How to Clean Suede Shoes

Introduction

Wondering how to clean suede shoes or boots without ruining them? New suede looks amazing—until dirt and stains show up! Since suede absorbs spills and scuffs easily, keeping it clean takes special care. With the right steps, you can restore that fresh, soft look in no time.

Why do suede shoes require special cleaning methods?

Due to its delicate nature, suede is highly susceptible to water damage, stains, and visible scuffs. Unlike smooth leather, this material has a soft, textured surface that absorbs liquids easily and can lose its shape or develop permanent marks if not cared for properly. This is why cleaning suede shoes requires specialized methods—using the wrong techniques (like harsh chemicals or excessive water) can ruin the shoe’s texture and color. Instead, gentle brushing, targeted stain removers, and protective sprays are essential to maintain their appearance and longevity.

Your Cleaning Kit

Before we clean suede shoes, let’s make sure we have the right tools for the job! Suede is delicate, so using the wrong supplies could damage the material. Here’s your complete checklist of what you’ll need to clean suede shoes properly.

Materials/Tools

Suede brush: Effectively removes dirt from suede shoes without damage. A toothbrush with also work just fine.

Suede Eraser: It removes marks that brushes can’t, reviving suede’s texture safely.

White Vinegar or Rubbing Alcohol: They break down oils and dirt while evaporating quickly, preventing water damage to suede shoes.

Suede Protection Spray (optional): Extends the life of suede by blocking liquids and oils that cause permanent damage.

Shoe Tree or Newspaper: You’ll need this to prevent wrinkles and help your shoes keep their shape while you clean them.

How to Clean Suede Shoes Step by Step

1. Make sure your Shoes are Dry

Got suede shoes wet or stained? Don’t rush to clean them! Gently dab with a dry cloth (never rub) and let them air dry at room temperature. Avoid sunlight or heat, which can warp suede. Only clean once they’re fully dry to prevent stains from setting.

2. Remove and Clean Shoe Laces

If your shoes have laces, take them out before cleaning. This makes it easier to clean every part of the shoe and keeps the laces from getting in the way.

3. Brush your Shoes

Grab your suede brush or toothbrush and brush away any dirt or debris on the surface of the shoe. Because the fibers are so close together, you can often brush dirt away easily with a soft-bristle brush.

4. Fix Scuffed Suede with an Eraser

Take your suede eraser and gently rub the scuffed area using light back-and-forth motions. This lifts stains while reviving the shoe’s soft texture. After erasing, use a suede brush to whisk away any remaining residue. Repeat these steps until your suede shoes look fresh and clean again.

5. Tackle Stubborn Stains

For tough, deep stains, try this: lightly dampen your brush with white vinegar or rubbing alcohol, then gently work it over the stained areas of the shoe. Be careful not to oversaturate the material. Once you’ve treated the stain, use your suede eraser to lift any remaining marks. Finish by brushing the area again to restore the texture. Repeat the process as needed until the stain is gone and you’re happy with the results!

6. Apply Suede Protection Spray

Once your suede shoes are clean, it’s a good idea to finish the job by applying a suede protection spray. We recommend the Reshoevn8r Shoe Water + Stain Repellent. This not only helps shield your shoes from future stains and water damage but also restores the plush, soft texture of the material if it has dried out.

Prefer to watch instead of read? Check out this helpful video by Jairjoo, where he demonstrates suede shoe cleaning methods similar to the ones we recommend. It’s a great way to see the process step by step!

Treating Other Kinds of Stains

Oil and Grease Stains

Sprinkle cornstarch or baby powder onto the stain, letting it absorb for 1-2 hours. Once the powder looks greasy, gently brush it away with a suede brush to lift the oil residue. Repeat this process until the stain is completely removed from the shoe.

Blood Stains

Lightly dampen a cotton ball with hydrogen peroxide (3% solution) and gently blot the stain—avoid rubbing. Let the shoe air dry completely, then repeat if any discoloration remains.

Wax and Gum Stains

Place your shoes in the freezer for 1-2 hours until the substance hardens. Once frozen, carefully peel off as much as possible, then use a dull knife or plastic scraper to gently remove any remaining bits without damaging the suede.

Can I Use Water to Clean Suede Shoes?

Never use water on suede shoes—it can ruin them. Water soaks in fast, causing stains, hard spots, and rough texture. Instead, use a suede brush to wipe away dirt. For tough marks, try a suede eraser or special shoe cleaner.

Suede Maintenance Tip

Brush your suede shoes often to keep them looking great! It helps lift the soft fibers, so your shoes stay smooth and colorful. Regular brushing stops them from getting flat or dull. Just a quick brush keeps your suede shoes fresh and stylish!

Conlusion

Keeping your suede shoes looking sharp doesn’t have to be complicated. With just a little regular care, you can protect their delicate texture, prevent stains from setting in, and make sure they always look fresh. Suede may seem tricky at first, but once you know the right methods, maintaining that soft, stylish finish becomes second nature.

Now that your suede shoes are clean, it’s time to tackle the rest of your collection! Check out our dedicated shoe cleaning guides for other types of shoes, and for a little extra magic, head over to our homepage to discover our secret formula that takes your shoe care to the next level.