Introduction
Suede shoes are a classic and stylish addition to anyone’s wardrobe. Not only are they comfortable to wear, but they add a touch of sophistication to any outfit. However, one common problem with suede shoes is that they are easily stained and require a little extra care to maintain. But don’t worry, this article will provide you with the ultimate guide for cleaning suede shoes, from DIY tips and eco-friendly solutions to common mistakes to avoid and the best cleaning products to use.
The Ultimate Guide for Cleaning Suede Shoes – A Step-by-Step Process
The first step in cleaning suede shoes is to gather all the necessary tools and products. You’ll need a suede brush, white vinegar, a clean white cloth, a bowl of warm water, and baking soda or cornstarch. Now you’re ready to start the cleaning process:
- Pre-treatment: Before you begin cleaning, it’s important to treat any stains or spots on your suede shoes by gently rubbing the affected area with a suede brush. This will help loosen and lift any dirt or debris that might be stuck on the surface of the suede.
- Cleaning: Next, mix a small amount of white vinegar and warm water in a bowl. Dip a clean white cloth into the mixture and wring it out so that it’s not dripping wet. Gently rub the cloth over the surface of the suede, working in small circular motions. Avoid using too much water, as it can damage the suede.
- Drying: After you’ve cleaned the suede, it’s important to let it dry naturally. Stuff the shoes with some crumpled paper towels or a shoe tree to help maintain their shape. Avoid using a hair dryer or any other source of heat to speed up the drying process, as this can cause the suede to shrink or crack.
- Brushing: Once the suede is dry, use a suede brush to gently brush the surface in a back-and-forth motion. This will help restore the texture of the suede and keep it looking fresh.
8 DIY Tips to Clean Suede Shoes at Home
If you’re looking for some DIY cleaning solutions, here are eight tips that you can easily do at home without spending a lot of money:
- Use a suede brush to remove any loose dirt or debris before attempting to clean the suede with water or vinegar.
- Rub the affected area with a pencil eraser to remove scuff marks.
- Use a baby wipe to remove stains and clean the surface of the suede.
- For oil or grease stains, sprinkle some baking soda or cornstarch over the affected area and let it sit for a few hours before brushing it off with a suede brush.
- If your suede shoes get wet, stuff them with paper towels and let them dry at room temperature. Once they’re dry, gently brush them with a suede brush to restore their texture.
- If your suede shoes have an unpleasant odor, sprinkle some baking soda inside them and let it sit overnight. The baking soda will absorb the odor.
- If your suede shoes get stained with ink, use a cotton ball dipped in rubbing alcohol to gently rub the affected area until the stain is removed.
- For salt stains, mix equal parts water and vinegar, dip a clean cloth in the solution, and blot the stains until they’re removed.
5 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Cleaning Suede Shoes
When it comes to cleaning suede shoes, there are certain mistakes that you should avoid to prevent damage to the suede:
- Avoid using too much water or liquid cleaners. Excess water can cause the suede to shrink or leave water stains.
- Avoid using harsh cleaning products, such as bleach or ammonia, which can damage the suede and change its color.
- Never dry suede shoes in direct sunlight or using heat from a hair dryer. This can cause the suede to shrink or crack.
- Never use a wire brush or any other abrasive tool to clean suede. This can damage the texture of the suede and leave scratches.
- Never rub the suede vigorously with a cloth, as this can damage the texture and leave marks on the surface.
Eco-Friendly Ways to Clean Suede Shoes
If you’re looking for non-toxic, eco-friendly cleaning solutions for your suede shoes, here are some tips:
- For oil or grease stains, sprinkle some baking soda or cornstarch over the affected area and let it sit for a few hours before brushing it off with a suede brush.
- For water stains, dip a clean cloth in white vinegar and gently rub the affected area until the stain is removed.
- To remove scuff marks, rub the affected area with a pencil eraser.
- For salt stains, mix equal parts water and vinegar, dip a clean cloth in the solution, and blot the stains until they’re removed.
- If your suede shoes have an unpleasant odor, sprinkle some baking soda inside them and let it sit overnight. The baking soda will absorb the odor.
How to Store Suede Shoes to Keep Them Clean
Proper storage is key to maintaining the condition of your suede shoes. Here are some tips:
- Store your suede shoes in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight or any sources of heat.
- Use a shoe tree to help maintain the shape of your suede shoes.
- Stuff your suede shoes with some crumpled paper towels to help them keep their shape while in storage.
- Use a cloth or dust bag to cover your suede shoes when they’re not in use to protect them from dust or other debris.
The Best Products for Cleaning Suede Shoes
If you’re looking for some of the best cleaning products for your suede shoes, here are some recommendations:
- Jason Markk Suede Cleaning Kit
- Kiwi Suede and Nubuck Cleaner
- Angelus Easy Cleaner
- Collonil Suede Care Spray
- Crepe Eraser
How to Clean Different Types of Suede Shoes
Depending on the type of suede shoes you own, there may be different cleaning techniques that you should use:
- Suede boots: Use a suede brush to remove any dirt or debris from the surface of the boots. For oil or grease stains, sprinkle some baking soda or cornstarch on the affected area and let it sit for several hours before brushing it off with a suede brush. To restore the texture of the suede, use a suede brush to gently brush the surface.
- Suede loafers: For water stains, dip a clean cloth in white vinegar and gently rub the affected area until the stain is removed. For scuff marks, use a pencil eraser to gently rub the affected area until the mark is removed. Brush the surface of the suede with a suede brush to restore its texture.
- Suede sneakers: Remove any dirt or debris from the surface of the sneakers using a suede brush. For oil or grease stains, sprinkle some baking soda or cornstarch on the affected area and let it sit for several hours before brushing it off with a suede brush. To restore the texture of the suede, use a suede brush to gently brush the surface.
Conclusion
Now that you have all the information you need for cleaning and maintaining your suede shoes, it’s time to put these tips and techniques into practice. With a little extra care and attention, your suede shoes will continue to look stylish and fresh for years to come.