Suede is a fashionable material that we find everywhere today: on our shoes, on our trendy handbags or even on our must-have jacket models. What is this material? Confusion reigns a bit, doesn't it? Rest assured: the deer is a fortunately protected animal and its skin is almost never used to make bags or shoes. Suede, also called suede, is actually a classic leather with a softer finish. This material, which we have decided to call it, has been treated on the reverse side to give it a velvety appearance. Normally this leather is obtained from cow, pig and sometimes suede. That's it, you know everything! In this article we are going to make your life easier by showing you how to clean suede shoes properly at home.
Page content
Our top tips for how to clean suede shoes
Commercial linksIf you love your shoes, you certainly spend time rubbing and cleaning them with delicacy and passion. When we don't love, we don't count. However, despite all the time spent, some models are more difficult to maintain than others, it must be admitted. Because of the specificity of its material, suede unfortunately falls into this category. Indeed, suede, like velvet or nubuck, is one of the fragile fabrics requiring regular and precise cleaning so that its lifespan is extended. Taking care of a suede shoe is an art and by following our advice, you will even be able to give a second life to more fashionable suede shoes.
Commercial links
Less solid, but softer than classic leather, suede is popular in clothing thanks to its flexibility. It is mainly used for original handbags or for women's and men's sneakers, for example. The problem with suede comes from the fact that it is a messy material that requires regular maintenance. Although suede shoes, such as boots and ankle boots, are becoming more and more trendy in autumn and winter 2021, they must be taken care of more than other shoes, as they are more difficult to maintain than those made of smooth leather or canvas.
So happy with our purchase, we don't always think about it, but it's the first rule that should not be deviated from, whatever the price of your suede shoes. You absolutely must waterproof them. Indeed, you should know that the slightest drop of water falling on the suede can cause certain damage to the texture and color of your shoe. Not great right? So invest in a suitable spray and remember to repeat the operation two to three times a year. Not complicated right?
Before cleaning suede shoes, a simple step to remember, dust them. How ? To remove dust, gently rub the suede with a brush or cloth. This step is essential. It removes dust particles that cover your nubuck boots or trainers.
Another step, especially not to be neglected. You remember ? When you love… As over time suede has an annoying tendency to smooth and bunch up due to friction, you need to remove luster from your shoes. For this you will need a brass or crepe brush with which you will rub your shoes in both directions. The advantage of this brush is that it allows you to rub (be careful, rub gently) the hairs of the suede without leaving traces.
Here is the procedure for this step:
Indeed, if washing can slightly alter the color and sometimes the material, it is preferable that this is the case for your two shoes. Same thing for cleaning: if you only rub in one place, you risk discoloring your leather and, you can be sure, the result will not be very presentable.
Who doesn't have one at home? A great classic in our homes, white vinegar is perfect for thoroughly cleaning suede shoes.
Manual :
– Mix two thirds of lukewarm water vinegar with one third of white vinegar and, best of all, a little washing up liquid
– Scrub the shoes with a brush soaked in the mixture
– Wash with a wrung-out sponge
– Dry with a clean cloth
The magic sponge eraser is very effective in removing stains without using chemicals that can damage the material and color of your shoes. To use it, nothing could be simpler:
– Pass a dry cloth over the stains.
– Pass the sponge eraser under water and wring it well.
– Rub gently in a circular motion.
– Air dry.
– Pass a stroke of the crepe brush to delustre the suede.
Another variant, the cleaning spray that is easily found in stores. Here's how to use it:
– Spray the product about thirty centimeters from your stains.
– Brush carefully with a brush until the stains disappear.
Easy, right?
To make up for a pair of sneakers or boots that are a little too damaged, you can count on three very simple, but ultra-effective tips:
As you will have understood, the secret of a pair of suede shoes that lasts is regular maintenance. Nothing very complicated for this: remember to brush your shoes regularly with a suitable brush or eraser. As a bonus, a little cleaning from time to time by letting your shoes air dry. Moreover, to revive the colors of your suede shoes, you can use a color restorer to restore hues to your trendy suede ankle boots. To apply the product as effectively as possible, two passes are essential, alternating the direction of brushing. Do not press too hard and, as with the waterproofing procedure, push the bomb a good foot away.
For some stains, like mud, a nail file may do the trick instead of a brush, as it can go through more thoroughly. In this case, you just need to gently rub the surface concerned. Another tip if you don't have a special eraser to clean your suede shoes. Your children's school eraser can work wonders. And don't say you don't have any at home! Another grandma's little secret, bread crumbs have quite spectacular cleaning properties... it's up to you to check!
The last tip is not the easiest to apply, because if you have beautiful, very trendy suede boots, it's to put them on this winter! We tell you anyway: run away from the water. It discolors and damages the suede.
