Suede shoes are a popular choice for men and women, but they can be difficult to clean. If you don’t know how to clean suede shoes properly, you can end up with a mess on your hands.
This blog post will show you how to clean suede shoes to look new again. We’ll also provide some tips on protecting them from dirt and stains in the future. So, whether your suede shoes are dirty or just a little bit dusty, read on for our top tips on how to clean them!
What do you need to clean Suede shoes?
- Suede brush
- Clean, lint-free cloth
- Warm water
- A tub to soak the shoes in
- Leather cleaner and conditioner (optional)
Brush off any excess dirt or dust with a soft brush:
To start cleaning your suede shoes, begin by brushing off any excess dirt or dust that may have gathered on them. Use a soft brush to get rid of the surface dirt without damaging the material of your shoes.
Dampen a cloth with water and add a small amount of dish soap:
Once you’ve brushed off all of the excess grime, you can move on to cleaning your shoes. Before cleaning the suede itself, dampen a cloth with water and add a small amount of dish soap to it.
Please don’t make the cloth too wet and avoid getting any liquid on the exterior surface of the shoes as this will damage them further.
Gently rub in a circular motion:
Then gently rub your shoes in a circular motion until all of the dirt has been lifted from the material. Be as gentle as possible to avoid damaging the material or causing any tears.
Repeat this process until all of the dirt has been removed.
Wipe away any suds with a clean, damp cloth:
Once you’ve finished cleaning your shoes, use a clean, damp cloth to wipe away any soap residue that may have remained after the cleaning process. This will ensure no streaks or smudges are left on the suede once they have dried.
This will also help to remove any excess water from the shoes.
Let your shoe air dry completely before wearing them again:
It would be best to let your shoes air dry thoroughly before putting them on or wearing them, as damp shoes can become home to fungus and bacteria, which is unpleasant and unhealthy.
Make sure to leave your shoes in an open and well-ventilated space so that they can dry properly.
Use a suede brush to restore the original appearance of the shoes:
Once you’ve let your shoes air dry, use a suede brush to restore their original look and feel. Brush the suede shoes in a back and forth motion to lift any dust that may have been left after cleaning and restore their softness.
If there are any areas that you’ve cleaned too roughly, use this step to soften them again. This will help your shoes retain their original shape for longer.
Tips:
Once you’ve cleaned your suede shoes, it’s important to learn how to protect them from dirt and stains to prevent this process from having to be repeated every time they get dirty.
Instead of wearing your favourite pair of suede boots or shoes when it’s raining, opt for a pair of shoes with a rubber sole instead, as these can cause water damage to suede material.
Avoid wearing suede shoes in the snow since salt used to melt snowflakes can also ruin your shoes.
When cleaning your shoes, please avoid using any products which contain alcohol, as this will strip the suede of all of its oils and make it more prone to damage.
If you want to keep your suede shoes in good condition for longer, let them air dry completely before wearing them again. This will reduce the chance of the material shrinking or pulling out of shape when it dries.
Use a suede brush to restore any lost softness and remove any dust accumulated on the material.
Wipe away any excess water after cleaning your shoes, and avoid wearing them when it’s raining or snowing, as this can cause water damage.
Wear a rubber sole instead of suede shoes in wet weather conditions as these can cause more damage to suede material.
Let your suede shoes air dry before wearing them again to avoid their shapes shrinking or becoming misshapen when they dry. Use a suede brush to keep them looking soft and new.
FAQ’s:
Here are a few frequently asked questions about how to clean suede shoes.
How can I clean suede shoes more easily?
Take a look at our step-by-step guide on how to clean suede shoes above for some useful tips and tricks which you can use to give them a more thorough cleaning than ever before.
Can I wear my suede shoes in the rain?
We wouldn’t recommend it as this can cause water damage to the material which will ruin your shoes and mean that you’ll have to clean them more often. Avoid wearing suede shoes in wet weather conditions whenever possible.
How do I prevent my suede shoes from getting dirty?
Buy a pair of rubber-soled shoes or boots to wear in wet weather. This will prevent any salt used on the roads from ruining your suede shoes and make it easier for you to keep them clean.
What products can I use to clean my suede shoes?
Avoid using any harsh chemicals or cleaning solvents when you want to keep your suede shoes in good condition for longer. Let them air dry completely before wearing them again, and only clean the material when it’s stained or dirty, not regularly. Clean your suede shoes with water and a suede brush when possible.
How can I restore my suede shoes after cleaning?
Use a suede brush to bring any dust or dirt back up from the material, and then use it to apply some leather conditioner. This will keep your shoes looking new for longer by keeping the material soft and supple.
