How to clean suede shoes safely and effectively?

So what should you do to ensure that your suede shoes last for many years while looking beautiful? How to clean suede shoes safely and effectively?

Appropriate impregnation

In the case of suede shoes, it is extremely important to prevent dirt from accumulating. Moisture and water are particularly harmful to them. Excellent results are achieved by regular use of products intended for impregnation of suede leather (before the first use, and then at least once every two weeks), which we always apply to the cleaned surface.

Attention! Before using the preparation, test its effect on a small, less visible surface of the shoe to make sure it does not discolor the color!

How and what is the best way to clean suede shoes from dirt?

1. Brush for cleaning suede shoes

Delicate dirt associated with everyday use, such as dust or mud, can be easily removed with a suede brush. It should have relatively soft and delicate bristles. Before brushing, the shoes should be left to dry completely (avoiding warm places, e.g. a radiator, because too intense exposure to high temperatures may deform the shoe), and then perform smooth movements "against the grain".

2. Eraser

Similarly to the brush, suede erasers can also be used dry. By gently rubbing, you can easily remove stains, dust and mud residues from your shoes.

3. Paste, spray, foam

In shoe stores you can easily find special preparations for cleaning and caring for suede shoes. These products will not only get rid of more visible dirt, but also refresh the shoe, nourish the bristles and restore its natural color.

However, remember to choose the right product intended for suede material and use it in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations!

Home methods for cleaning suede shoes

To clean your shoes, you can use products that you can certainly find in your home. Here are some easy ways to clean suede shoes:

1. Bread crust

This is an extremely simple method that will help remove minor dirt. You should gently rub the shoe with the leather until the dirt is removed. Bread that is several days old is best (the crust must not be moist).

2. Toothbrush (necessarily with soft bristles) or eraser

It is also an effective substitute for professional shoe cleaning products that can be found in stores. When using them, you must remember to let any dirt dry thoroughly! Gently rubbing the bristles will effectively remove unsightly dirt.

3. Wet baby wipes

An exceptionally simple way to remove minor dirt from your shoes, even when leaving the house. Just gently rub the stain and you can continue to enjoy using your favorite suede shoes.

4. Mixture of water and vinegar

Mix the substances in a 1:1 ratio and then rub the shoes with a cloth. The next step is to wipe the cleaned area with just water and gently dry the shoe. This method will make it easier to get rid of more serious dirt and unsightly, greasy stains.

Renewal of suede shoes

Restoring your suede shoes is a great way to enjoy them for years to come - or let someone else enjoy them!

Thorough care and systematic cleaning may not be enough for the shoes to retain their original color.

Therefore, an appropriate renovator for suede shoes will be useful, as it will restore the natural color of the leather while providing the shoes with protection against moisture and dirt. However, it is important to properly match the color of the preparation to the shade of the shoes.

What should you avoid when cleaning suede shoes?

1. They must not be washed in a washing machine or by hand with full immersion – this material does not tolerate contact with water, and if they get completely wet, the shoes may become deformed.

2. Do not dry your shoes near an intense heat source (e.g. radiator) or directly in the sun – the strong impact of warm air will certainly deform suede shoes. While drying, it is worth leaving the shoes in a dark but airy place and filling their interior with newspapers that will help maintain the proper shape.

3. The use of strong chemicals which are not intended for cleaning suede leather, may cause color discoloration. Therefore, only cleaning products intended for this type of material should be used.

What is nubuck?

Nubuck is a material extremely similar to suede. This is leather characterized by visible bristles which, when dragged with a finger, leave dark streaks created by changing the direction of the bristles. In the case of suede, however, the bristles are much longer.

Another difference is the way these materials are produced. In the case of suede, the inside of the leather is sanded, while nubuck is polished on the outside.

Both of these materials require special care and maintenance. You can clean nubuck in the same way as cleaning suede shoes.