How To Clean Suede Shoes 

Wet leaves, rain, mud, road gunk and dirt, and people not watching their step can all leave our suede shoes looking a bit grey and discoloured come autumn and winter. We promise, there’s no reason to fret. Our top suede cleaning tips will have your boots stain-free and party-ready in no time. 

Cleaning suede shoes doesn't have to be stressful. We’ll reveal our best hack to keep your suede shoes stain-free for as little as 50p! Read on for the best ways to clean and keep suede shoes clean. 

The Best Way to Clean Suede Shoes 

If you’ve encountered some sort of moisture or dirt on your travels, leaving you with a ghastly stain it's best to start the cleaning suede shoe process by letting them dry. Sounds counterintuitive but if you’ve sodden your shoes or been heavily rained on, leave them to air dry before tackling the stains. Keep your shoes away from direct heat or sunlight though as this can cause irreversible damage. 

The best ways to clean suede shoes are as follows: 

1. Clean & Brush 

When your shoes are dry, gently brush and clean away any loose dirt, use a soft-bristled suede brush or lightly damp cloth to do so. 

2. Suede Erase 

Use a suede eraser or pencil rubber to erase any unwanted marks or stains. Use a gently rubbing motion on the affected area. Remember to move gently and with preservation so as to not damage the suede

3. Spot Cleaning Stains 

Removing stains from suede shoes just requires simple household ingredients like white vinegar. Mix white vinegar with a little water and dab a small amount onto a microfibre cloth. Gently apply the vinegar to the stain in a dabbing motion. 

You can also use baking soda, rubbing alcohol or cornflour to remove stubborn stains. For more information on how to use these ingredients pop on down to the next section: How to clean stained suede shoes

4. Protect 

Last but not least: suede protector and waterproofing. A crucial step not to be overlooked. Applying a suede protector will help repel water and stains preventing any future damage. You’ll thank yourself later.

How to Clean Stained Suede Shoes 

1. Baking Soda and Water Paste

Mix a small amount of baking soda with a small amount of water to form a thick paste and gently apply it to the stained area. Baking soda can cost as little as 60p, so is a cheap way to transform stained shoes. Leave the paste to sit for a few minutes before gently brushing it away with a clean, dry brush. 

2.  White Vinegar

Mix equal amounts of white vinegar and water into a small bowl. Dip a clean soft cloth into the solution and gently dab the stained area, being careful to not scrub the suede. Let your shoes air dry away from sunlight and heat sources, and wear them as normal.

3. Cornflour

Sprinkle a generous amount of cornflour over the stained area on your shoe and leave it to sit overnight, absorbing the stain. Gently brush away the next morning and our shoes will look good as new.

Alternatively, the A Fine Pair of Shoes range of shoe care products includes suede stain removers and cleaners by trusted brands: Saphir Beaute De Cuir and Saphir Medaille D'Or.

Is it ok to wash suede shoes in a washing machine?

No, it is absolutely not ok to wash suede shoes - they should never be washed in a washing machine as this will completely damage the suede. Suede is incredibly porous, absorbing water quickly and easily. Washing them in the washing machine will damage suede fibres, weakening them and causing them to break.

Washing suede shoes should always be carried out using the spot method; tackling each stain, one spot at a time using the cleaning methods outlined above. 

Suede Cleaning & Protection 

Try to avoid getting suede shoes wet, easy to say but we do know how unpredictable British weather can be. However, a thorough waterproofing spray should do the job. Store your shoes in a cool, dry place, shoe bagged if possible, always and away from direct sunlight and heat. 

To shop an extensive range of leather and suede cleaning products designed specifically for shoes, shop for shoe care products online on A Fine Pair of Shoes. Find conditioners, polish and more and benefit from free delivery on spends of £40+.