cloth. This prevents water rings from forming. Let the shoe air dry naturally, away from direct heat sources. Once dry, brush the shoes to restore the suede’s texture.
Ink Stains: Apply a small amount of rubbing alcohol to a clean cloth or cotton ball. Gently dab the stained area, being careful not to spread the ink. Continue until the stain fades, and then follow the routine cleaning steps.

Restoring Suede Shoes

Over time, suede shoes may lose their original charm and appear flattened or worn. Fortunately, there are methods to restore their lush texture and revive their appearance. Start by brushing the shoes with a suede brush to lift the nap and remove surface dirt. Hold the shoes over steam for a few seconds using a steamer or a boiling kettle. This helps relax the suede fibres. After steaming, brush the shoes again with the suede brush, this time using quick back-and-forth motions. This action helps restore the suede’s texture and brings back its original allure.

Waterproofing Suede Shoes

Protecting your suede shoes from water damage is crucial to maintain their longevity and appearance. Waterproofing sprays provide an invisible shield that repels water and prevents stains. Follow these steps to waterproof your suede shoes:

Ensure the shoes are clean and dry before applying the waterproofing spray.
Hold the spray can approximately 6 inches away from the shoes and evenly coat the suede surface, covering the entire shoe.
Pay extra attention to the welt line and other areas prone to water penetration.
Allow the shoes to dry naturally for the recommended duration specified on the spray can.

Popular Protein Brands at Ubuy Store

At Ubuy Store, we understand the importance of quality products for maintaining your suede shoes. Here are some popular brands available at our store:

Jason Markk

Jason Markk is a renowned sneaker community brand known for its high-quality sneaker cleaning products. They offer a range of cleaning solutions, brushes, and kits specifically designed to keep your sneakers looking fresh and clean. With their effective formulas and easy-to-use tools, Jason Markk has become a go-to brand for sneaker enthusiasts.

Crep Protect

Crep Protect is another popular brand that specialises in sneaker cleaning and protection. They offer a variety of cleaning sprays, wipes, and kits that help remove dirt, stains, and scuffs from sneakers. Crep Protect’s products are known for their strong cleaning power and their ability to restore the original look of sneakers. They also provide protective sprays to repel water, preventing damage from rain or spills.

Reshoevn8r

Reshoevn8r is a trusted brand among sneakerheads for its comprehensive range of sneaker cleaning products. Their product lineup includes cleaning solutions, brushes, and kits that cater to different materials and types of sneakers. Reshoevn8r’s products are known for their effectiveness in removing tough stains and restoring the appearance of sneakers. They also offer accessories like sneaker laundry bags to facilitate the cleaning process.

Conclusion

Caring for suede shoes doesn’t have to be daunting. By following the right techniques and using the appropriate tools and products, you can easily clean, restore, and maintain the beauty of your suede footwear. Remember to brush regularly, address stains promptly, and protect your shoes with waterproofing spray. With a little care and attention, your suede shoes will continue to impress with their timeless elegance.

Frequently Asked Question

What are some best ways to get stains out from the suede

To remove stains from the suede, use a suede brush for shoes to lift the nap and gently rub the stained area with a suede eraser. For tougher stains, lightly dampen the suede and use a small amount of rubbing alcohol. Always test in an inconspicuous area first.

How often should I clean my suede shoes?

The frequency of cleaning suede shoes depends on wear and dirt accumulation. Generally, aim to clean them every few months or when noticeable stains or soiling occur. Regular brushing and maintenance should be done as part of routine care.

Can I use household cleaners or detergents on suede shoes?

When cleaning suede shoes, avoiding household cleaners or detergents is best. These harsh substances can easily damage the delicate nature of suede. Sticking to specialised suede cleaning products for effective and safe cleaning is recommended.

Can I use a hairdryer to dry suede shoes after cleaning?

It is advisable to avoid using a hairdryer to dry suede shoes after cleaning. The hot air from the hairdryer can cause damage to the delicate suede material. Instead, allow the shoes to air dry naturally at room temperature to preserve their texture and quality.

WRITTEN BY

Ubuy Team

Ubuy content team consist of various writers specializing in different niches. They write blogs about different topics ranging from science, human relationships to the latest technology to share their thoughts, ideas and knowledge with the world.