Suede shoes are very classy, but unfortunately they tend to get stained easily. Removing a stain, for example paint, from the suede is not easy. In addition to the risk of causing it to expand or penetrate deeper, you could damage the material. Fortunately, there are many ways to remove a paint stain from suede shoes without damaging them. From methods to remove the smallest patches to the use of vinegar, alcohol or an abrasive material, there are several effective solutions to get your great suede shoes clean again.
Steps
Method 1 of 4: Remove a Small Spot
Step 1. Fill the shoe with crumpled newspaper or something similar
Crumple up a few pages of a newspaper, printer paper, or something similar, then insert them into the stained shoe. This way you won't risk it losing its shape as you clean it, otherwise it could warp.
Step 2. Brush the stain by applying moderate pressure
Use a bristled shoe brush to brush the suede in one direction. Do this by applying moderate, not excessive pressure. It is important to use only the force that is needed to remove the stain. Basically what you are doing is trying to remove the stained suede fibers.
Step 3. If necessary, brush harder
If the initial surgery was unsuccessful and the stained fibers are still present, it is necessary to start over by brushing the chamois more vigorously. This time push the brush against the shoe harder and move your hand back and forth instead of in one direction. Continue until the stain is completely or nearly gone.
Method 2 of 4: Using Distilled White Vinegar
Step 1. Blot the paint stain with distilled white vinegar
Take a clean white rag and moisten it with vinegar. Gently tap the damp rag on the stain, repeating the movement several times. If the paint does transfer to the rag, continue blotting the stain with a clean piece of fabric.
Use only pure white vinegar, any other type of vinegar could stain the chamois
Step 2. Rub the paint stain with vinegar
Run the damp rag over the suede, moving it in one direction. You can apply moderate pressure against the shoe. If the paint does transfer to the rag, continue scrubbing with a clean piece of fabric.
Step 3. Blot the treated area to dry the chamois
Take a clean, dry white rag and use it to blot the area of the shoe you just cleaned until it is dry. Try to absorb as much vinegar as possible. When finished, the suede should be only slightly damp.
Method 3 of 4: Using Denatured Alcohol
Step 1. Blot the paint stain with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol
Moisten the cotton with denatured alcohol (the pink one so to speak), then gently tap it on the stain. When the paint does transfer to the wad, throw away the used one, moisten a clean one with alcohol, and start over to absorb any remaining color.
Step 2. Dampen a rag and wipe the stain
If dabbing didn't work, wet a strip of a clean rag with alcohol and rub it back and forth across the paint. When the color is transferred to the rag, continue scrubbing with a clean piece of fabric.
Step 3. Blot the treated area with a clean rag to dry the chamois
When you are satisfied with the result, start drying the shoe by dabbing the area where the stain was with a clean rag. Continue until the suede is almost dry. Do not underestimate the importance of this last step because by drying the suede you may be able to absorb the last residues of paint.
Method 4 of 4: Use an Abrasive Material
Step 1. Rub the stained area with an eraser to clean the chamois
You can buy it in shoe stores, online or in the most well-stocked supermarkets. Alternatively, you can try using a common clean eraser. Either way, rub it gently against the stained suede. By wiping it over the stain several times, you should be able to remove the paint completely or at least partially.
If you notice the paint transferring to the gum, staining it in turn, rub it against another surface to remove the color. Then you can start using it on shoes again
Step 2. Remove the paint by scrubbing the chamois with a piece of fine-grained sandpaper
If you have recently stained your shoes, you can try to clean them by "sanding" them with sandpaper. Cut out a very small piece of paper and rub it gently against the varnished chamois, trying to peel off the stained fibers.
Be gentle. Using too much force will run the risk of ruining the suede
Step 3. Brush the shoes with a suitable suede brush
After rubbing them with an abrasive material, you will need to restore volume to the crushed fibers. Use the side you need to lift the chamois hair and gently move the brush back and forth. Continue brushing the shoes for several minutes.
When finished, the chamois hair should be pointing up or slightly raised
Advice
- Do not use water to remove the paint from the suede as it may stain it as well.
- Do not use any product that has not been specially formulated to clean chamois.
