How Do I Clean Suede Shoes?

Suede shoes can be elegant yet sporty at the same time. They offer a great feel and a beautiful look. However, unlike regular leather, suede shoes can sometimes be difficult to clean. Often, the water you might use to clean leather shoes would damage the suede, leaving water spots.

Protective Spray

When you first purchase your shoes, purchase a protective spray. Use the spray before you wear the shoes. You can buy the spray at the shoe store when you buy the shoes. Allow the shoes to dry completely before you wear them. Once on, this spray will act as a protective barrier to water and dirt.

Oats

Rub oats all over the suede shoes. This will leave a light, almost powdery coat of the oats. Once the shoes are covered, leave them to sit overnight. This will allow the oat powder time to adhere itself to the dirt and other grime. The next morning remove the oat powder, using a suede brush. The oat powder will take the dirt with it.

Steam

If you do not have a steamer you may need to take your suede shoes into a dry cleaner for this process. If you have a steamer, adjust the amount of steam down to the lowest level. Too much moisture will do more harm than good to your shoes. Keep the shoes around a 6 inches from the steamer until the suede has begun to heat. When this occurs, remove the shoes from the steam and brush them with a suede brush, which will remove the dirt and stains from the shoes.

References

• Leather Care Central: Tips for Cleaning Suede