How to Clean Suede Shoes and Boots

by Kristie Leong MD on Nov 17, 2007 with 4 Comments

It’s that time of year when you bring out your suede boots and shoes to wear with your cold weather fashions.

Suede is a beautiful fabric, but, unfortunately, it can be a challenge to clean. Plus, professional suede cleaning can be quite costly. That’s why you may want to learn how to clean suede shoes and boots at home.

As a general rule when cleaning suede, you only want to use products specifically designed for suede fabric. Avoid using a product designed for cleaning leather. It’s also important to do a patch test before cleaning any suede fabric to make sure the color or integrity of the fabric won’t be damaged. To do this, apply your cleaning product to an area of the shoe or boot that doesn’t show to see what the effect will be.

Here’s How to Clean Suede Shoes and Boots at Home

Supplies Needed

  • Suede eraser or pencil eraser
  • A metal suede brush
  • A soft, dry washcloth.

    • Prepare Your Suede for Cleaning

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    Start by gently rubbing the surface of your suede shoe or boot with a soft, dry washcloth. This helps to restore the surface of your suede.

    Remove Dry and Ground In Stains

    Use your suede eraser or pencil eraser to rub any areas of dry staining. The eraser helps to life out any dried dirt and debris from beneath the surface of the suede.

    Smooth the Surface of Your Suede

    Using your metal suede brush, to brush the surface of your shoe or boot using a circular motion. This helps to smooth the surface that’s been roughened by using the eraser. It’s also good for removing scuff marks from suede shoes.

    These steps may be all you need to clean suede shoes and boots. If your suede still appears stained, you can try adding a small amount of white vinegar to a soft washcloth and gently buff the suede surface. Be sure to do your patch test first.

    If all of the above measures fail to restore your suede to its original beauty, it may be time for a professional suede cleaning. Once you’ve clean your suede shoes or boots, it’s best to treat your suede with a protective finish to help prevent future stains and water exposure. You can purchase suede protective sprays at shoe stores and shoe repair shops.

    Now that you know how to clean suede shoes and boots at home, you can wear your suede footwear without fearing that enormous cleaning bill.

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    1. Shirilee | Mar 21, 2008 | Reply

      I have a 25yr old pair of suede shoes I recently retrieved from the back of the closet since the style has come back into fashion. I cleaned the black marks with an eraser, (which I had first cleaned by rubbing it on white paper) then I rubbed over the whole shoe with very fine steel wool (No. 0000) I tore a piece off and used it like a soft cloth with a circular motion gently, and then against the nap to raise it. It worked a treat, my shoes look fabulous and thoroughly modern!

    2. Colleen | Dec 13, 2008 | Reply

      HOPE THIS WORKS.

    3. joe | Jan 14, 2009 | Reply

      i hope this works on my supra skytops

    4. Amanda | Oct 13, 2009 | Reply

      OMG regular pencil eraser works!!!!! Yay I saved my $75.00 suede aldo boots!!! :)

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