7 Tips For Maintaining Suede Shoes

Suede shoes are a beauty to look at, but the problem with them is keeping them in good shape, especially at this time when rain could decide to fall at any given moment. We all know that suede and liquids do not go very well together.

So how do you make sure that your suede shoes stay in good shape? Here are a few tips for you to make sure that your suede shoes always look as good as new.

Suede shoes. Photo credit: Dandy Shoe Care

 Note: This also applies to boots, jackets and all other suede items. It also helps when you want to store your suede items to make sure it stays looking its best.

1. Never clean suede with water

First things first, NEVER clean suede with water. Don’t do it. Using water alone to clean suede will affect both its colour and texture. When it loses its texture, it’s no longer suede you have; it is now something else.

2. Protect your suede

The key to reducing disasters is to try to avoid them at all cost. You should never hit the streets without properly protecting your suede first. Get a protective, water reppelant spray for your shoes. A thin application of a suede sealant should last for several months and will stop dirt, liquid and other stains before they start. Remember to brush before and after spraying them.

Spraying suede shoes. Photo: Aquila

3. Brush it!

To remove everyday dirt and dust, use a soft bristle brush to clean your shoes. Use light, swift strokes to avoid damaging the delicate fabric. You can also use a suede eraser to quickly remove minor blemishes.

4. Treat liquid spills with talcum powder or corn meal

There will be times when water or any other liquid will spill on your precious suede. To treat this, pat the area with a clean cloth or towel and then apply talcum powder or corn meal to the affected area. Leave to set overnight and then brush with a suede brush the following day to remove the dried powder.

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5. Treat dried stains with white vinegar

Dried stains like dirt should be treated differently from liquid ones. Rub off the dirt with a kneaded eraser or an emery board as a quick fix, or blot out the stain using a small amount of white vinegar and a clean towel. Repeat until the stain disappears. This gets rid of both salt and water stains.

6. Use a toothbrush to revive suede

If your suede starts to look flattened and tired, use a clean toothbrush to scrub it. If it’s in really bad shape, hold the suede item over steam for a few seconds and then brush it.

7. Get it cleaned professionally

If all else fails, get your suede cleaned professionally.