Wondering how to clean suede shoes without a suede cleaner? You’re not alone! A lot of shoe freaks have no idea how they can clean these shoes properly. Since suede cleaner is a bit expensive, many don’t want to purchase it, either.
But worry not.
You can use household items like brushes, vinegar, or even a pencil eraser to clean and restore your suede shoes. These methods are easy, fast, and don’t require expensive tools.
Stick around for tips that will save your suede shoes and make cleaning stress-free.
Key Points
- Use a soft brush to clean dirt and dust from suede shoes gently.
- Apply a protective spray to shield your shoes from water and stains.
- Tackle tough stains with white vinegar or rubbing alcohol.
- Remove scuffs with a pencil eraser for quick fixes.
- Absorb grease stains using baking soda or cornstarch.
- Loosen dirt with steam to make cleaning easier.
- Avoid wearing suede shoes in wet or greasy environments.
- Store your suede shoes properly to keep them in perfect condition.
How to Clean Suede Shoes without a Suede Cleaner? 6 Methods
To clean suede shoes without a suede cleaner, use tools like a soft brush, vinegar, or a pencil eraser. Brush gently or dab with a cloth (depending on the method).
Let’s look at all the suede shoe cleaning methods:
Method 1: Use a Soft Brush or Toothbrush
Suede shoes get dirty fast, especially when you wear them outside a lot. A soft brush or even an old toothbrush can help clean off dirt. This method is super easy and doesn’t need any special tools. You’ll just clean the surface dirt by brushing it off.
Here’s how to do it:
- Take a soft brush or a clean toothbrush. Don’t use one with stiff bristles—it can damage the suede.
- Brush the shoes gently in one direction. Start from one end and go to the other.
- For areas with stuck-on dirt, use short strokes but don’t press too hard.
- Check for spots you missed, and brush those again lightly.
- When done, look at your shoes under good light to see if they’re clean.
Brushing works because it removes loose dirt sitting on the surface of the suede. Suede is like soft fabric, so dirt doesn’t always stick deep. Brushing lifts it off gently. However, you should keep these things in mind:
- Always use a clean brush. If it’s dirty, you’ll spread more dirt on the shoes.
- Don’t scrub too hard. Pressing hard can damage the soft material.
- Brush in one direction to keep the suede looking smooth and neat.
- Store your shoes in a dry place to avoid dust buildup.
Method 2: White Vinegar or Rubbing Alcohol
Sometimes, suede shoes get stains that brushing alone won’t fix. For these, white vinegar or rubbing alcohol can help. They’re great for cleaning because they evaporate quickly, so they won’t ruin the material like water can.
Here’s what to do:
- Grab a clean white cloth. Don’t use colored cloths—they might bleed onto your shoes.
- Pour a little white vinegar or rubbing alcohol on the cloth. Don’t soak it. Just dampen it lightly.
- Dab the stained area gently. Don’t rub, as it can push the stain in deeper.
- Let the shoe air dry completely. It might take an hour or two.
- After drying, use a soft brush to fluff up the suede and make it look normal again.
Vinegar and alcohol break down stains without leaving water marks. They evaporate fast, so the suede doesn’t stay wet for long. This makes them perfect for tough spots, especially when you’re avoiding water.
Method 3: Pencil Eraser
Scuffs and small marks on suede can make your shoes look old. A pencil eraser is a quick fix for these. It’s cheap, easy to find, and doesn’t require any fancy skills. You just rub away the marks like you’re erasing a pencil line.
Follow these steps:
- Get a clean white eraser. Don’t use pink or colored ones—they can leave marks.
- Gently rub the scuffed area in small circles. Don’t press too hard.
- Keep rubbing until the scuff or stain starts to fade.
- Once the spot looks better, take a soft brush and lightly brush the area to even out the texture.
Important Point: Use a clean eraser. A dirty one will leave smudges.
Method 4: Baking Soda or Cornstarch
Grease or oil stains are the worst on suede. They look messy and are hard to clean. Baking soda or cornstarch can help. These powders soak up the grease without water, making them a safe and simple solution.
Do these steps:
- Sprinkle baking soda or cornstarch directly on the oily stain.
- Leave it alone for several hours or overnight. The powder will absorb the oil.
- Once it’s had time to work, gently brush off the powder with a soft brush.
- Check the spot. If it’s still greasy, repeat the process until the stain is gone.
Method 5: Steam
If your suede shoes have tough dirt or stains, steam can help loosen them up. In our experience, it’s a gentle way to clean. Steam softens the material, making it easier to clean.
Follow these steps:
- Boil a small pot of water to create steam.
- Hold the shoe over the steam for a few seconds. Don’t let the shoe get wet—just close enough to feel the heat.
- Use a soft brush to clean the area while the suede is warm.
- Let the shoe air dry after brushing.
Steam relaxes the fibers and loosens dirt, making it easier to brush away. It also softens dried-on stains, so they come off without much effort.
Method 6: Emery Board (Nail File)
A nail file can work wonders for stubborn marks. This method is great for tough spots when other methods don’t work. Here’s how to do it:
- Use a clean, fine-grit nail file or emery board.
- Gently rub the scuffed area in one direction. Start lightly to avoid damaging the material.
- Check your progress. Stop once the mark starts to fade.
- Brush the area with a soft brush to smooth and blend the suede.
Looking for more shoe-cleaning tips? Here’s a detailed guide on how to clean your Nike shoes safely and effectively.
What Makes Suede Shoes Tricky to Clean?
Suede shoes are delicate because of the way they’re made. Suede comes from the underside of animal hides, like cow or lamb. This gives it that soft, fuzzy texture we all love. This texture makes suede shoes look and feel luxurious, but it also makes them tricky to clean.
Suede Doesn’t Mix Well With Moisture
The biggest issue with suede is that it doesn’t mix well with moisture. Unlike regular leather, suede is more porous, meaning it absorbs water quickly. When suede gets wet, it can leave behind watermarks. This is why using too much water can ruin your shoes.
Suede Doesn’t React Well with Oil and Dirt
Another thing that makes suede tricky is how it reacts to dirt and oils. Because the surface is so soft, dirt doesn’t just sit on top. It can get trapped in the fibers. Grease or oil stains are even worse since they soak deep into the material. If you try scrubbing too hard to clean a spot, you might tear the shoes.
Suede Is Sensitive to Chemicals
Suede is also sensitive to rough handling or harsh chemicals. Strong cleaning products can discolor the material and make it stiff.
But with the right techniques, you can keep them clean!
Suede shoes aren’t the only ones that need special care—here’s how to clean On Cloud shoes effectively.
10 Tips to Keep Suede Shoes Clean
Here are 10 practical tips to help you keep your suede shoes clean and looking new:
1. Use a Protective Spray
Protective spray is like a shield for your suede shoes. It stops water, dirt, and stains from getting into the material. If you use this before wearing your shoes, cleaning them later becomes way easier. It’s a simple step that saves a lot of trouble.
To use it, make sure your shoes are clean and dry first. Hold the spray bottle about a hand's length away and spray evenly. Don’t soak the shoes, just give them a light coat. Let them dry for a few hours, or even overnight, before you wear them.
Remember to reapply the spray every few months, especially if you use the shoes a lot.
This works because suede is super absorbent. Without the spray, water or stains sink in fast and are hard to remove. The spray creates a barrier, so nothing gets trapped in the suede. It’s like an invisible raincoat for your shoes.
Just don’t skip this step if you want your suede to stay nice.
2. Avoid Wearing Suede in Wet Weather
Suede and water are not friends. If it’s raining or snowing, try not to wear your suede shoes. Water can leave marks, ruin the texture, or even cause stains. It’s just not worth the risk.
If you absolutely have to wear them, use waterproof covers or a good protective spray. Waterproof covers are great. They slip over your shoes and keep them dry even in heavy rain. If you don’t have covers, make sure your protective spray is fresh, and be extra careful where you step.
The best plan is to save suede for dry days. Wet weather can ruin the soft, fuzzy look of suede and make it harder to clean later. If your shoes do get wet, let them air dry at room temperature. Don’t use a hairdryer, as heat can shrink the material or make it stiff.
3. Brush Regularly
A quick brush after each wear keeps suede shoes looking fresh. Suede collects dust and dirt easily, especially if you wear them outdoors. Brushing gets rid of this before it sets in and keeps the material soft.
Use a soft suede brush or even an old toothbrush. Brush gently and always in one direction. Don’t brush back and forth—it can mess up the texture. If you see a dirty spot, use a little more pressure, but don’t scrub too hard. Brushing regularly also helps keep the suede’s nap (the fuzzy texture) looking even.
This habit is easy to follow. It takes only a couple of minutes but makes a big difference. Dirt won’t have a chance to stick, and your shoes will look cleaner for longer. Plus, brushing makes the suede feel smooth and soft, just like when you first got them.
4. Store Shoes Properly
Where you keep your suede shoes matters a lot. Suede doesn’t like sunlight, humidity, or dust. If you store your shoes in the wrong place, they can fade, collect mold, or lose their nice texture.
The best place is a cool, dry spot. Keep them in a cloth bag or their original box. Cloth bags let the suede breathe while protecting it from dust. Don’t store them in plastic bags, though. Plastic traps moisture, which can cause mildew. If you don’t have a bag, wrap them in tissue paper.
Good storage keeps your shoes in great condition. They’ll stay clean and ready to wear. Plus, you won’t have to deal with fixing damage from bad storage later.
5. Stuff Shoes to Retain Shape
Suede shoes can lose their shape if you don’t take care of them. They might crease, flatten, or look misshapen over time. Stuffing them with tissue paper or using shoe trees can help them keep their shape. It’s a small step, but it works wonders.
If you use tissue paper, make sure it’s clean and plain—no ink that could stain the suede. Shoe trees are even better. They not only keep the shape but also absorb moisture from inside the shoe. This is especially helpful if your feet sweat a lot or you’ve been out in humid weather.
Keeping the shape of your shoes isn’t just about looks. Shoes that lose their shape can feel uncomfortable to wear. Stuffing them when you’re not using them makes sure they stay comfortable and look as good as new.
6. Spot Clean Immediately
If you spill something on suede, don’t wait. The faster you act, the better your chances of saving your shoes. Suede absorbs stains quickly, so it’s important to handle spills as soon as they happen.
Start by blotting the stain with a clean, dry cloth. Don’t rub, as that can spread the stain or push it deeper into the material. Just dab the spot gently. Once it’s dry, use a soft brush to fluff up the suede and blend the cleaned area with the rest of the shoe.
Quick action is the key here. Stains that sit for too long become harder to clean. By taking care of spills right away, you can keep your suede shoes looking great without too much effort.
7. Avoid Contact with Oils and Grease
Oils and grease are suede’s worst enemies. They leave dark, ugly spots that are really tough to clean. Try to keep your suede shoes away from kitchens, cars, or any place where grease is common.
If you do get an oil stain, act quickly. Sprinkle baking soda or cornstarch on the spot. These powders absorb the oil from the suede. Let it sit for a few hours or overnight, then brush it off with a soft brush. You might need to repeat this a couple of times for stubborn stains.
It’s easier to avoid grease than to clean it. Be mindful of where you wear your suede shoes. Prevention is always better than spending hours trying to fix a stain.
8. Use a Suede Eraser or White Eraser
For small scuffs or marks, a suede eraser works like magic. If you don’t have one, a clean white eraser will also do the trick. This method is simple, cheap, and really effective for everyday cleaning.
Rub the eraser gently over the mark. Use small, circular motions and don’t press too hard. Once the mark fades, brush the area lightly with a suede brush to restore the texture. This step makes the cleaned area blend in with the rest of the shoe.
Erasers are great because they’re easy to use and don’t require water or chemicals. Keep one handy, and you can fix minor scuffs as soon as you notice them.
9. Rotate Your Shoes
Wearing the same suede shoes every day isn’t a good idea. Suede needs time to breathe and recover. Rotating your shoes with other pairs gives them a break and helps them last longer.
When you let your shoes rest, they air out naturally. This prevents sweat and moisture from building up inside, which can weaken the material or cause odors. If you only have one pair of suede shoes, try not to wear them two days in a row.
Rotating shoes is a small habit that makes a big difference. Your suede will stay in better shape, and you’ll get more wear out of them over time.
10. Clean Before Storing
Before you put your suede shoes away for a season, make sure they’re clean and dry. Dirt or moisture left on the shoes can cause stains or mildew while they’re stored.
Brush the shoes to remove any dust or dirt. If there are stains, spot clean them before storing. Let the shoes dry completely at room temperature. Once they’re clean and dry, stuff them with tissue paper or use shoe trees, and store them in a cloth bag or box.
This step keeps your shoes ready to wear when you take them out of storage. It’s a simple way to protect your investment and keep your suede shoes looking great for years.
Final Words
All in all, you can use a soft brush to clean suede shoes if you don’t want to use a suede cleaner. If you have white vinegar or baking soda, you can use these as well. In addition, remember these tips:
- Always use a protective spray before wearing suede shoes.
- Avoid wearing them in wet weather to prevent damage.
- Brush your shoes regularly to remove dirt and keep the texture smooth.
- Store them properly in a dry place to maintain their shape and color.
With these easy tips, keep your suede shoes fresh and spotless.