Suede shoes not only look great but also feel extremely comfortable. But they can be delicate by nature. Yes, unlike leather or canvas, suede can be easily destroyed just after you wash it. This article has everything you need to know about how to wash suede shoes at home without damaging them.
We’ll also show you how to restore suede shoes after washing, how to remove tough stains, and how to keep your suede looking brand new.
Table of Contents
What is suede?
Suede is a type of leather made from the inner skin of an animal, usually sheep, goats, and calves. Suede is soft and velvety in texture but is more susceptible to damage, dirt, and water than full-grain leather.
Can you wash suede shoes at home?
Yes, but cleaning should be done with care. If done improperly, it can leave color marks, water stains, or even a hard texture. Therefore, you need to take proper steps to clean these suede shoes indoors.
How to Wash Suede Shoes at Home: Step-by-Step Guide
If you ask me how to wash suede shoes at home, here’s a simple and safe technique for you:
🧼 Things you Should Have:
- Soft suede brush or toothbrush
- White vinegar or rubbing alcohol
- Microfiber cloth
- Clean sponge
- Eraser (or suede cleaning block)
- Paper towels or shoe trees
- Optional: suede cleaner spray
✅ Step 1: Dry Brush Suede
A suede brush or clean toothbrush can remove dirt without a thorough cleaning. Brush in one direction to lift dirt without damaging the nap. Be thorough but gentle, especially around seams and delicate stitching.
✅ Step 2: Spot Clean with Vinegar or Alcohol
Dampen a clean cloth with white vinegar or rubbing alcohol—it’s better than water. Spray gently on the stain. Let the shoe air dry. There are good and bad things about this vinegar, as it really does lift stains and neutralize odors without damaging the suede.
✅ Step 3: Use an Eraser for Scuffs
For light scuff marks or dry stains, you can use a clean pencil eraser or suede eraser block. Rub them gently until the marks disappear. These are best for daily wear marks.
✅ Step 4: Blot Moisture with a Sponge
If your suede is wet, use a dry sponge or microfiber cloth to blot (not rub!) any excess moisture. Soaking suede in water is out of the question. Leave it lying around until it is completely naked.
How to Remove Stains from Suede Shoes
Different stains require different techniques:
- Water stains: Even if the shoe is wet, remove it with a damp sponge and dry it thoroughly.
- Oil or grease: Rub with cornstarch or baby powder. Leave it overnight and brush it lightly.
- Clay stains: They will dry completely, after which they can be gently wiped off.
- Salt stains: Rub a mixture of equal parts water and vinegar into the leather. Use dabbing motions and then dry the stain.
Removing stains from suede shoes is usually a difficult task. Therefore, each cleaning method should be tested on an inconspicuous area first. In addition, it requires a lot of patience because rushing into it can permanently damage the nap.
How to Dry Suede Shoes Properly
After washing, avoid direct heat such as a hair dryer or sunlight. Instead:
- Dry with a towel.
- Use paper towels to dry the shoes or shoe trees to keep them in shape.
- Dry in a cool, well-ventilated area for 24-48 hours.
This drying will prevent the shoes from shrinking and stiffening, thus maintaining the original shape and comfort of the shoes.
How to Restore Suede Shoes After Washing
Suede often looks flat or dull after washing. Here are tips for restoring wooden shoes after washing:
✅Step 1: Brush the nap
Once dry, again brush the shoe in a single direction across its previously dried nap surface. Napping can be raised, and the surface softened. Short, firm strokes can be used.
✅ Step 2: Application of a suede reviver spray
Color restoration and texture are provided with suede spray. Find a color formula that matches the shoes and follow all directions closely.
✅ Step 3: Protection for suede
By the above, a spray of suede protectant is left behind to resist future soiling and moisture affecting suede.
Therefore, suede restoration becomes a necessity, maintaining both the look and feel of the item after each wash-cleaning session.
Suede Shoe Care Tips to Keep Them Looking New
- After use, brush the shoes each time to remove dust and maintain the suede texture.
- Always apply the suede protector spray to new shoes before wearing.
- Don’t wear suede during humid weather or on muddy ground.
- Keep the shoes in breathable bags or boxes away from sunlight.
- Use the shoes regularly to prevent wear and tear.
- Keep cedar shoe trees handy for absorbing moisture and maintaining shoe shape.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Direct water application: Suede and water are never meant to be together, so one should use vinegar or alcohol instead.
- Harsh scrubbing: This could ruin the delicate nap. Always get surfing through with a light hand.
- Bad protection: Someone not using a suede protector for shoes would make the stains challenging for removal later.
- Wet storage: Always let them dry properly to prevent them from molding or facing further damage.
Avoiding these mistakes is just as crucial as learning how to wash suede shoe at home.
Related Resources
For specific suede shoe care instructions, check out:
- ✅ How to Clean Red Suede Shoes Easily at Home – Learn how to care for colored suede without fading.
- ✅ Nike’s Official Suede Shoe Cleaning Guide – Brand-approved tips for shoe care and protection.
These resources go deeper, adding specific care tips to complement the general suede care resources.
Final Thoughts
If you’re wondering exactly how to wash suede shoes at home, patience and gentleness are your best bet. Under good conditions, suede can be completely cleaned and restored.
In addition to knowing how to clean suede shoes, another important aspect of preserving their appearance and texture while ensuring they stay in good condition for a long time is the correct drying and brushing process.
