Suede shoes look stylish, soft, and classy. But they also get dirty quickly, and cleaning them the wrong way can ruin them forever. If you’ve ever wondered how to clean suede shoes without messing them up, this easy-to-follow guide is for you. You don’t need fancy tools—just the right method. Let’s walk through everything step by step.
What Is Suede and Why It Gets Dirty Fast
Suede is a type of leather made from the underside of animal skin, usually lamb, goat, or calf. It has a soft, fuzzy texture that looks luxurious but is also very delicate. Unlike regular leather, suede is more porous and doesn’t have a protective coating. That’s why it easily attracts dirt, dust, water stains, and oil. Just one wrong move, and those favorite suede sneakers or boots might look stained forever.
Another reason suede gets dirty so fast is because the surface has tiny fibers that trap grime and dust. If you rub it or clean it the wrong way, you’ll damage the texture and color. That’s why it’s super important to know the right way to clean suede shoes at home.
Things You Need Before You Start
Before diving into the cleaning process, make sure you gather all the right tools. You don’t need expensive products, but a few essentials can make the job much easier and safer for your shoes.
- Suede brush (or a soft toothbrush if you don’t have one)
- Pencil eraser or suede eraser
- White vinegar or rubbing alcohol
- Soft cloth or microfiber towel
- Paper towels or shoe trees
- Suede protector spray
Having the right tools makes all the difference. Many people damage their suede shoes simply because they scrub too hard or use water directly. This guide will help you avoid those mistakes.
Best Way to Clean Suede Shoes at Home
Cleaning suede at home isn’t hard, but it’s not like cleaning sneakers or regular leather. You need to be gentle and follow the steps carefully. Here’s how to clean suede shoes at home the right way.
Use a Suede Brush First
Start by gently brushing your shoes with a suede brush. This will lift the nap (the little fuzzy fibers) and remove surface dirt or dust. Always brush in one direction, not back and forth. This keeps the fibers looking fresh.
If you don’t have a suede brush, use a soft-bristled toothbrush. But make sure it’s clean and dry.
Pro Tip: Brush your suede shoes after every wear, even if they don’t look dirty. It keeps them in better shape over time.
Try a Pencil Eraser for Small Marks
Got tiny marks or scuffs on your suede shoes? A clean, white pencil eraser can do wonders. Gently rub the mark with the eraser and then brush the area again with your suede brush.
This trick works best on dry stains or shiny spots that come from pressure. It’s simple and doesn’t need any chemicals.
Use White Vinegar for Tough Stains
When your suede shoes have more serious stains—like salt, mud, or food—a bit of white vinegar can help. Don’t pour it directly on the shoe. Instead, do this:
- Pour a small amount of white vinegar on a soft cloth.
- Dab the stained area lightly.
- Let it dry completely (don’t panic if it looks darker while drying).
- Once dry, use the suede brush to lift the nap again.
Vinegar is safe for suede and breaks down dirt without damaging the material. You can also use rubbing alcohol the same way.
How to Clean Suede Shoes Without Water
One of the biggest mistakes people make is using water to clean suede. Water can leave stains or cause the suede to stiffen. So, here’s how to clean suede shoes without using water at all.
Always use dry cleaning techniques like brushing or erasing. For oily stains, sprinkle cornstarch or baking soda on the spot and leave it overnight. These powders absorb the oil naturally. The next day, brush it off with your suede brush.
If your shoes are soaking wet from rain or snow, blot them gently with paper towels and let them air-dry. Stuff them with newspaper or shoe trees to keep their shape. Once they’re dry, brush them to restore the texture.
How to Remove Stains from Suede
Stains come in many types—mud, oil, watermarks, and more. Here’s how to treat each one:
- Mud stains: Let the mud dry completely. Then, crumble it off with your fingers and brush away the rest.
- Oil or grease: Use baking soda or cornstarch. Sprinkle on the spot, let sit overnight, and brush it off.
- Water stains: Blot with a dry cloth. Once dry, lightly dampen the whole shoe with a damp cloth to even out the water marks, then dry and brush.
- Salt stains: Use a mix of white vinegar and water (50/50). Dab gently and let dry.
Never scrub stains aggressively. That can push them deeper into the suede and damage the material. Gentle and patient cleaning always works best.
Quick Tips to Keep Suede Shoes Clean
Keeping suede clean is easier than fixing it after it’s dirty. Follow these smart tips to extend the life of your suede shoes.
Don’t Wear in Rain
This one’s simple: suede and water don’t mix. If it’s raining or snowing outside, leave the suede shoes at home. Even with a protector spray, heavy moisture can leave stains and make the suede stiff.
Use a Suede Protector Spray
One of the best ways to protect your suede shoes is by using a suede protector spray. These sprays create a barrier that keeps dirt, oil, and water from soaking in.
Spray your new suede shoes right after buying them. Then reapply every few weeks or after cleaning. Always spray in a well-ventilated area and let the shoes dry overnight.
How Often Should You Clean Suede Shoes?
Clean your suede shoes as soon as they start to look dirty. But even if they don’t, a light brushing after each wear helps keep them looking new.
A deep clean (with vinegar or stain treatment) is only needed every couple of months, unless they get stained. Regular care is the secret to keeping suede shoes fresh.
What Not to Do When Cleaning Suede
Here’s a quick warning: never use soap, soaking water, or harsh chemicals on suede. Don’t put them in the washing machine or use a blow dryer to speed up drying. These things can warp the shape, ruin the nap, or leave stains.
Also, don’t scrub hard. Always be gentle. Suede is delicate and needs special care. Using the wrong method just once can permanently damage your shoes.
The Bottom Line
Suede shoes are beautiful but tricky to care for. The good news is that with the right tools and a little patience, you can clean them at home without ruining them. Remember to brush them often, treat stains gently, avoid water, and use a protector spray. These steps will keep your suede shoes looking great for years.
Cleaning suede isn’t hard—it just takes the right approach. Follow this guide, and you’ll never have to worry about throwing away dirty suede shoes again.
