Suede shoes are extremely popular amongst country folk, especially because they can be dressed up or down pretty easily. They make any outfit look sleek, whether you’re in the office, heading to the pub with friends, or attending a wedding – suede shoes are ideal for any occasion.
However, your entire outfit can look less smart if they get dirty. That’s why we’ve created an easy-to-follow guide on how to clean suede shoes like a pro.
8 Simple Steps: How to Clean Suede Shoes Like a Pro
Whilst it might seem like a task not worth doing, learning how to clean suede shoes properly can be the difference between a pair of shoes lasting you two years or ten. We’re all about quality here at Rydale so we want you to get the best value out of your clothes. Plus, shoes are often the most expensive items of an outfit so you wouldn’t want to ruin your look with a scruffy pair, especially on a formal occasion!
Stuff Them With Newspaper or Paper Towels
Before you do any cleaning, it’s important to make sure that your suede shoes keep their shape. Stuffing them with newspaper or paper towels is an effective zero-cost option. Alternatively, you can use a shoe tree.
Remove the Laces
The next step is to remove laces if you have them. You can wash them separately if they’re particularly grimey but they don’t always need a full wash. Soak them in warm soaky water for a few minutes and let them dry. It’s easier to take the laces out of your suede shoes before cleaning them so you can get into the nooks and crannies, especially in the shoelace holes.
Let Them Air Dry For a Few Hours
If you start cleaning them when they’re wet, the nap will end up in a funky pattern. Remember that suede doesn’t like water, despite how well protected your shoes are! That’s why you should leave them to air dry for a few hours, overnight or 24 hours if you can.
Remove Dirt With a Soft Bristle Brush or Toothbrush
Now we’re into proper cleaning. Use a soft bristle brush (you can get them specifically for suede) or a new toothbrush (find a cheap one from the supermarket). Use soft, small strokes across the shoe to remove surface dirt. Try not to press too hard as this is just an initial cleaning. Never apply water or soap as suede doesn’t like either!
Get a Suede Cleaning Block or Eraser For Stubborn Marks
Yes, from your stationery collection. Whilst you can buy suede cleaning blocks online, a regular eraser from your child’s pencil case or your home office will do – just make sure it’s clean with no lead residue. Again, be gentle as you don’t want to ruin the nap completely.
Use a Suede Cleaner, Rubbing Alcohol or White Vinegar If Marks Remain on Your Shoes
Make sure to use a clean, dry microfibre cloth with a small amount of suede cleaner, rubbing alcohol or white vinegar on it. Apply the cleaner onto the cloth instead of directly onto the shoe. This way, you can add a small amount at a time, rather than drenching your shoe in the liquid. Dab it into the stain without rubbing it in. Once the stain seems gone, leave the shoes to dry completely. If it’s still there, repeat this step until the mark is gone or at least minimised as much as you’d like.
For Oil Stains, Use Baking Soda or Cornflour
If you’ve spilt oil or anything with an oil base on your suede shoes, use baking soda or cornflour first to soak up the oil before using your soft brush to clean them. Whilst it might not remove the stains completely, it should minimise them and make them less noticeable.
Give Your Shoes a Final Brush to Restore Their Natural Nap
Once your suede shoes are completely dry, use the soft brush from step four to restore their natural nap. Again, small and soft strokes should wake up the nap and restore the suede’s natural texture.
Apply a Suede Protector Spray After Every Clean
To protect your suede shoes in the future, a specific suede protector spray should be applied following every deep clean. It’s recommended you clean suede shoes (that you wear frequently) every month, especially during winter. However, when using a suede protector spray, such frequency won’t be necessary. Use it every couple of months or whenever your shoes have been particularly dirty.
The key on how to clean suede shoes like a pro is cleaning them regularly. Whilst it might seem like an arduous task, it beats having to deep clean every few months and being unable to remove any marks.
Our range of suede shoes for men and women is constantly evolving, but the mainstays will always be Chelsea boots because they can be worn throughout the seasons. Clean them frequently, use a protective spray, and you’re set for tonnes of occasions during the year.