How to clean suede shoes: unusual ways that will help get rid of dirt and scratches

Suede shoes are sensitive to wear and require some care. Therefore, despite its spectacular look and comfort, it remains less popular than smooth leather options.

Meanwhile, care experts say that keeping suede looking good is actually easier than it seems. OBOZ.UA has collected their top tips.

How to clean suede shoes

Before cleaning suede shoes, make sure they are completely dry. Trying to clean wet dirt can cause it to penetrate deeper into the material. But do not force the drying process with a hair dryer, sunlight, or household heaters. Suede should dry naturally.

When the pair is dry, treat it with a special suede brush. It will remove dust and dirt particles from the fibers. Brush the material in the direction of the texture, and rub the stains with light movements back and forth. After cleaning and removing stains, which we will discuss in more detail below, do not forget to treat suede with a special spray. It will protect the delicate material from dirt and water.

How to remove scratches from suede

Another problem with suede is scratches as they easily appear on the soft material. Ways for removing a scratch depend on its size and depth. If you notice minor damage, just rub it with your finger or a brush to try to polish it off. Deeper scratches should be polished with a suede conditioner.

How to remove stains from suede shoes

All the most common types of stains require a slightly different approach to cleaning. Here are some basic tips on how to do it.

Dirt

To remove street dirt from suede shoes, first, make sure the material is completely dry. Use a suede brush or toothbrush to remove as much sand, dust, and other hard dirt as possible. If you can't remove all of it, you can try gently removing the residue with a steam cleaner. Absorb the moisture with a paper towel or cloth and allow the suede to dry.

Oil or grease

If you have oil or grease stains on your suede shoes, apply cornstarch to the stained area and leave it to absorb the grease for several hours. When the product has worked, gently remove it with a brush. Repeat the procedure until the stain disappears. If starch does not help, treat the stain with a small amount of dishwashing liquid. Leave it on for 10 minutes and then rinse it off with a damp cloth or sponge. But do not allow the material to become waterlogged.

Salt

De-icing salt stains are a common winter problem. To remove salt from suede shoes, start by scrubbing off as many crystals as possible with a brush. After that, mix cold water with a little dishwashing liquid and use a soft cloth to gently work the solution into the stain. Blot it, do not rub it. Repeat the treatment until the stain disappears. Then let the shoe dry completely.

Water stains

Even simple water can leave visible stains on suede. To remove them, first gently brush the surface of the material with a suede brush or toothbrush. Next, absorb as much moisture as possible with a paper towel or cloth. Finally, let the pair dry well. Do not forget to treat the shoes with a protective spray to avoid problems in the future.

Earlier, OBOZ.UA shared how to remove plaque from leather shoes.

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