How to Clean Suede Shoes With Salt

Some say that your shoes are a good indication of your style and show how much you value your appearance. So if you're walking around with dirty suede shoes, you might want to take the time to get them cleaned up. If you live in a cold climate that frequently gets snow, you can understand how your suede shoes can easily become covered with salt that has been laid down to melt the ice. Salt can corrode the suede material, and makes your suede shoes look horrible. Use this process for cleaning them up while maintaining the integrity of the suede.

Things You'll Need

• Suede eraser
• Suede brush
• Vinegar
• Windex (optional)

Instructions

1. Use a suede eraser to help remove salt, dirt and stains from the shoe. True to its name, the suede eraser looks like a small, tan, rectangular eraser and is rubbery in texture. The suede eraser will crumble up as you rub it into the suede, taking the dirt and salt along with it. You can find these for about six dollars at your local pharmacy.

2. Add a tablespoon of vinegar to warm water and mix the solution together thoroughly. Dip a soft cotton cloth into the vinegar mixture and wipe your shoes down with it. Vinegar is great for removing difficult stains from your shoes. The scent will go away after the suede shoe dries. You can also try mixing a spoonful of Windex in this mixture to help lift salt stains that have set in for a long time.

3. Smooth out the naps of the suede with your suede brush while still wet. The suede brush uses both hard metal and soft bristles to freshen up the suede shoe, restoring it to its original texture. Some suede brushes come packages with the suede eraser.

4. Allow the suede shoes to air dry.

Tips & Warnings

• Spray your suede shoes with a protectant to avoid having a problem with salt and moisture in the future. Silicon spray is the most popular stain repellent spray on the market. It creates a strong protective layer between your shoes and the elements. Before cleaning any suede surface, test the cleaner on a small hidden area to assure that your solution or tool won't damage the suede.

• These methods may not work with faux suede. Never use bleach or a cleaner mixed with bleach to clean suede shoes.

Resources

• More Information About Cleaning Suede Shoes
• Suede Eraser and Brush Kit