We all have a favorite pair of shoes that we love to wear. Whether it's an old, broken-in pair of suede loafers or new suede boots for a formal occasion, these shoes can make us feel like royalty. But how do you keep them looking their best? Cleaning suede shoes isn't as simple as washing them in a machine or wiping them down with a damp cloth. If you're not careful, it's easy to damage your beloved footwear.

Thankfully, with the right tools and techniques, you will soon find yourself feeling proud and confident each time you slip into those beloved kicks. Here is everything you need to know about how to clean suede shoes.

The Worst Way To Clean Suede Shoes

The best way to teach how to clean suede shoes is to start with what not to do.
Many people jump carelessly into cleaning their beloved footwear without understanding what materials and methods can damage the fabric. Plus, the last thing we want is to make the suede go bare or even stain the material and be left with nothing but a pile of regret.

Never use water, regular soap, or harsh materials on your suede shoes. Water will make the base of the ‘hairs’ stiff and easy to tear off while wiping, causing the area to bald. Also, avoid using oils or materials not made for suede as they can cause stains. And of course, never use regular soap as it can cause the material to lose its luster and pigmentation, leaving you with permanent discoloration.

Armed with the right tools, you should make sure to dry your shoes before you start cleaning suede shoes - this will help preserve the material.

The Best Way To Clean Suede Shoes

Now that we know what not to do, here is the best way to clean suede shoes.

1. Let Them Breathe

Before you grab a brush or cloth, let your shoes air out for at least 15 minutes in a well-ventilated area. This will help remove any unwanted odors while allowing all moisture to evaporate from the shoes.

2. Use a Shoe Tree

Using a shoe tree will help mold the shoes to their original shape and at the same time, keep the fabric stretched out and prevent creases or wrinkles. This also helps ensure that your shoes are in prime condition before you start cleaning the suede shoes.

Not to mention, you can choose to hang your shoes using the shoe tree to help with the ventilation of the shoe as this can help prevent stretching during the cleaning process.

3. Use a Special Brush Or Cloth

Suede brushes are gentle on the fabric yet powerful in eliminating dirt and dust from shoes. When your footwear is not heavily soiled, a suede brush will do the trick of providing it with a neat scrub to take away tiny pieces of debris that may be present.

Plus, if you have certain ergonomic shapes on the shoe, you can get a suede brush that is specially designed for it. It will help you reach the nooks and crannies that may be harder to access with a regular brush.

4. Use a Suede Eraser To Get Rid Of Stains

After using the brush to get rid of debris, use a suede eraser to get rid of the stains and any discoloration. As it is made from natural rubber, this eraser helps roll clinging dirt off the fibers without tearing them.

Failing to remove all of the dirt before using an eraser will only push the dirt deeper into the fabric, leaving you with a bigger mess to clean up. Having a suede brush and eraser set is essential when it comes to cleaning suede shoes.

5. Keep Your Shoes Clean By Waterproofing Them

Stain and water protection are fundamental when it comes to keeping suede shoes from getting ruined by moisture. For best results, use Red Moose’s 2-in-1 suede protection spray helps safeguard your shoes against water and makes it harder for stains to stick. No more worrying about unexpected rain showers or spilled drinks – your shoes are now ready to take on the world!

With all these steps in place, you’ll have no problem keeping your suede shoes in the best condition possible.

How Often Should I Clean Suede Shoes?

Ideally, you should aim to clean your suede shoes about once a month. This helps to keep your shoes in tip-top shape and prevent staining from occurring. Of course, you don't need to clean your shoes frequently if you're not putting them on regularly.

Just remember to give them a good cleaning before and after you use them, especially if you only wear them at certain times of the year. And make sure to clean them after they get wet or if they get dirty after wearing them.

Make It Easy On Yourself By Getting The Kit

Cleaning suede shoes doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With the right tools and techniques, you can keep your footwear in pristine condition all year round.
Investing in our nubuck and suede cleaning kit is the best way to clean suede shoes at home – it includes everything you need for an easy, hassle-free experience. So don't wait any longer - get your own set today and start keeping those kicks looking their best.

And remember, treat them with love and they’ll last you a lifetime!