How To Protect And Clean Suede Shoes
Prevention is always better than cure. So, when youâre wondering, how to clean suede shoes, also think how you can prevent the stains on your suede shoes. Here are some tips that will come in handy.
Use a suede protector. It is easily available at any leather shop. You can even order it from an online store. A suede protector acts as a physical shield against water and dirt particles. It does not allow them to settle onto the fabric. However, please note that it cannot protect your shoe from staining entirely.
Keep Them Dry. Okay, this is a given but sometimes, it is good to be reminded. Do not wear your suede shoes if it is raining outside. They are not made for the monsoons.
Store well. Like any prized possession, suede needs to be stored correctly. Do not place them in damp cupboards or attics. Use silica gel packets to protect them from excessmoisture.
Transport securely. If you are travelling with your suede shoes, carry them correctly. Do not wrap them up in a plastic or any other kind of non-breathable material. Wrap them ina cotton cloth or a pillowcase instead.
Suede shoes are expensive. Though treating suede shoes might seem confusing, the right cleaning technique does the trick effortlessly and preserves the charm. Treat your suede shoes right to enjoy them for longer.
If you are going to use a commercial cleaning product, ensure that youâve read the manufacturerâs instructions carefully.
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How To Keep Suede Shoes Clean
Maintenance and prevention are essential for keeping your suede shoes clean. After each wear, be sure to give your shoes a brush to remove any soil. When not in use, store your shoes in a dry place. You can also stuff them with crumpled paper or use a cedar shoe tree to absorb moisture and help maintain their shape. Finally, be sure to use a suede protector to seal fibres and prevent stains.
Pink Miracle Shoe Cleaner Kit
Since 1985, Pink Miracles original cleaning kit has been keeping suede shoes looking better than the day you first took them out of the box. Its the number one leading choice for cleaning shoes and sneaks with its safe-to-use concentrate. Because its a concentrate, keep in mind that a few drops go a long way when using, so dont overuse! Be sure to read the directions for that sparkling, brand-new look. Not only is it safe to use on suede, but also leathers, vinyl, nubuck, canvas, cloth and more.
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Use A Sponge Or Dry Cloth To Soak Up Excess Water
If you were caught out in the rain, you may encounter suede shoes with water stains. Water isnât a close friend of suede, but in this case, water may benefit you if you properly apply it. Apply a light coat of water with a brush to the entire outside of your shoes. Then, use a sponge or a dry cloth to soak up excess water. To get rid of water from the shoesâ interior, put dry paper in the shoes. However, avoid using paper with ink, such as a newspaper or ripped out magazine pages, since the ink can soak into your shoes. Balled up paper can also help maintain the shape of the shoes, which is a bonus. Then, let your shoes dry overnight. If the shoesâ finish lost a bit of smoothness, use your handy brush to whip your suede shoes back into shape.
Use Protectant Spray As A Precautionary Measure
Tamar Miller, founder of Bells & Becks, recommends using a tried and tested protectant spray formulated without silicones on new, clean shoes to help repel minor stains, spills and splashes.
“Make sure you use a spray that is recommended for fine leathers and suede in particular and follow the instructions carefully,” she says.
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General Rules For Stain Removal
- For light stains, simply brush the shoes with a firm back and forth motion using a stiff-bristled brush. Alternatively, you can clean spot stains by rubbing over a suede eraser.
- For heavier stains, dampen a clean rag with any of the following: white vinegar, rubbing alcohol, or liquid shoe cleaner Rub the dampened rag over the stained area with a firm, circular motion, and let your shoes dry completely. When the shoes are dry, give them a good brush to fluff up the nap and remove any residual dirt.
How To Clean Mud And Dirt Off Suede Shoes
While many things can stain and mark suede shoes, mud and dirt are the most common. As such, its important to know how to clean mud and dirt off your shoes in a gentle yet efficient manner. To do so, be sure to allow any mud to dry completely before trying to remove it. Once dry, use a brush to remove as much soil as possible. If there are still marks, try carefully moistening your shoes with steam before blotting dry. Then, brush again and use an eraser to remove any remaining dirt.
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Removing Water Stains From Suede
Water is a natural enemy of suede and microfiber. Even just a few drops of water can end up leaving visible marks on this delicate material and mar its original appearance.
However, you can quickly remove water stains from your suede shoes or learn how to clean microfiber furniture using the following method. This is the easiest and best way to clean suede shoes, other materials made from suede and items made of microfiber.
Removing Oil Stains From Suede Shoes
Grease and oil stains can be particularly challenging to remove from suede shoes. However, you can get out oil stains with a nail brush. Start off by scrubbing the stain with a suede brush, like you would for a scrape.
Then, use a nail brush and warm water to clean the stubborn stains. If the oil or grease stain is fresh, you can apply cornstarch to the stain and let sit overnight. The next day, using the brush, remove the starch and then mist the stain with an iron.
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Fluff The Suede Using Brush
After all that brushing, scrubbing, and rubbing, the suede can appear a bit dull. Thats nothing a bit of vinegar or alcohol cant fix! Rub the suede all over with a white cloth dampened with vinegar or alcohol, then let it dry completely. After its dry, fluff up the fabric one last time using the brush. And voila, your suede will look clean, lustrous, and fabulous!
How Do You Protect Fake Suede
Prevention is better than cure, and the same applies to faux suede shoes. You need to learn how to take care of your shoes, because proper faux suede shoes maintenance can help them last longer.
If you dont have the time to clean your fake suede shoes weekly, it might be a good idea to invest on a water-repellant and stain-repellant spray. These kinds of sprays are silicon-based. The silicon binds with the fake suede fabric to protect them from water and stains.
Its also a good idea to test your waterproofing sprays before you spray them all over your shoes. Different suede fabrics react differently to waterproofing sprays.
To test if theyre compatible, spray a little bit of waterproofing solution on a clean, lint-free cloth or rag. Then lightly pat the cloth on a small area on the back of the shoe. Wait for a few minutes, and see if the fake suede fabric fades or looks strange. If it does, the spray isnt compatible. Ask around for recommendations on effective, compatible waterproofing sprays.
Faux suede shoes arent as expensive as genuine suede shoes, but you should take care of them nonetheless. Lots of people want to learn how to clean faux suede shoes so they can last longer. The good news is that they can be very easy to clean. You only need a brush, a lint-free cloth and a good cleaning solution and youre ready to go. You dont need to spend a dime if you dont want to, and still get your fake suede shoes looking like theyre brand new.
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Treat Stains Using White Vinegar Or Rubbing Alcohol
If your stain STILL isnt gone, its time to break out the big guns! -) Grab some plain white vinegar or rubbing alcohol, and pour a bit onto a white washcloth.
Rub the dampened cloth onto the stain, then let the area dry completely. Once its dry, use the brush to fluff the fabric back up and brush away any loosened dirt.
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Next you’ll take your brush and dry brush the suede hairs in a downward motion. This will remove any loose dirt that may be sitting on the top of the suede. Once that’s complete you can get down to the most important stepworking in your cleansing solution.
When you’re adding your cleanser, Cao says that you should apply it to a slightly wet brush. Once you’ve added a few drops, dip the brush back into the water and then shake off any access to prevent soaking the suede. Then get to gently scrubbing.
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Its best to give the entire panel of suede an even go, he says. This helps to promote even drying and prevents any water marks forming. If you’re cleaning a shoe with different colors, opt to clean it section by section so you can prevent any color transfer.
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Put Shoes In The Freezer For Wax And Chewing Gum Stains
Your freezer will come in handy for removing sticky, gooey substances, like chewing gum or wax stains. This step works great for off days. So, slip into some comfy clothes and brew a cup of coffee. While waiting until your shoes are frozen, you can catch up on some reading or other cleaning tasks. Then, once your shoes are frozen, scrape off the gum or wax. Simple, right?
Suede Water Stain Remover Materials
Before treating the stain, you have to allow the suede to air dry thoroughly. The last thing that you want to do is try to speed up the drying process by applying heat.
You can use a hairdryer on the coldest setting if you need to dry the material faster. The easiest way to remove a water stain is to apply a light coat of water over the entire shoe or the couch or recliner with the suede brush. While water can discolor suede, when used correctly, it can also remove the stains.
Using a sponge or paper towels soak up the excess water. Gently dab the entire shoe until it is evenly wet, and you are no longer able to see any visible water stains. To blot excess water from the inside of the shoe, stick dry paper inside.
This will also help the shoe retain its original shape. Avoid using newspaper, because the excess ink will soak into the suede. Place them in a well-ventilated area and let the shoes dry overnight.
Once the shoes are dry, use the suede brush to gently brush the nap of the suede and release the grain back to its original look. If any stain remains, use the suede eraser to gently erase the marks.
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How To Clean Sports Shoes At Home
Running, Exercising or Jogging is tough on your shoes. Sports Shoes end up with dirt-caked outsoles, reducing traction. Sports shoe users constantly battle dirt, grime and debris that can work into a shoes fabric and grind away at your foot like sandpaper. And thats not even mentioning the damage from weather, sweat and the barrage of countless miles.
Knowing how to clean your sports shoes is essential. Theyll look fresh and youll prolong your shoes lifespan. Here is our guide to cleaning and maintaining your sports shoes at home.
Step 1
Start by wiping away dirt, grass and mud with a soft brush like an old toothbrush.
Step 2
Remove and place laces and insoles inside a pillowcase. Then stick the pillowcase inside a washing machine run with laundry detergent on cold/delicate. This will clean both laces and insoles while eliminating odors.
Step 3
Mix water with an eco-friendly laundry detergent. Scrub away stains and wash the shoes using an old toothbrush to apply the mixture.
Step 4
Rinse with a warm washcloth, removing soap, suds and any remaining grime.
Step 5
Air-dry at room temperature .
How To Clean White Suede Shoes
White suede shoes can make a stylish fashion statement but can also be notoriously difficult to keep clean. To keep your white shoes looking their best, be sure to use a suede protector and clean up any marks as soon as they occur. Start by blotting excess moisture before using an eraser to tackle stains. For further cleaning, use a soft cloth and white vinegar. Once dry, brush your shoes to restore the nap.
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How To Clean Suede Shoes Tips
- Before cleaning your suede shoes, remove the laces and insert a shoe tree or scrunched paper to help them hold their shape.
- Invest in sued-specific products, including a protector, cleaner .
- Use a soft brush to remove any loose dirt or dried mud.
- Lightly scrub your shoes with a brush and cleaner to remove stains and stubborn marks.
- After allowing your shoes to dry, you can make them feel soft once again by gently dry-brushing or using mink oil.
Rub The Surface With A Clean Bath Towel
Using a soft, clean towel, take a moment to rub the affected surface.
This step is simple, but youll still need to take care. You should avoid rubbing too vigorously after all, suede is delicate. Youll also need to rub only in the direction of the grain, or nap, of your suede. This will result in a more exacting rub, move your cloth, rub motion but, remember, these are fine shoes. They require finesse and fine care.
Youre seeking to accomplish two things with this step. Firstly, youre going to remove any surface materials that could enlarge the stain on your shoe. Secondly, youll rid the suede of any unseen dust making your next cleaning steps much more effective.
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Say Yes To Clean Suede Shoes
Follow our guide on how to clean suede shoes to ensure your shoes stay clean and look great no matter where you go. Remember that suede is a delicate material and that you shouldn’t use water to clean it. Before wearing your suede shoes outside, make sure you spray them with a water-repellent too.
Need some products for cleaning your suede shoes? Then head over to our or Browse or Shoe Care Products to learn more about your shoe care and how you can protect your favorite footwear.
How To Clean Suede Shoes
It may seem like a good idea to spot treat stains on your suede shoes with water. But, it will create more complications for you. Water leaves behind unsightly watermarks on your suede shoes. You do not want to compromise on its appearance after making such an expensiveinvestment. It is, therefore, important to treat the stains on your suede shoes correctly. You must understand the type of stain before taking any corrective action. Follow the stepsgiven below to keep your suede shoes looking like new for longer.
Ingredients to Keep Handy:
e) Water
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Treat With White Vinegar
Now, treat stubborn stains with white vinegar. It helps break down the stains without damaging your shoes. Take 2 tbsp. of white vinegar in a bowl and dip the edge of a sponge or a cotton cloth in it. Remember not to drench the sponge/cotton cloth in it to avoid excessmoisture. Use it to gently rub on the stains.
Protect Your Boots With A Suede Protector
After youve spent the time to thoroughly clean your suede boots, you should consider protecting them with a commercial suede protector to provide extra protection from staining.
Before applying a suede protector, make sure that your boots are completely clean and thoroughly dry. Spray an even amount of the protector on your boots and allow them to dry completely before wearing again.
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How To Clean Suede Shoes In Easy Steps
Some of our favorite shoes are available in stylish suede, from men’s and womenâs winter boots to Oxfords, derby shoes, pumps, flats, and sneakers. We love wearing our suede kicks with our favorite fleece sweaters, flannel shirts, jeggings, and other chic apparel pieces. But rocking suede shoes comes with a price. Just like any other shoes, suede footwear can easily get dirty as you trek throughout the day. Additionally, if you clean suede shoes wrong, you can ruin the finish and shape.
However, if you research how to care for your suede shoes, you can extend their shelf life and keep them in pristine condition. Once you know how to clean suede, youâll realize that itâs no feat at all to clean them yourself. You may even already own some of the common household items that youâll need to clean suede shoes. Follow the tips below to keep your suede shoes beautiful all year long. Perform preventative actions, such as avoiding wearing your suede shoes on a wet day. Also, spray them with a protective spray after buying them and after cleaning.
Homemade Suede Cleaner For Boots
Pour the alcohol into the spray bottle. Spray the stain with the isopropyl alcohol and using the sponge, gently scrub the area using a circular motion.
- Clean, dry rags
Use the toothbrush to tackle smaller stains and allow the area to dry. Using a suede brush, lightly brush with the nap to fluff the material.
You can also use a commercial suede cleaner to tackle tough stains on your suede boots. The key is to apply the cleanser in an even coat to avoid discoloration and spotting.
Using the suede brush, brush in the direction of the nap. If spotting occurs, reapply the cleaning solution more evenly and repeat the process.
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