Clean Suede Leather Shoe at home
Suede shoes and suede leather sneakers are timeless and classy but they’re also delicate. Unlike regular leather, suede is a soft, textured material that stains and scuffs easily. Many people avoid wearing suede because they fear ruining it. But good news: you don’t need a professional cleaner every time. With the right tools and a little care, you can easily clean your suede shoes at home and keep them looking as good as new.
In this post, we’ll explain step-by-step how to clean suede shoes, remove stains, protect them, and maintain their beauty.
Why Suede Needs Special Care?
Suede is crafted from the underside of animal hide, which gives it its signature soft, velvety texture. However, this delicate, napped surface also makes suede more vulnerable to damage than regular leather. Dust and dirt cling easily to the fibers, while water can leave dark stains and ruin its texture. Oil and grease are particularly hard to remove from suede, and rough handling or getting it wet can cause the nap to flatten or lose its softness.
That’s why suede requires gentle cleaning, proper protection, and the right techniques to preserve its unique look and feel.
Things You’ll Need to Clean Suede Shoes
Before you start, gather these items (you can even include affiliate links here):
✅ Suede brush or soft toothbrush
✅ Clean white cloth or microfiber cloth
✅ Suede eraser or plain white eraser
✅ White vinegar or rubbing alcohol
✅ Cornstarch or talcum powder (for oil stains)
✅ Suede protector spray
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Clean Suede Shoes at Home
STEP1 | Brush Away Loose Dirt
Use a suede brush or soft toothbrush to gently brush off any surface dirt or dust. Always brush in one direction to avoid damaging the nap.
STEP2️ | Remove Scuffs & Marks
Use a suede eraser or a clean white pencil eraser to gently rub over scuffed areas.
(Tip: Don’t press too hard — be patient and rub lightly.)
STEP3 | Tackle Stubborn Stains
For water stains: Dab a little clean water on the entire shoe evenly, then blot excess water with a cloth and let it dry naturally. This prevents water rings.
For tougher stains (like mud or food): Let it dry completely first, then brush off as much as possible.If still visible, dab with a cloth dipped in white vinegar or rubbing alcohol. Let it dry and then brush again.
STEP4 | Remove Oil or Grease Stains
Sprinkle cornstarch or talcum powder generously over the stain.Leave it overnight to absorb the oil.Brush it off the next day.
(Pro tip: This also works for suede bags and jackets!)
STEP5 | Protect Your Shoes
Once your shoes are clean and dry, spray them with a suede protector spray. This creates a protective barrier against water and stains. Reapply every few weeks if you wear them often.
Bonus Tips for Suede & Leather Shoe Care
✔ Always store your suede shoes in a dust bag or box.
✔ Keep them in a cool, dry place — avoid direct sunlight and humidity.
✔ Use shoe trees to maintain shape.
✔ Never use soap or soak suede in water.
WE ALSO DO CARE OF SHOE AND BAG
