Cleaning and refreshing suede shoes
Difficulty: Easy · Time: approx. 20 minutes
Suede is more delicate than smooth leather, but with the right technique you can deal well with stains, water marks and flattened nap. The most important rule: work dry, don't drench it with water.
Above all you need a suede brush and an eraser. Reproofing at the end protects against the next stain. Test every product on a hidden spot first.
What you'll need
- Suede or crepe brush
- Suede eraser (or a clean ordinary eraser)
- Suede waterproofing spray
- Optional: mild suede shampoo or a little vinegar water
- Shoe tree or newspaper
Step by step
- 1
Let them dry
If the shoes are wet or damp and dirty, let them dry completely first – never rub in wet dirt. Stuff them with newspaper so they keep their shape.
- 2
Brush dry
Brush the whole nap in one direction to loosen dust and dirt and lift the fibres. Flattened suede stands up again this way.
- 3
Erase stains
Tackle dry stains and dark, flattened areas with the suede eraser. A bit of pressure and rubbing lifts out surprisingly much, with no moisture at all.
- 4
Treat stubborn marks lightly with moisture
If a stain remains, use a little suede shampoo or a cloth lightly dampened with vinegar water and dab the spot – don't soak it. Then let it dry again.
- 5
Raise the nap and reproof
Finally brush once more so the nap stands evenly, then waterproof from a short distance. Let it dry fully before wearing.
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Upload a photo →Frequently asked questions
- How do I get rid of water marks?
- Lightly and evenly dampen the whole area (not just the edge), stuff the shoes and let them dry. Then brush – the visible line disappears.
- What helps against white salt marks in winter?
- Dab salt marks with a cloth dampened in vinegar water, let dry and brush out. Then be sure to reproof.
- How often should I reproof?
- After every deep clean and otherwise regularly, especially before the wet season. Better thin and often than thick and rarely.