Learn how to clean suede shoes to remove water spots, salt stains, dirt, and more.
Suede footwear is a wardrobe staple in cooler weather that offers both stylish comfort and warmth.
We’ll walk you through the step-by-step process below and offer tips for removing commonstains on suede footwear.
Credit:Brie Goldman
These cleaning strategies make it easy to restore the soft, spotless appearance of your favorite suede items.
Once your footwear is totally dry, follow these instructions for cleaning suede shoes.
Brush Away Loose Particles
Use a suede brush to brush away any loose dirt or particles.
Credit:Brie Goldman
When cleaning small areas, a toothbrush can also work.
Start by brushing in the same direction as the nap’s pattern or grain.
For set-in grime, move on to a gentle back-and-forth motion if the spot won’t budge.
Credit:Brie Goldman
Gently rub the eraser back and forth over the mark.
If it doesn’t appear to be working, stop and move on to another suede stain removal method.
You don’t want to damage the material by rubbing too hard.
Credit:Brie Goldman
An emery board nail file can also help lift the nap and buff out stains.
Use light pressure to avoid scratching the material.
Allow the wet spot to dry, then check to see if the stain remains.
Credit:Brie Goldman
Repeat as needed until the stain is completely gone.
Once clean and dry, brush the surface again to restore its original appearance.
Choose a protector spray that’s specifically designed for suede, and apply it following the manufacturer’s instructions.
Credit:Brie Goldman
How to Remove Stains from Suede Shoes
Certain stains require special techniques when cleaning suede footwear.
Use these tips to remove some of the most common stains from suede shoes and boots.
Use a suede brush or toothbrush to remove as much dirt as possible.
Let the area dry.
Gently scrape off the cornstarch with a brush.
Repeat as needed until the spot is gone.
For grease stains that have dried, clean the area with a small amount ofdish soap.
Avoid soaking suede shoes directly in water.
To remove salt from suede shoes, start by brushing away as much salt as possible.
Dip a clean cloth in cold water mixed with a small amount of dish soap.
Gently blot the stain; don’t rub.
Repeat as needed until the stain is gone.
Use a spray bottle to lightly spritz water across the surface.
Gently brush the surface using a suede brush or toothbrush.
Blot up any excess water with a clean cloth or paper towel, then let dry completely.
Once dry, apply a suede waterproofing spray to avoid future water spots.
Frequently Asked Questions
Suedes worst enemy is water.
Avoid wearing suede in the rain to prevent this from happening to your shoes (or clothing).
Yes,Magic Eraserpads are very effective at cleaning suede.
Magic Erasers are particularly good at removing scuff marks on suede shoes.
Yes, you could sprinkle some baking soda on the stain and let it sit for about 15 minutes.
Then rub the area with a soft brush and the dirt should fall off along with the baking soda.
While it’s possible for wet wipes to remove stains, this method is not recommended for suede shoes.
These wipes could contain chemicals that damage the material.
