Cleaning Suede Shoes

Cleaning Suede Sneakers

I just wanted to know how I can clean a pair of suede sneakers that look dirty and have some dirt on them. I got them as a gift and really love them but don't know what to do!

Sheenaandjose

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RE: Cleaning Suede Sneakers

I used a foam spray carpet cleaner on mine one time. I don't remember the name but I know it was a big name brand. Just be sure to read the can and test a spot on the inside of the shoe first. Some cleaners will fade the suede or leave spots.

Or try shaving cream... I use it on my suede boots and it works. But also remember to test it first to make sure it doesnt fade the color or leave spots.

Walmart also carries a suede cleaner in the shoe department. It's about $7 a can. I never could find it years ago when I bought my first pair of suede shoes and learned these other tricks. Hope this helps you. (01/07/2005)

By kattankerous

RE: Cleaning Suede Sneakers

I have suede shoes that I wear constantly around the house. I've spilled coffee and other liquids on them. I bought a "kit" at Walmart that contained something that looked like an eraser....the kit was very inexpensive (about $2-3) and thus far has removed everything I've abused. (01/09/2005)

By Shelly

RE: Cleaning Suede Sneakers

I myself had a similar problem. I have a pair of blue Timberland sneakers. After only a few weeks of wearing them I had the bright idea to "wash" them! (Don't ask me why I took that advice?) Needless to say I was crushed when I seen them after they came out the washing machine. I TRIED EVERYTHING! It only made them look worse.

Determined to get them looking presentable, I searched and searched, and asked and asked. The SOLUTION? Someone told me to use "VERY FINE" sandpaper and rub them very lightly. You can imagine my skepticism, but I had nothing to lose at this point. (Except a practically new pair of "Tims") I used the finest sand paper I could find and rub the sneaker evenly as possible. After I was done I took a horse hair brush and brushed them down. IT WORKED!

Now, I must say they definitely do NOT look new, but look 100% better! I would only use the suggestion as a last resort, when all else fails. As for me I have done this to all my boots and they are looking almost new.

Good Luck and I sure hope you have already solved your problem, but in case not... it's a suggestion. Take care! (03/31/2005)

By bekkabk

RE: Cleaning Suede Sneakers

I had the same problem and this is what info I found. Suede is a lovely material - warm, soft and cuddly. Too bad it's such a terrible beast to clean. In general, have suede garments professionally cleaned, but if you must clean your own, follow these guidelines.

Steps:

1. Rub suede with a bath towel to restore some of its nap.
2. Remove dry stains and marks from suede by gently rubbing a pencil eraser on the affected area.
3. Brush with a suede brush.
4. Apply a small amount of white vinegar to a damp cloth as a last resort for cleaning suede shoes.
5. Gently rub the surface of the shoe with the cloth, then allow it to air dry.
6. Remember that stains on leather and suede should be professionally treated.

Tips:

Pretreat suede with a leather protection spray before use. Leather and suede garments should be professionally cleaned at least every two years.

Warnings:

Note that suede shoes treated with white vinegar may have a mild odor after cleaning. (05/02/2006)

By georgina

RE: Cleaning Suede Sneakers

I used a pencil eraser on my little girl's smooth suede like strawberry shortcake sneakers. It's man-made, so it's not real suede, but it's the same. It worked. I was upset that she wore her new sneakers out to play and we have very dirty dirt. It's a fine powder dirt, that I can't stand, but thankfully it really made a difference on the sneaker. (01/18/2007)

By Holly

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Cleaning Suede Shoes

How do you clean suede/leather sneakers?

By Farmerkevin from West Covina, CA

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RE: Cleaning Suede Shoes

I have always washed leather, and suede accented tennis shoes/athletic shoes in the washer on cold with a few dirty towels, then air dried by placing on their sides in front of the refrigerator. I have worked in these types of shoes for 15 years, and have rarely had a problem. I also live in a rural area, where the major "dirt" is red clay, and this always comes out as well. (04/30/2009)

By fatboyslimsmom

RE: Cleaning Suede Shoes

For a very long time in the 60's when Elvis' "Blue Suede Shoes" caused a rush on suede shoe purchases and maintenance, we learned they cleaned fairly well with an old fashioned "red art" eraser, unless the suede is white, as was Pat Boon's shoes during that time. That took an "art gum" eraser and white talcum powder afterward.

Depending upon the dirt source, if not greasy or colored, it should brush off first with a nail brush, then use the erasers. Be careful, however, that you do not over do it, nor keep getting the same area dirty, because you can cause them to "shine" and that's the end of the suede unless you can buy a light weight metal bristle "suede brush" at a shoe repair shop and "rough" up the shiny area again. I would never wash them, regardless, unless only a small part on tennis shoes. Good luck, and God bless and help you. (05/08/2009)

By lyndagayle62

RE: Cleaning Suede Shoes

You can use a suede brush to get the loose dirt off, and then use a suede cleaner. Then use a brush or cloth to rub the remainder of the cleaner off. You can also buy suede protector to prevent this happening again. shoestringuk.com sell loads of suede cleaning products. (06/17/2009)

By charlie1239

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Cleaning Suede Shoes

How do I clean suede shoes? They have light blue suede on the toe and heel. The stains are plain old dirt.

By twilightgift from Forks, WA

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RE: Cleaning Suede Shoes

Start with using Scotch or packing tape [cellophane]. Press stick side down and lift. Repeat several times. Once you get down to the last layers you may have to rub the tape with back of thumbnail. (10/05/2009)

By PIKKA

RE: Cleaning Suede Shoes

I had a pair of light colored suede shoes that were not worn out, but were very stained and grubby looking. I hammered the surface of them all around until they were shiny, then polished them with black shoe polish. They came up a treat and were the softest "leather" looking shoes I ever had. I kept them for years afterward, as they were so comfortable. When they were on their way out I then used them for gardening shoes for a while longer. (10/06/2009)

By richardpeeej