How To Clean Suede Shoes In 4 Easy Steps With NO Mess?
Soft suede shoes and plush suede jackets? That’s luxury on fleek! Every trendsetter has to have their hands on some exclusive suede Dunks, Jordans, or other fire suede sneakers. Unfortunately, suede shoes are delicate, they soak up water, and get stained easily. While proper storage is key in sneaker care, knowing how to clean suede shoes is a MUST! That’s why we’ve rounded up the necessary tools and tips to make that task a breeze. And for all you leather lovers out there, we’ve got your backs with the ultimate leather shoe-cleaning hacks right here!
How To Clean Suede Shoes & Turn ‘em Brand New In 4 Steps
To start cleaning suede shoes, you’ll need the right tools in hand. If you’ve got a sneaker cleaning kit, you’re halfway there. If not, make sure you’ve got these essentials ready to go:
- Soft sneaker brush
- Suede cleaner, white vinegar, or rubbing alcohol
- Suede rubber eraser or pencil eraser
- Soft clot
Top Note: Never Use Water on Suede!
First, you should NOT your clean suede shoes when wet. Let mud or moisture dry first to avoid staining. Also, avoid drying suede sneakers in the dryer. Instead, use a newspaper or a fan. Now, let’s begin!
1. Start Cleaning Suede Shoes By Brushing Off Extra Dirt
- Prepare your shoes: Use a shoe tree or stuff them with crumpled newspapers to maintain their shape during cleaning.
- Brush away dirt and debris: Use a soft shoe brush or toothbrush to gently remove dirt from the surface. Again, avoid soap or water, as they can make the mess worse. For minor scuff marks, brush in a side-to-side motion to lift the suede fibers and loosen debris.
2. Next, Get Tough Stains Out Of Suede Shoes Using an Eraser
To tackle any remaining marks on your shoes, a suede shoe eraser is your best bet. If you don’t have one, a pencil eraser or household cleaning eraser will work too.
Make sure the eraser is clean to avoid transferring stains. Apply moderate pressure, but be gentle to avoid damaging the suede. Use a back-and-forth motion to scrub away stubborn stains. Move on to the next step for a more powerful solution if needed.
3. If the Stain Persists, Try White Vinegar or Rubbing Alcohol
Although unusual, white vinegar and rubbing alcohol are super effective in breaking down stubborn stains. Simply dip a corner of a cloth into the vinegar or alcohol, then gently dab the stain on your shoe. If needed, apply pressure with a back-and-forth motion. The liquid will briefly dampen the suede, altering its color before evaporating.
Repeat this process as necessary, allowing the suede to dry between applications. Also, remember to avoid soaking the shoe and exercise patience throughout. And don’t worry about the smell, this will fade over time.
How to Clean Oil Out of Suede Shoes?
Now, if your problem is an oil stain, then cornstarch is your superhero! Just sprinkle it over the stain and let the shoe sit for a few hours. Then, gently wipe away any remains with a cloth or use a hand vacuum to lift it from the shoe.
4. Last Step, Use a Suede Protector Spray
While not essential, your future self might thank you for applying a suede protector before facing off with the next stain. Many shoe companies offer suede protectant or waterproofing sprays. So consider picking one up during your next shoe-shopping trip.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cleaning Suede Shoes
How Often Should You Clean Suede Shoes?
The general advice is to clean your suede shoes approximately once a month to prevent scuffs and dirt build-up. Although frequency depends on wear.
Can You Use Water to Combat Water Stains?
While we advise against soaking suede shoes, here’s a simple trick to tackle water stains. Lightly spray water on the shoe’s surface using a clean spray bottle. Be careful, as water can damage the suede. Then, gently brush the stain and blot any excess water with a paper towel or cloth. Finally, allow the shoe to air dry.
What is the Best Way to Clean Suede Shoes With a Gum or Wax Stain?
Place your shoes in the freezer until the gum or wax hardens. Then, simply peel or scrape it off the shoe.
What is the Best Way to Clean Suede Shoes With Blood Stains?
Dip a cotton ball or clean towel in a small amount of hydrogen peroxide and gently dab away the stain. Allow the shoe to dry, and repeat if necessary.
Done With How To Clean Suede Shoes? Time To Snag A Pair!
Now that you know how to clean suede shoes, you’re ready to snag those exclusive suede sneakers everyone’s after. Picture this: a few days from now, a Jordan 1 suede drop in your favorite colorway. But how do you cop this hot Jordan without facing multiple Ls on the SNKRS app?
In the sneaker game, having the right tools is crucial. To secure the hard-to-get Nike drops at retail, you need a powerful Nike SNKRS bot! Lucky you, TSB2 is one of the oldest and most powerful contenders in the game! Ensuring our users enjoy the highest success rates in +50 regions worldwide! So, grab TSB, and start enjoying endless checkouts on every HOT Nike drop. Who knows, you might just end up making bank in the reselling game!