When it comes to style and versatility, the red suede shoe has it all, but cleaning is its biggest drawback. Suede is a delicate material in its own right that needs special care so it does not get damaged. The following article will teach you how to clean red suede shoes at home through easy methods. By applying these steps, red suede shoes will retain their happy colors and soft texture.
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Special Care in Cleaning Red Suede Shoes
Suede is composed of the underside of animal skin in a soft, velvety finish. It attracts dirt and stains and absorbs moisture, which can be detrimental to shoes made of red suede that are cleaned improperly. These shoes will fade or become discolored even further if not cleaned correctly. Knowing how to clean red shoes will increase their lifespan and days of looking fresh.
Tools and materials you will need to clean red shoes
| Tools/Materials | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Suede brush | To eliminate dirt and restore texture |
| Soft-bristled toothbrush | Alternative for gentle cleaning |
| Suede eraser | For the eradication of surface stains |
| White rubber eraser | Substitute for suede eraser |
| Clean, dry cloth | For blotting and cleaning |
| White vinegar | For use in the treatment of severe stains |
| Rubbing alcohol | Alternative for white vinegar |
| Cornstarch or talcum powder | For absorbing oil and grease |
| Spray bottle | For application of water or cleaning solution |
With the right tools, cleaning your suede shoes gets done right, without any damage.
How to Clean Red Suede Shoes 5 Best Steps
Cleaning your red suede shoes is an exercise that in and of itself can be undertaken safely or effectively at home.
1. Get The Shoes Ready
- Brush lightly over the surface of dirty shoe parts to remove any adhering landed dirt or debris. Always use a suede brush or soft brush.
- Remove the shoelaces (if any) for better access.
- Stuff the shoes with paper, towels, or shoe trees to help maintain their shape during the cleaning.
2. Prepare the surfaces for treatment
| Types Of Stains | Cleaning methods |
|---|---|
| Light Stains | Use a suede eraser or a white rubber eraser. |
| Tough Stains | Dab with white vinegar or rubbing alcohol. |
| Dirt and Debris | Brush gently with a suede brush. |
- To remove surface stains, use a suede eraser or white rubber eraser. It is important to rub lightly with your hand in the direction of the fibers to avoid damaging them.
- If the stain does not come off easily, take a clean cloth, dampen it with white vinegar or rubbing alcohol, and gently press it on the stain. Let the fabric air dry.
Tip: Vinegar or alcohol does not affect the color of the shoe. Test it on a hidden area before applying it to a visible side.
3. Oil and grease stains
How to clean red shoes with talcum powder.
- Apply cornstarch or talcum powder to the stained area. Both absorb grease.
- Leave the powder on for 30 minutes or overnight for best results.
- Remove the powder with the help of a suede brush for easy work, approximately in the direction of the grain, once the powder has absorbed the oil.
4. Restoring the texture of suede
- Once you’ve done the cleaning, restore the nap (texture) of the material with a suede brush. For a uniform finish, always brush in one direction.
- If the suede still looks quite flat, put some steam on it by holding it above a pot of boiling water, as this will help lift its fibers.
5. Preventing stains
- After cleaning, apply a suede protector spray to the red suede shoes. They create a protective layer to resist dirt, moisture, and stains.
- Let the spray dry completely before wearing the shoes.
