How to Clean Suede Shoes: A Complete Guide
Suede shoes symbolize elegance and sophistication, making them a key component of many wardrobes. I have a few pairs of my own that I love, but the challenges associated with cleaning and maintaining suede turn a lot of thrifters away from purchasing them. Understanding how to properly restore and care for suede can open up new and exciting fashion options, and in this article, I’ll walk you through the basics of suede care, ensuring your shoes are always in pristine condition.
Suede Basics
Let’s start at the very beginning. What actually is suede? It’s a type of leather with a napped finish that’s made from the underside of animal skins. This gives it a soft, unique texture, but it comes at the expense of being less durable than the leather you’re used to. It’s more prone to stains and water damage because it has open pores.
Suede can be made from a variety of animal hides. Suede made from cowhide is more durable and is often used to make shoes. Pigskin has a tougher texture and is a typical choice for workwear, while lamb suede is soft and luxurious, making it a staple in high-end fashion.
Suede’s popularity is growing, and it can be used to make women’s boots and heels, men’s dress shoes, and even casual shoes for children.
Tools for Cleaning Suede Shoes
With proper maintenance, you can extend the life of suede shoes by 50% or more (Vogue). You may not need everything on this list, but having these at your disposal will help to promote suede longevity:
- Suede brush: For removing dirt and restoring the texture.
- Suede eraser: To eliminate scuffs and stains. Consider this combo that includes both a brush and an eraser.
- Microfiber cloth: For gentle cleaning and drying.
- Protective spray: To shield suede from water and stains, and should be at the top of your shopping list. Consider an option like this.
- White vinegar: Effective for tough stain treatment, but use it very sparingly and only when needed.
- Soft bristle toothbrush: For cleaning the hard-to-reach areas that a suede brush can’t.
- Cornstarch or baking soda: Absorbs oil stains; apply it generously and leave it on overnight.
Step-by-step Cleaning instructions
Begin cleaning your suede shoes by removing the laces. Consider using a shoe tree to help maintain the shoe’s shape during cleaning.
Remove surface dirt by brushing the shoe with a suede brush. Your goal is to knock any dirt loose; don’t apply too much pressure and use a toothbrush if you can’t reach some dirty areas.
If there are stains, try using a suede eraser if they’re dry. If they’re wet, blot the stained area with a microfiber cloth. If the stains are stubborn, apply white vinegar or rubbing alcohol to a cloth and dab the stain. Allow the shoe to air dry completely before you wear it again.
Once the shoe has been cleaned, apply a suede protector evenly over the suede surfaces and let the shoe air dry naturally. Never apply direct heat.
Common Suede Cleaning Mistakes
I have already mentioned a few things to avoid when cleaning suede shoes (like applying direct heat or using harsh chemicals), but because of the sensitive nature of suede, here are a few more common mistakes to avoid:
- Avoid soaking suede in water; it will cause stains and damage.
- Don’t brush against the grain.
- Don’t clean your shoes excessively; the more you clean them, the more you can wear down the material.
- Don’t let stains set in; clean them promptly.
- Don’t use colored cloths; the dye can be transferred to suede.
How to avoid buying damaged suede
The tips above should help for suede shoes you already own, but how can you tell in a thrift store or elsewhere whether or not suede is in good condition?
Start with a visual inspection. If there are deep stains, discoloration, or excess wear, move on. Any stiffness or rough patches can also indicate damage or exposure to moisture. And if you smell any unpleasant odors during these tests, it’s another bad sign; odors can be very hard to remove.
Watch out for any signs of excess wear by examining the soles, seams and overall construction. If you suspect previous repairs, leave the shoes; repairs can significantly affect durability.
Conclusion
Cleaning and caring for suede shoes can be intimidating, but with the right knowledge and tools, it becomes a lot more manageable. Follow the steps in this guide so that you can confidently clean, restore, and preserve your suede footwear. Your wardrobe will thank you, and you’ll be able to add some unique flair to your outfits. Remember that regular maintenance and prompt attention to stains are key to keeping your suede footwear looking its best.
For more cleaning tips, make sure to check out my recent podcast episode about caring for thrifted items.
Happy thrifting!
