Keeping Suede Designer Shoes Clean

Keeping any shoe clean can be a task, let alone an expensive pair of suede designer shoes.  Suede can be one of the hardest types of fabric to keep clean due to its textured nature and open pores.  Suede may become dirty and absorbs liquid rather fast. 

Imagine an expensive pair of suede designer shoes and they get stepped on or scuffed, what if someone spills their drink on them? I have a few tips that will get you out of that jam and keep the suede on your designer shoes looking fresh and new.  Nobody wants to spend that type of money on a pair of designer shoes only to end up throwing them away or something because they are stained.  I hope I can help you save a pair of suede designer shoes or at least prevent a heart attack in the event something happens to the pair you just bought.  Enjoy!

1. First off make sure you keep the box and the dust bag that comes with the pair of shoes.  If the dust bag didn’t come with the shoes or you just don’t have one, they can be purchased at any major shoe store.  Use one (1) dust bag per shoe, it will keep your designer high heel shoes from rubbing each other and it will help keep them clean.  Make sure the shoes fit into the box right and aren’t crammed in there.
2. Choose a nice place to store them.  You want enough room so you can get to your shoes.  You also want to store them in a cool and dry place, keep them away from heaters and damp areas.
3. If you have a new pair of suede designer shoes the first thing you want to do is spray them with a protective spray/repellent or finish.  This will help to repel water and prevent stains.  It also makes it a lot easier when it comes to getting them clean after you have worn them.  If you already have a pair that are in need of maintenance just remember this part for future reference.
4. For older or heavier stains you can use the eraser on a pencil but would have more success with a suede cleaning block.  Its an eraser that’s about the size of a fun size snickers and great for removing embedded dirt.  Most are clear looking.  It is a great investment and they last for a while.  The eraser will crumble when rubbed across your shoe.
Do you have sore feet?
5. After this cleaning you can restore the nap and natural look of your suede designer shoes with a suede brush or a tooth brush.  You can either use a nylon brush or a brass brush.  A brass brush may get them a bit cleaner and its great for lower suede’s.  Brush gently.  You can normally find the suede brush and eraser together when you go to make a purchase.
6. WARNING!! TRY AT YOUR OWN RISK!! As a last ditch effort if the above does not work, you can apply a small amount of white vinegar to a slightly dampened white cloth.  Don’t use any other color cloth to prevent colors from bleeding onto the shoe.  Gently rub the stained area with the cloth.
7. Allow the shoe to air dry, and then repeat step 5, and gently brush your suede designer shoes to restore the nap texture.
8. Remember that stains on suede should be cleaned by a professional or per manufactures directions.  This is always the best option.  You never know how the suede may have been treated during the making of the fabric and what will happen if you try to clean it yourself.
9. An important note to remember about suede is that it does wear.  You want to try and clean your suede designer shoes on a regular basis.  Dirt and grime can hide spots that are already worn on your shoes, and you may think you cleaned the suede off your shoes but it was already gone.

Don’t forget to check out how to clean patent leather shoes and how to walk in high heels for more great tips and video.