A lot has changed since Elvis sang "You can do anything, but lay off of my blue suede shoes". Suede shoes are prone to scuffs, scratches, stains and are extremely difficult to clean. Have you used them too much and have they gotten too old? Follow these tips to make them look good again!
Steps
Part 1 of 4: Clean Dirt and Scratch Marks
Step 1. Get a suede brush and make sure your shoes are completely dry
Suede has a delicate surface, and it is best to treat it with a special brush. Purchase a special chamois cleaning kit. If there is a label in your shoes that contains directions for use, follow the manufacturer's suggestions. Suede is also very sensitive to water, so the simplest scratches and stains should be removed when the shoes are dry.
Step 2. Brush your shoes to remove dust
Use a suede-friendly brush to remove dust and grime. Always brush in the same direction (don't go back and forth) to kick up dust and make your shoes look newer.
Step 3. Use a chamois brush to remove rubbing marks
When you brush the chamois, its small fibers will be squeezed and pointed in one direction. Lift them up by brushing them vigorously back and forth. Remember that this step is best done with a chamois brush.
If the scratches are too deep and won't go away with the brush, try scraping the surface with a knife to lift the fur
Step 4. Use an eraser to remove stubborn stains
For stubborn marks, try scrubbing the area with an eraser or rubber foil (the same as many soles are made of). Alternatively, buy a rubber specifically designed for cleaning suede. Start by applying moderate pressure and increase it as needed.
Step 5. Protect the chamois leather
Spray a protective spray on your shoes immediately after you buy them and after each cleaning. They will ward off future stains and scratches. Follow the instructions on the package and be sure to wipe off excess dust before using it.
Part 2 of 4: Remove Water Stains
Step 1. Wet the entire outside of the shoe
Use a brush to coat the skin with a thin layer of water. Water can discolor chamois leather but, when applied correctly, can remove this type of stain.
Step 2. Use a sponge or dry cloth to wipe off excess water
Gently pat the skin until it is completely wet and the water stains are no longer visible.
Step 3. Insert paper and a shoe tree into your footwear
If you have to wet them a lot, stick the paper inside them to help absorb excess water. Insert a shoe tree inside before drying them to prevent them from shrinking or losing their shape. Do not use newspaper sheets as they will leave ink stains.
Step 4. Let the shoes dry overnight
Store them in a dry, well-ventilated place and let the water evaporate.
Step 5. Once dry, brush them gently with a chamois brush
This will help the fibers return to their original appearance.
Part 3 of 4: Remove Special Stains
Step 1. Remove "mystery" or oil stains with a nail brush
Scrub the stain with the chamois brush as if it were a mark to remove. Use your nail brush to scrub stubborn stains with warm water. Grease stains are particularly difficult to remove from suede, so heavily stained shoes will never be as good as new.
Some people suggest treating still wet oil stains with corn starch. Spread it over the stain and let it sit overnight. The next day, brush off the cornstarch and dampen the stain with the steam from your iron
Step 2. Let the mud dry normally
Remove the excess without applying too much force to the suede. Wait until it has dried completely, leaving the shoes in a sunny place, then you should be able to remove the larger pieces directly with your hands. Use a chamois brush to remove residue.
Step 3. Place the shoes in the freezer if they are stained with chewing gum or wax
If there is something stuck to the shoes, you can leave them in the freezer for a few hours. Eventually, the foreign element will become hard enough to crumble. Complete the cleaning with a brush.
Step 4. Blot the blood stains with a cotton ball and hydrogen peroxide
Soak a cotton ball in hydrogen peroxide and use it to pat the stain until all the blood has been removed.
Step 5. Absorb the ink before it dries, then use the sandpaper
If you've stained your shoes with ink, grab some blotting paper and try to blot it quickly. If the stain dries up, rub it with sandpaper. In these tragic circumstances, even alcohol and a cotton ball can help you.
Part 4 of 4: Home Remedies
Step 1. Apply white vinegar to stubborn stains
If classic methods fail to remove your stubborn stain, use small amounts of vinegar by applying it with a soft rag or towel. Let it dry, then brush the stained area. This is a great way to get rid of salt streaks as well.
Step 2. Use steel wool on dry stains
Rub it hard against the stained area. In any case, remember that after removing the stain, you may be forced to scrub the entire shoe in the same way to give it an even look.
Step 3. Use a nail file and steam to make cleaning easier
Loosen the chamois with the file, then apply the steam with a kettle or an iron. The heat should help open the pores of the skin, making cleaning easier.
Advice
- If you won't be wearing your shoes for a while, wrap them in tissue paper and store them in a shoe box. Keep them away from moisture and excessive light, as chamois leather tends to mold in humid environments, while light discolors it.
- Avoid suede dyes. If you fail to clean your shoes with the methods described so far, there is very little chance of solving the problem with suede dyes and you may even ruin your shoes over time.
- You can use paper towels to absorb excess water from the suede and prevent the stain from forming. Apply some pressure and be patient.
- If your strings get dirty, you may want to try washing them in the washing machine, depending on the material they are made of.
Warnings
- Use the suede protective spray with extreme caution. Make sure there is good ventilation and follow the directions on the package. Some sprays are flammable.
- Do not use crumpled newspaper in place of the shoe tree, as they could stain your shoes when they get wet.
- Avoid using dry cleaning solvents. The stains would be removed effectively, but the chemicals contained could ruin your shoes irreparably.
