After writing on how to clean white vans?, we will discuss the top methods to clean suede shoes at home. Some people avoid cleaning suede shoes for fear of ruining their soft, pleasant texture. These shoes get ruined more easily than the regular leather shoes when they get wet. Furthermore, these shoes are more prone to stains, scruff, and scratches. However, by following proper cleaning procedure you can still increase the longevity of your charming suede shoes and clean suede shoes at home. If you do the cleaning process carefully then you will also able to maintain its good shape.
Best Methods to Clean Suede Shoes:
1. Cleaning Dirt and Scuff Marks to Clean Suede Shoes
- Suede contains a soft grain that is ideally cleaned with a special brush. You can purchase the brush with a suede cleaning kit. You should always look for care label given by the manufacturer to avoid any wrong step and cleaning product. Suede shoes are also very sensitive to water, so you should deal with the basic dirt and scuff when the shoes are completely dry. Use only the suede cleaning soft brush to lightly brush away any dust or dirt that might accumulate on your suede shoes. Don’t brush in circular or back and forth manner, you need to repeatedly brush in the same direction. After few scrubbing you will get rid of the layer of grime and your shoes will already look newer.
- When you scuff the shoes it will cause the suede’s grain get pressed down in one direction. To lift the grain, brush the scuffed areas vigorously back and forth. Do not scrub with brush other than a dedicated suede brush. For scuff that is too knotted down to react to the brush then try to scrape the area with a knife to lift the nap.
- You may notice that some stubborn scuff and marks could not remove by brushing so in this case you will need to rub them with a pencil eraser or a piece of crepe rubber. Or use a dedicated suede eraser specially designed to do this trick. You should start with little to moderate amount of pressure and gradually increase as tougher marks require.
- Once your suede shoes are clean and you are satisfied with the cleaning then spray a coat of suede protector on the shoes. This will help protect your shoes from further stains and marks. As always, you should work according to the manufacturer’s directions to avoid any harm to your shoes.
2. Removing Water Stains to Clean Suede Shoes at Home
- Suede shoes are sensitive to water so you need to use only needed amount of water. To remove water stains, apply a light coat of water with the suede brush. Do not allow water to spread on the shoes as it may discolor suede. Apply the coat of water on those stains such that it will not affect other parts of your shoes. To soak up excess water, use a sponge or dry cloth. You need to dab lightly until the leather is evenly wet without any visible water stains.
- If you have used a large amount of water then put a dry paper in your shoes, this will help blot out excess water on the inside. The shoe trees will help the suede shoes retain their original shape and size. Avoid using newspaper as the excess ink can soak into the shoes.
- Put shoes in a dry, well-ventilated area spot and let the water evaporate overnight. Once the shoes dry, you need to go over the shoes lightly with a suede brush. This will cause the grain back to its original look.
3. Removing Special Stains to Clean Suede Shoes
- To remove special stains you need to use a suede brush as you did for a scuff. To scrub the stubborn stains, use a nail brush with warm water. The major problem is with grease stains as they particularly difficult to remove from suede and if your shoes are badly stained then they may never look good again.
- You can simply wipe away the excess mud but avoid pushing too hard against the suede. After that, leave your shoes to dry in a sunny spot. It is important to dry your shoes completely as by doing this mud will be hardened and you will be able to break off the larger chunks. Once the large chunks have removed, use a suede brush to break off the remaining dirt particles.
- To remove gum stuck to your shoes, put them in a freezer for a couple of hours. Refrigeration will cause the gum to become hard enough such that you can chip it away in large chunks. Finish this step by brushing off the remaining chunks with a suede brush.
- To remove blood stains from your suede shoes, dab at the stain with a peroxide-soaked in a cotton ball. If you have spilled ink on your kicks then grab a towel and blot it up quickly. Remember, do not try to scrub ink or blood stains as they will further penetrate and spread on the shoes. You should choose a cotton ball soaked in rubbing alcohol.
4. Clean Suede Shoes with Household Products:
There are some great home treatments also to clean suede shoes like vinegar, steel wools, and emery board.
- Apply White Vinegar to Recalcitrant Stains to Clean Gamuza Shoes
If normal methods do not work for you then head to a natural method by applying a modest amount of vinegar with a soft rag or towel. Allow it to completely dry and then whisk with a suede brush. You can also get rid of salt lines with this method.
- Use Steel Wool on Dry Stains to Clean Suede Shoes at Home
You need to brush steel wool vigorously against dry stains. However, be careful as this may require roughing up the rest of the shoes for a uniform look once the stain is removed.
5. Clean Sued Shoes Without a Suede Brush
- If you want to clean suede shoes without a brush then you can use an eraser. Rub a pencil eraser over the stain. Always use a brown or white gum eraser to clean suede shoes at home and avoid pink eraser as it can transfer its color on the gauze shoes.
- If eraser does not prove handy for you, use a nail file, instead. Rub a nail file over the dried stain gently until it is removed completely.
- Alternatively, whisk your suede shoes with the emery board nail file, and then steam it with a kettle or iron. By doing this it will help open up the pores of the suede and making cleaning quite easier.
- Do not use a chemical stain remover, especially if it is not for the suede. It will tend to damage your shoes.
Things to Remember:
- If you do not wear your suede shoes regularly then make sure you wrap them nicely. Wrap your suede shoes in tissue paper and keep your shoes in the shoe box only.
- Always store your suede shoes in the dark, away from the light as light can ruin its condition.
- In an emergency, you can clean the water stains on your suede shoes with a paper towel by applying a correct pressure.
- Make sure, you do not use suede dyes, as a substitute of any of the above-listed remedies. The dies tend to deteriorate the shoes.
