Product Care

How to Get Your Suede Shoes Looking Brand

New
Suede is a delicate fabric that requires special care. Here’s how to get rid of dirt, stains and scuffs
on your suede kicks.

Last updated: October 4, 2022 ∙ 4 min read

 Time Required Estimated Cost
15 min $10

Supplies

Suede cleaner, white vinegar or rubbing alcohol

Hydrogen peroxide (optional)

Corn starch (optional)

Suede protectant spray (optional)

Tools

Suede cleaning brush, toothbrush, microfiber cloth or soft-bristle shoe brush

Suede rubber eraser or pencil eraser

Soft cloth

A new pair of suede shoes can look soft and velvety, but as soon as you step outside, that
beautiful suede can become a magnet for dirt and distress. Suede is a delicate fabric that absorbs
moisture and can easily stain, and requires special care and maintenance to stay clean. It’s wise
to use a suede protectant to help keep your suede shoes in shape for longer, but when they
inevitably scuff or stain, try these techniques to get them back to their original form.
How to Clean Suede Shoes

1. Set Up to Clean

Before you begin, use a shoe tree or stuff your shoes with crumpled newspapers to retain their
shape while you clean.

Tip: Avoid cleaning suede shoes when they’re wet. It’s best to allow mud or other moisture to dry
before brushing, otherwise a stain may inadvertently be caused. Keep in mind, throwing your
shoes in the dryer can damage them — make sure you’re drying your shoes properly. We
recommend stuffing them with newspaper or airing them out in front of a fan.

2. Remove Excess Dirt and Debris

Start by using a suede brush or toothbrush to gently brush away any dirt or debris on the surface
of the shoe. If you don’t have a brush, you can use a clean cloth, but avoid using any soap or
water, which can make the mess worse. To get rid of minor scuff marks, use a quick side-to-side
brushing motion to lift the suede fibers away from the shoe and loosen any debris before moving
on to the next step.

3. Rub Away Surface Marks

To remove any marks that remain on the surface of your shoes, a suede eraser goes a long way.
If you don’t have one, a pencil eraser or household cleaning eraser will be the next best thing.
Make sure the eraser is clean from stains itself. Apply a little more pressure on this step, but don’t
rub the suede too hard or you might risk damaging the fabric. Use a back-and-forth motion to
scrub away any tricky stains, and if that doesn’t work, move on to the next step for a more heavy-
duty solution.

4. Treat Stubborn Stains

If all else fails, use an acidic liquid to break apart clumps of particles and remove stains. We
recommend wetting the corner of a dry cloth with a small amount of suede cleaner, white vinegar
or rubbing alcohol. Be sure not to drench the shoe in liquid, but rather lightly dampen the suede.
Massage the shoe with a rapid side-to-side motion, and then allow the suede to dry. If the stain is
still visible, repeat the process.

Other Techniques For Specific Types of Stains:

• Oil and Grease Stains: Sprinkle the stain with cornstarch and allow the shoe to sit for a few
hours. Rather than using a suede brush, gently wipe away any remains with a cloth or use a
hand vacuum to lift them from the shoe.

• Gum or Wax: Place your shoes in the freezer until the gum or wax hardens. Then, simply
peel or scrape it off the shoe.

• Blood Stains: Dip a cotton ball or clean towel in a small amount of hydrogen peroxide and
gently dab away the stain. Allow the shoe to dry, and repeat if necessary.