A Comprehensive Guide to Maintaining Suede Shoes

Understanding Suede Shoes: A Guide to Maintenance

Suede shoes have enjoyed a long-standing popularity and continue to be a fashion staple. Even as trends evolve, these shoes are poised to remain stylish for years to come. The pair of suede shoes you invest in today can accompany you for quite some time, especially if you take proper care of them. However, is it truly easy to maintain shoes like these? What happens when they encounter mud, accidental scuffs, or stubborn stains? How do you effectively tackle these challenges? The answer may lie in something as simple as Rubbing Alcohol. Here’s everything you need to know about how Rubbing Alcohol can rejuvenate your suede shoes. Let’s delve in:

What Are Suede Shoes? Insights into Their Care

Suede is a unique type of leather crafted from the underside of an animal’s hide. The process involves separating this layer from the top and rubbing it to create a soft, velvety texture. The end product is lightweight, supple, and flows beautifully.

To keep your suede shoes looking their best, there are numerous dos and don’ts to consider:

Do’s

• Regularly brush them in a single direction.
• Make use of a quality suede protector.
• Apply talc to your suede when it comes into contact with water.
• Utilize suede erasers for minor stains.

Don’ts

• Avoid brushing back and forth or in circular motions.
• Steer clear of using water on your suede.
• Do not have them cleaned by a professional boot cleaner.
• Refrain from storing suede items in enclosed spaces.

How to Clean Suede Shoes?

Cleaning suede leather differs significantly from caring for regular leather items. An improper technique or the wrong product can lead to irreversible damage to your suede shoes. Fortunately, with the right methods and tips, you can clean suede effectively without compromising its integrity. Here’s how:

Cleaning Suede Shoes with Rubbing Alcohol

The thought of using a strong solvent like Rubbing Alcohol on your suede shoes might be daunting, but fear not—it is safe. For tougher stains, Rubbing Alcohol can be the perfect solution.

Follow these simple steps for effective cleaning:

1. Begin by pouring a capful (or half) of Rubbing Alcohol onto a clean white cloth.
2. Gently rub the damp cloth onto the stain and allow it to air dry completely.
3. Once dry, fluff the fabric back up with a brush and remove any loosened dirt.

Note: Rubbing Alcohol may not work effectively on certain stains such as turmeric, orange juice, or blueberries. However, it excels at removing dirt, salt, and other common staining agents.TIP: If you prefer, you can substitute Rubbing Alcohol with White Vinegar, which is equally effective and safe for suede. Both options are better than water, which can stain your suede.

• After stain removal, continue by brushing your suede with a suede-safe brush, always brushing in one direction. This will leave you with a clean and lustrous finish.
• Finally, conclude the cleaning process by applying a suede protectant spray. While these sprays may be costly, they are a worthwhile investment, keeping your suede looking fresh and making future cleanings easier.

Can You Wash Suede?

While suede is not designed for traditional washing, you can wash your shoes if the manufacturer permits it. Many suede shoes or bags are pre-treated with special chemicals that protect the material from water and soap damage. Always check the manufacturer’s instructions before proceeding.

Can I Use a Toothbrush to Clean My Suede Shoes?

If you lack a suede brush and need to clean your shoes urgently, a soft-bristled toothbrush can suffice. Ensure that the toothbrush is clean and dry. However, since you own suede shoes, consider investing in a multi-purpose suede brush for optimal care.

What to Do When Suede Shoes and Boots Get Wet?

Dealing with Water on Your Suede Shoes: The worst-case scenario is that your shoes could be damaged. However, with the right care, even wet suede can be salvaged.

Follow these steps for effective treatment:

• Blot the Suede: As soon as your suede shoes become wet, use a microfiber towel or paper towels to blot them. The goal is to absorb as much water as possible from the suede.
• Brush the Suede: If you own a suede brush, that’s excellent. If not, use a soft, clean, and dry toothbrush to gently brush the suede in a single direction for a minute or two.
• Dry the Suede: Use a hand dryer on a low setting to dry your wet suede while continuing to brush. The aim here is to revive the nap of the suede before it dries completely, as once dried and hardened, restoring it can be challenging.
• Protect the Suede: Once cleaned and dried, apply a protectant. Numerous water and stain-resistant suede protectants are available that can prolong the life of your shoes. This way, even if you find yourself caught in the rain next time, your suede shoes will remain protected.

TIP: If your suede gets wet in the rain, remember that the sooner you address it, the better the chances of reviving its original condition.

Wrapping Up…

The tips provided on how to clean suede shoes will be invaluable during challenging times. The most crucial advice is to “Treat your suede as soon as possible.” Once stains or watermarks dry on suede, removing them at home can become nearly impossible, and professional cleaning may not yield satisfactory results either. Therefore, we recommend using a suede protectant on all your suede items. This proactive approach will enhance their longevity and safeguard them against accidental stains.