Times have certainly changed since Elvis sang about stepping on his blue suede shoes, as we now know that it’s possible to clean this delicate material ourselves at home without a bother.
Traditionally, someone stepping on your shoes or spilling something on them might have left the suede show owner feeling a little anxious, but there are some simple tricks you can do at home to get them looking their finest again.
Cleaning stains off suede shoes can be done a number of ways, so it depends on the tools you have handy and what type of stain they have. Provided you know the dos and don’ts of cleaning suede you won’t have a problem, and you’ll be well prepared for the next time it happens.
For slight scuffs, you can simply remove these by using a specialized suede brush which should be used when dry only. Rub the brush in the same direction, never back and forth, and gently brush away the dirt and scuffs that are present. For a home remedy for cleaning suede shoes, you can use an eraser instead of a brush for the same results.
Nothing damages the look of suede quite like water, but there is a way to get rid of them. To do this, you should wet the entire outside of the shoe and then dab gently with a cloth to remove the water.
Place some balls of paper inside your shoes to help soak up the excess water from the inside as well, and then allow them to dry out overnight. Once dried in the morning, go over them with your specialized suede brush and ensure to rub only in one direction.
If you have oil or other stubborn stains on your shoes, you can use your suede brush and some household items to get rid of them. Start with your suede brush and gently brush the stain as you do for a scuff. Then, get a small nail brush and some warm water and brush the stain, ensuring you go in the same direction and never back and forth. Allow this to dry then repeat as necessary.
Being the sensitive material that it is, there are some things to remember when you’re cleaning suede to ensure you keep it at its best. If you follow these simple rules, you’ll be taking the very best care possible of your favorite suede shoes.
If you’re not interested in forking over more cash just to fix a suede shoe problem, you’ll be pleased to know there are some methods you can try at home which uses all natural ingredients you should have lying around.
Any of these items can be found at home, but be cautious when using them that you’re not applying too much force or too many products. Give the suede a chance to come good before you go attempting the next method, and don’t always expect suede leather shoes cleaning to be a simple task.
Provided you’re gentle and thoughtful when treating your suede shoes, you shouldn’t come across any problems dealing with these stains at home. However, if you feel that the stain is bigger than you can manage or you’re unsure about further damage you’ve made then it can’t help to call in the professionals and take them to a cobbler for a second opinion.
Most people are put off from owning suede due to the tough stains and marks they can encounter, but this doesn’t need to be a deal breaker anymore. With a few of these tips up your sleeve, you’ll be confident and ready for action should you need to do any DIY cleaning suede shoes next time you get them wet.