Suede shoes are very popular in autumn and winter. From loafers to sneakers and ankle boots: suede shoes are among themMust-haves for the cold season. However, if improperly cared for, the material quickly loses its appeal. We will therefore give you several tips on how to clean your suede shoes. Learn how to remove stubborn stains and refresh suede with home remedies.
Cleaning suede shoes: what can you treat them with?
Fabric, leather and imitation leather can be easily cleaned with water. In contrast, suede is very sensitive to water. Even clean water can be unsightlyleave stainsand ruin the shoes. Unless the manufacturer specifies otherwise, you cannot wash suede shoes in the washing machine. Only if you have already tried everything else and still can't get the stains off, you can wash your suede shoes in the wool cycle.
In stores you can also find special erasers and brushes for suede. With the special brush you can quickly remove dust and dirt from your favorite shoes and roughen the suede. Stains of dried mud can be removed quickly and easily with an eraser.
Can you treat suede shoes with shoe polish?
A shoe polish for leather cannotCan be used for cleaning suede shoes. This care product is only intended for smooth leather and imitation leather and will damage the pile of suede shoes. In addition, most shoe polishes are colored. These colors correspond to the standard shades of smooth leather (burgundy, brown, beige, black). However, since most suede shoes are specially colored in a shade (cognac, cream, etc.), you will not find suitable color sticks or shoe polishes. Unlike smooth leather, oil stains or rubbed areas cannot be covered with paint.
Cleaning suede shoes: home remedies that reliably remove dirt
Alternatively you canvarious home remediesUse to remove dirt and stains from suede. Alcohol, carpet foam and white vinegar can work wonders. If you've had the suede shoes for a few years, brushing them probably won't help. You can use a razor to get the pile looking nice again.
Cleaning suede shoes: Use carpet foam correctly
Salt edges and unsightly water stains can be cleaned with carpet foam. First, stuff the shoes with newspaper. If they are wet, let them dry in a warm, shady place (but not directly under a heater, as heat can damage the material). The cleaning can begin the next morning. First, apply some carpet foam to a clean, dry rag and then rub it into the leather.
Clean suede with alcohol
You can also clean suede with alcohol (70%). Apply some alcohol to a clean, dry rag. You need to properly moisten the rag with it. Then place the rag on the dirty area and leave it there for an hour. Remove the rag and brush the shoe.
Remove grease stains from suede
Grease stains on suede shoes can be removed with dry shampoo. Simply apply the shampoo directly to the stains. Wait thirty minutes for it to absorb the fat. Then you can remove it quickly and easily with the special brush for suede. The shampoo will not leave any marks.
Clean white suede shoes with vinegar
White suede shoes need regular care. If dirt accumulates during the day, you can put vinegar on a sponge and rub it over the shoe. Water and salt stains can be removed, among other things. Only use white wine or apple cider vinegar.
Clean suede sneakers: Remove stains with onion juice
Sneakers are particularly challenging when it comes to cleaning. This is because they are mostly made of fabric and leather. If your favorite sneakers have suede details, then you can clean them with onion juice. Apply some onion juice to a clean, dry rag and rub it over the stain. Then ventilate the sneakers well. The fresh air will neutralize the onion smell.
How to refresh suede shoes?
If you want to refresh your suede shoes, you can do the following:
- Remove any loose fibers with a razor. Move it over the leather in circular movements.
- Additionally roughen the fibers with the brush.
- Waterproof the shoes by spraying them with a special protective spray. Allow the shoes to dry for about 20 minutes and reapply a coat of waterproofing. Make sure that the shoes are only slightly damp and not completely wet. Too much of a good thing can damage the delicate material.
- Clean shoes as needed and try to remove salt marks and stains as quickly as possible. You should always reshape damp shoes with newspaper.
- Never dry suede shoes with a hairdryer or place them near a heater or fireplace. This will make the leather brittle and hard.
