How to Clean Suede Shoes Without Ruining Them
Suede shoes and boots look great, but the soft, velvety surface picks up dirt, scuffs and water spots easily. Because suede is leather with a raised nap, you cannot just toss it in the washer or scrub it with soap and water. With the right tools and a gentle hand, though, most marks come right out. Here is exactly how to clean suede shoes at home without damaging them.
Quick answer: To clean suede shoes, let them dry completely, then brush the surface with a suede brush in one direction to lift dirt. Rub scuffs with a suede eraser, dab tough stains with white vinegar or rubbing alcohol on a cloth, and sprinkle cornstarch on oil stains overnight. Finish by brushing the nap back up and spraying with a suede protector.
What You Need
- A suede brush (brass or nylon bristles)
- A suede eraser, or a clean pencil eraser
- White vinegar or rubbing alcohol
- Cornstarch or talcum powder for oil stains
- Clean microfiber cloths
- Suede protector spray
- Shoe trees or newspaper to hold the shape
How to Clean Suede Shoes Step by Step
1. Make sure the shoes are dry
Wet suede is easy to damage, and brushing wet mud just pushes it deeper. Stuff shoes with paper and let them air-dry at room temperature, away from heaters or direct sun.
2. Brush away dirt
Use a suede brush and gentle strokes in one direction to remove surface dirt and dust. For dried mud, first knock off the big pieces, then brush. Once clean, brush back and forth lightly to lift and restore the nap.
3. Erase scuffs and marks
Rub scuffs and shiny spots with a suede eraser using light pressure, like you would erase pencil. Brush away the crumbs afterward.
4. Treat tough stains
Dampen a clean cloth with white vinegar or rubbing alcohol (do not pour it on the shoe). Dab the stain gently, let it dry and brush the nap back up. Vinegar can also help remove salt stains from winter boots. Test any liquid on a hidden spot first.
5. Remove oil and grease
Sprinkle cornstarch or talcum powder on fresh oil stains and leave it overnight so it can absorb the grease. Brush it off the next day and repeat if needed.
6. Protect your suede
Once your shoes are clean and dry, spray them evenly with a suede protector from about 6 inches away. Let them dry fully before wearing. Reapply every few months or after deep cleaning.
How to Fix Common Suede Problems
| Problem | What to do |
|---|---|
| Water spots | Lightly dampen the whole area with a cloth so it dries evenly, then brush |
| Salt stains | Dab with a 1:1 mix of white vinegar and water, let dry, brush |
| Flattened nap | Hold over steam from a kettle briefly at a safe distance, then brush |
| Gum or wax | Freeze with an ice cube in a bag, then gently pick it off |
| Mud | Let it dry completely, then brush off |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Putting suede shoes in the washing machine
- Scrubbing with soap and lots of water
- Drying with a hair dryer or near a heater
- Using leather polish or conditioner meant for smooth leather
- Wearing new suede in rain or snow before applying protector
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you wash suede shoes in the washing machine?
No. Water and agitation can shrink, stiffen and discolor suede. Stick to dry brushing and spot cleaning.
Can I use a toothbrush to clean suede?
A clean, soft toothbrush can work in a pinch for light dirt, but a proper suede brush lifts the nap much better.
How do you clean white suede shoes?
Use the same steps, with extra gentle brushing and a white suede eraser. Test vinegar on a hidden area first, and consider a suede cleaner made for light colors.
The Bottom Line
Learning how to clean suede shoes is all about staying dry and gentle: brush, erase, spot-treat stains with vinegar and protect them with a suede spray. A few minutes of care keeps your favorite shoes looking new for years. While you are refreshing your wardrobe, see our wolf cut style guide.
