There are brushes made specifically for suede, but Krueger says that any soft-bristled brush, or even a clean toothbrush, will do. “Brush in a back-and-forth motion to avoid damaging the delicate fibers,” she notes, and don’t use a brush that’s abrasive (like one with particularly rigid or sharp bristles).
How To Clean Suede Shoes
When cleaning suede, make sure you’re following the best advice and any manufacturer guidelines – doing it wrong can cause more damage. Our three best ways to clean suede shoes are some of the most reliable.
Remember, it’s always best to avoid getting your suede shoes wet or dirty when you can – which is easier said than done if you live in the UK where rain showers are an almost daily occurance. Cleaning them, even with our best-practice methods, can sometimes result in them being rougher than before, and some stains are very hard to remove.
With a nail brush or toothbrush
If you don’t have a suede brush, you can use a nail brush – or failing that, a toothbrush. It’s much better and more effective to use a suede brush as they are designed for cleaning suede, but where this isn’t possible these other kinds of brushes can be helpful.
Use the nail brush in the same way as a suede brush to remove ingrained dirt or to tackle muddy patches.
Vinegar is ideal for tougher stains that you’ve tried removing using a brush, but are proving stubborn. Cleaning suede shoes with vinegar is often also effective on salt lines.
- Apply a modest amount of white vinegar to a clean, soft cloth.
- Dab the vinegar on the stain and ensure the whole mark is treated with the vinegar.
- Let it dry.
- Use your suede brush to brush the mark again and it should prove significantly more effective.
How to Clean Suede Shoes and Suede Boots Without Suede Brush
FAQ
How do you brush suede without a suede brush?
Can I use a toothbrush instead of a suede brush?
Is it necessary to use a suede brush?
What should I do if I don’t have a suede brush?
If you don’t have one already, invest in a nice suede brush. If you’re nervous about using it, practice on something less precious, maybe even go to the thrift and get a suede bag to test on. Secondly, get a good moisturizer. It will go a long way on all your leather items and help maintain your suede’s rich color.
How do you clean Suede?
Give the suede a final swipe so the fibers are going the same direction. Once you’re satisfied with how clean your suede is, use the suede cleaning brush to brush the fibers once so they’re all laying the same way. This gives your suede a clean, uniform look. Brush your suede using soft bristles weekly to give it a fresh look.
What tools do you use to clean Suede?
Suede is a type of beautiful, soft leather that’s often used to make things like shoes, furniture, or clothing items. If you have a suede item that needs a little fixing up, a suede cleaning brush is a great tool to get rid of most dirt. There are other tools you can use to restore your suede, like a suede eraser or cornstarch.
Can you use cornstarch to clean Suede stains?
Cornstarch is a great choice when cleaning suede stains that are greasy or moist. The cornstarch will soak up the moisture and/or oil and help to remove the stains. Use a suede brush or a clean towel to brush or wipe away excess dirt and grime and to loosen up the suede fibers.