The Do's and Don'ts of Cleaning Suede Shoes

Suede shoes are a popular fashion choice but can be notoriously difficult to clean. Unlike leather shoes, suede can stain easily and requires extra care during cleaning to avoid causing damage. In this article, we will discuss the dos and don'ts of cleaning suede shoes to help you keep your footwear looking their best.

Dos:

• Use the right tools. When cleaning your suede shoes, it's important to use the right tools and materials. A suede brush is the best tool for removing dirt and stains from suede. You must also have a suede eraser to remove any stubborn marks.
• Brush your shoes regularly. Use a suede brush to carefully remove any dirt or debris from the surface of your suede shoes. Brushing them regularly will help keep them clean and free from stains and marks.
• Blot spills immediately. If you spill something on your suede shoes, it's essential to blot the liquid immediately with a clean, absorbent cloth. Do not rub the stain as this will push the liquid further into the suede fibers.
• Use a suede protector spray. Applying a suede protector spray to your shoes can help prevent staining and damage from water. Apply the spray to your shoes before wearing them and reapply every few months.
• Use a suede shampoo. If your suede shoes are extremely dirty or stained, you can use a specialized suede shoe cleaner to clean them. Follow the instructions carefully, and always test on a small, inconspicuous area before using.

Don'ts:

• Don't use water to clean suede. Water can significantly damage suede shoes, so never try to clean them using water. It can cause the suede to shrink, warp, or crack and can also leave water marks that are challenging to remove. Instead, look into professional shoe dry cleaning for more difficult cleaning tasks.
• Don't use soap or detergent. Soaps and detergents can also seriously damage suede shoes and should never be used to clean them. They can leave marks and can cause the suede to become stiff and brittle.
• Don't use heat to dry suede. Suede shoes should never be placed in the dryer or left to dry in direct sunlight or near a heat source. Doing so can cause the suede to warp and fade and can also affect the glue and construction of the shoe.
• Don't attempt to clean grease stains. Grease stains are stubborn and can easily spread across suede fibers. You should always take your suede shoes to a suede shoe cleaning service like eClean CO2 dry cleaning if they have grease stains.
• Don't ignore water stains. Water stains may look like small blemishes, but they can easily become permanent. Address them immediately to avoid them becoming permanent and difficult to remove.

eClean’s Easy Care Solution

When it comes to caring for apparel items, eClean offers one of the best cleaning solutions on the market. We are able to clean suede shoes and restore them to like-new conditions without causing any damage or compromising on quality. How, you ask? With our patented, recycled CO2 dry cleaning technology that uses liquid CO2 instead of harsh chemicals. Plus, the process uses no water and no heat so there is no damage, color loss, or shrinkage. 

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, cleaning suede shoes can be tricky, but it's essential to know the dos and don'ts to keep them looking their best. Always use a suede brush to remove dirt and debris and avoid using water or soap to clean them. Blot any spills and treat stains immediately, and use a suede protector spray to prevent future damage. If your suede shoes are heavily stained or dirty, consider taking them to a professional cleaner. By following these tips, you can maintain your suede shoes and keep them looking great for years to come.