How to clean suede shoes?

Dust, mud, snow, sand, salt - every day, regardless of the season, our shoes are exposed to harmful external factors. The problem with muddy or damp shoes is particularly troublesome in autumn, winter and early spring, when slush and road salt cover the sidewalks. How and what to clean suede shoes? We suggest!

How to take care of suede shoes?

What to do to make shoes last more than one season? Choosing high quality materials is not everything! It is necessary to properly protect footwear before the first use. On the market you can find special preparations, which create a transparent film on the surface of the material, protecting it against moisture, dust and stains. Unfortunately, it is not enough to protect shoes once they are often used. Regular impregnation can significantly extend the life of the footwear. However, we should remember that we should only impregnate clean and dry shoes. It is worth knowing how and with what to clean them.

Can suede shoes be washed in a washing machine?

There is only one answer to this question: absolutely not. Suede shoes are made of natural animal leather or leather-like material, usually artificially dyed. Although this material is characterized by high durability and resistance to external factors, it is not suitable for washing in a washing machine. High temperatures and high turnover can lead to irreversible damage to the footwear.

How to clean suede shoes - 4 home methods

Don't want to take your shoes to a professional cleaner every time? You can use one of the following ways.

1. Steam

Even though suede doesn't like water, you can give your shoes a refreshing steam treatment. Boil water in a kettle and then hold the shoes over the rising steam for a few seconds or so (be careful not to burn yourself!). Then let the shoes dry.

2 - Milk and baking soda

Baking soda has so many uses that it's hard to remember them all. It's great for cleaning a variety of surfaces, including suede. All you need is a glass of milk and a tablespoon of baking soda. Gently rub the product into the dirt and let the shoes dry.

3. Talcum powder

How to clean suede shoes without using water? Talc is not only good for sores! Sprinkle talcum powder on the dirty areas and rub in with your hand or a special sponge/brush. Leave the shoes for several minutes and after that remove the remaining talcum powder from the shoes. Done!

4. Eraser

You can remove delicate dirt from your shoes with a simple eraser, which is usually used to erase pencil marks. Cheap, fast, and effective.

How to clean suede shoes? Effective preparations

If home methods do not work or you are afraid that you can damage your shoes, reach for specialized preparations for cleaning and care of suede shoes. In our store you will find, among other things, shoe sprays for refreshing color and stain removers. How to clean suede shoes? You can apply the preparations with a specially designed brush for suede and nubuck. Please read the instructions on the package before use to ensure that you do not damage the material. Cleaning products are an effective and inexpensive way to remove dust or stains from your favorite shoes.

How to dry suede shoes?

Damp suede shoes should be left to dry. Under no circumstances should you speed up the process by putting the shoes under a heater or using a hair dryer. Leaving shoes in direct sunlight is also not a good idea. Shoes should be left to dry at room temperature. It is acceptable to put them outside, but avoid sunny places (leaving shoes on a balcony or terrace, you should think whether in a few hours they will be in the sunlight). An old and proven way to absorb water is to stuff the shoes with old newspapers rolled into a ball (paper has hygroscopic properties). Remember that improper drying of shoes may lead to stains and even cracking of the material.

How to clean suede shoes? Short summary

The basic thing to remember: suede does not like water. Therefore, shoes made of this material will work better in late spring and summer than in autumn and winter. This doesn't mean you have to give up on suede boots, but when you decide on footwear made from this material, you need to pay special attention to its care. Small dirt you can try to clean at home, use cleaning products or give the shoes in the hands of professionals. We hope that thanks to our tips, your suede shoes will serve you for many seasons!