Although suede shoes look great, many people feel unsure about how to maintain their cleanliness. In contrast to leather or synthetic materials, suede is easier to stain, damage with water and scuff. If cleaning your suede shoes without ruining their appearance or their color has ever worried you, let this guide explain the process.
When your suede shoes suffer from scuffs, stains or watermarks, there are easy and safe ways you can restore them yourself.
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What Makes Suede Shoes So Hard to Clean?
Suede leather is produced by processing the under surface of animal skin. Moist tissues are very soft and easily absorb liquids. Due to being porous, suede catches dirt, dust and oils up easily and does not do well when it comes into contact with water.
This is why your usual cleaning techniques won’t help suede. Using soap and water to clean your suede can make it dark and using strong chemicals can damage the raised fibers that give suede its feel.
Suede Cleaning Essentials: What You’ll Need
Before you start cleaning, make sure you have the right tools. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Suede brush or soft toothbrush
- Suede eraser or pencil eraser
- White vinegar or rubbing alcohol
- Clean, dry cloth
- Paper towels or shoe trees
- Cornstarch or baking soda (for oil stains)
- Protective suede spray (optional)
Step-by-Step: How to Clean Suede Shoes at Home
Step 1: Let Dirt or Mud Dry Completely
Never clean wet suede. If your shoes are muddy or damp, let them air dry completely first. Use paper towels to absorb excess moisture, but don’t rub—just blot gently. Once dry, you can brush off loose dirt.
Step 2: Use a Suede Brush to Remove Surface Dirt
A suede brush is your best friend. Gently brush in one direction to lift the nap and remove surface grime. For tougher spots, use short, firm strokes in both directions.
If you don’t have a suede brush, a soft-bristled toothbrush or a clean nail brush can work in a pinch.
Step 3: Erase Stains with a Suede Eraser or Pencil Eraser
For small scuffs or shiny spots, a suede eraser works wonders. Rub gently until the mark lifts. A clean white pencil eraser can also do the trick for minor blemishes.
After erasing, use the suede brush again to re-fluff the nap.
Step 4: Use Vinegar or Alcohol for Tough Stains
Water stains, salt marks, and stubborn dirt don’t always respond to brushing. In those cases, white vinegar or rubbing alcohol can help.
Here’s how:
- Pour a small amount of white vinegar or rubbing alcohol onto a clean cloth.
- Gently dab the stained area—don’t soak it.
- Let the shoe air dry.
- Once dry, brush the area with a suede brush to restore texture.
Both vinegar and alcohol evaporate quickly and won’t leave moisture behind like water does.
Step 5: Treat Oil or Grease Stains with Cornstarch or Baking Soda
Oil and grease are tricky on suede, but absorbent powders can help.
- Sprinkle cornstarch or baking soda generously over the stain.
- Let it sit for several hours or overnight to soak up the oil.
- Brush off the powder and reapply if needed.
After removing the stain, finish with your suede brush to smooth out the nap.
How to Clean White Suede Shoes?
White suede is especially prone to discoloration. Follow the same steps, but be extra gentle and avoid vinegar, which might darken lighter suede.
- Use a clean white eraser to lift scuffs.
- For serious stains, try a suede cleaner specifically formulated for light colors.
- After cleaning, use a white microfiber cloth to gently buff the surface.
How to Deal with Water Stains on Suede Shoes?
Ironically, the best way to fix a water stain is to re-wet the surrounding area evenly:
- Lightly dampen the entire shoe with a small amount of water and a sponge.
- Use a clean towel to blot away excess moisture.
- Stuff the shoes with paper to help them hold shape.
- Let them air dry away from direct heat or sunlight.
- Once dry, brush the suede to restore texture.
This method evens out the color so that water spots blend into the rest of the material.
Tips for Drying Suede Shoes Properly
After cleaning, proper drying is essential:
- Never use a hair dryer or heater—this can stiffen or shrink the suede.
- Air-dry only, and stuff the shoes with newspaper or shoe trees to retain their shape.
- Let them dry naturally overnight or longer if needed.
Patience is key to preserving suede.
How to Restore the Nap on Suede Shoes
The nap is what gives suede its soft, fuzzy look and feel. After cleaning, it can flatten.
Here’s how to restore it:
- Use a suede brush in small circular motions.
- If it still looks dull, steam lightly by holding the shoe above (not in) a pot of hot water for a few seconds.
- After steaming, brush immediately to lift the nap.
Preventive Care: How to Protect Your Suede Shoes
Keeping your suede shoes clean starts with protection:
- Spray them with a suede protector after each cleaning and before wearing them outdoors.
- Avoid wearing suede in rainy, snowy, or muddy conditions.
- Store them in a cool, dry place, away from sunlight.
- Use dust bags or boxes to keep them safe from dust and moisture.
- Rotate your shoes so you don’t wear them back-to-back days.
Final Thoughts
Many believe suede shoes take a lot of care, but proper tools and techniques make it simple. If you clean suede shoes the right way, you’ll help them stay in good condition and look luxurious for longer.
By brushing your suede often, treating any spots you see and storing them well, your footwear will stay in great shape.
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