How to Restore and Revive Suede At Home

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Fix your suede shoes, jacket, or furniture without damaging it
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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. After just a few minutes of cleaning, your suede will look much better. We even spoke with cleaning and shoe care experts to get their take on the best methods to restore and revitalize suede.

Easy Ways to Restore Suede

  • Fix suede nap by dry-brushing it with a suede brush using light strokes.
  • Absorb liquid stains with a paper towel and apply cornstarch to grease stains.
  • Clean dirt stains with a suede eraser or white vinegar.
  • Remove stubborn stains on suede with 1200-grit sandpaper.
Section 1 of 4:

Brushing the Nap to Restore Texture

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  1. Taking the shoelaces out of your suede shoes will make it easier for you to brush them thoroughly. Either place a shoe tree in each shoe before you brush it, or stuff the shoes with newspaper so they keep their shape. [1]
    • You can find shoe trees at your local big box store or online.
    • Re-lace the shoes once you're completely finished brushing them.
  2. Purchase a suede brush —a special cleaning brush designed specifically for suede. [2] These brushes have soft bristles that will clean the suede without damaging it and restore the nap texture in the process—whether the suede has gone smooth from wear or feels rough and gritty because of age and grime. [3]
    • Purchase a large suede cleaning brush if you're restoring something like a suede sofa. A smaller cleaning brush will work well on things like shoes or purses.
    • A soft-bristled toothbrush or nail brush will work too, as long as they’re clean.
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  3. Watermark wikiHow to Restore Suede
    Stroke the suede with the cleaning brush using gentle sweeping motions. Only brush in the direction of the fibers (the grain), and avoid back-and-forth strokes. Brush until you’ve covered the entire surface. This will remove any dust or dirt on the suede without causing damage. [4]
    • Only brush completely dry suede. Let stains dry before brushing. Otherwise, you risk rubbing dirt and grime particles deeper into the material. [5]
    • Brush your suede weekly to keep it looking fresh.
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Section 2 of 4:

Removing Scuffs and Stains

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  1. Watermark wikiHow to Restore Suede
    If you spill something on your suede or it otherwise gets wet, use a paper towel or clean microfiber cloth to blot up the moisture as soon as possible, says home cleaning specialist Daniel Olin. [6] This prevents the wet stain from setting and drying on your suede, which would make it harder to get out. [7]
    • After blotting, let the suede air dry for a few hours.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Restore Suede
    Dampen a clean cloth with white vinegar and gently dab the dirt or other grime stains with it. Saturate the area where the stain is and then let the white vinegar dry completely. Once it’s dry, rub the stain off with a suede brush or soft-bristled toothbrush until the dirt is all gone. [8]
    • If you’re cleaning suede shoes, put shoe trees or pieces of newspaper in the shoes to help them keep their shape and protect the interior lining of the shoe.
    • Olin says another option is to use gentle laundry detergent, blotting it onto the stain with a microfiber cloth rag and absorbing it with another dry rag. [9]
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Restore Suede
    Suede erasers are designed specifically for suede materials and can help you get rid of many types of stains. Rub the eraser on the suede stain using circular motions until the stain disappears, leaving you with clean suede. [10]
    • Dealing with permanent marker stains? Use suede gum to try to remove it, says designer shoe and bag repair specialist Rio Jongsae Kim. [11]
    • You can use a Magic Eraser, which is mostly baking soda, on suede. Spot test it on a small, unnoticeable part of the shoe before treating any stains to see how it reacts. [12]
    • Brush off the eraser hairs and use a vacuum to pick them up if there are a lot.
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Restore Suede
    Sand suede using 1200-grit sandpaper to get rid of stubborn stains. Use a piece of 1200-grit sandpaper on the suede so it’s not too abrasive. Rub the sandpaper against the stain gently to scrape it off, moving the sandpaper over the soiled patch evenly for a uniform look. Swipe with a suede brush afterward to restore the nap texture. [13]
    • Sanding your suede aggressively can damage it, so work gently and carefully.
    • Brush any remaining dirt off using a suede brush once you’re finished sanding.
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Restore Suede
    If you have a water stain on your suede bag, jacket, or furniture, the best way to get rid of it is to dampen the rest of the suede with water (not saturate it!) to even it out. Dampen a towel with water and dab the water onto your suede, covering all of it evenly. Once this layer of water dries overnight, the stain shouldn’t be visible anymore. [14]
    • If you think you might have applied too much water, use a dry microfiber cloth or paper towel to absorb some of the excess moisture.
    • Let the suede dry naturally—avoid putting it near a heat source that could make it shrink or crack.
    • If you’re cleaning suede shoes, put a shoe tree or piece of newspaper in the shoe so it keeps its shape.
  6. Sprinkle cornstarch or talcum powder onto the grease or other tricky oil-based stain to cover the entire stained area, says Kim. Let the cornstarch or powder sit overnight and vacuum it up or brush it off with a suede brush the next day to reveal clean suede. [15]
    • Use your hands to pat the cornstarch or talcum powder into the stain to help it work better.
    • Use a thick layer of cornstarch or talcum powder to be sure it absorbs as much as possible.
  7. Watermark wikiHow to Restore Suede
    Purchase a suede protectant or waterproofing spray to make it easier to keep your suede material clean. Hold the spray bottle 3–5 inches (7.6–12.7 cm) from the suede and apply it evenly to the fabric. Cover the suede in two to three coats, letting each coat dry before adding another one. [16]
    • Test a small area of the suede before you cover all of it to be sure it works and won’t discolor your specific suede item.
    • Suede protectant sprays are often silicone-based and come in a clear color, so they’re not visible on your suede.
    • Once you treat the suede, you shouldn't need to again for a few months or after you clean it again.
  8. Sometimes your suede may be too stained for you to restore it yourself. If you've tried to clean the stain and it wouldn't come out, take your suede item to a professional cleaner and ask them if they can get it out. This is also a good thing to do if you're worried about damaging the suede by trying to clean it yourself.
    • This works well if you have a small suede item like a shoe, purse, or item of clothing.
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Section 3 of 4:

Maintaining Suede

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  1. Maintain suede with regular care and proper storage. For any suede items you use year-round, like furniture, condition them with a waterproofing spray about once a month. For suede items that are seasonal, like shoes, jackets, and bags, use waterproofing spray at the start of the season and after every cleaning. Store these items in breathable containers like cotton garment bags to prevent moisture from building up and damaging the material. [17]
    • Try to treat stains immediately to minimize damage to your suede.
Section 4 of 4:

Frequently Asked Questions

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  1. 1
    Can damaged suede be restored? It’s possible to clean suede that’s been stained with water, dirt, or grease, and to restore the nap of suede that’s lost its signature texture. [18] However, damage like cracking or breakage may not be fixable. When in doubt, ask an expert before trying to fix it yourself.
    • Consult a dry cleaner for suede clothing, a cobbler for suede shoes, and a furniture restoration expert for suede furniture.
  2. 2
    Why does my suede feel smooth? Suede has a smooth surface, but also a signature nap texture. If your suede turned smooth and lost its nap, it’s likely due to wear and exposure to the elements. Use a suede brush to restore the nap , swiping over the suede in gentle, straight strokes.
  3. 3
    How do you fix suede discoloration? Use a suede dye to fix suede that’s become discolored with age. Because it’s difficult to match the material’s coloring with spot-dying, it’s best to do an all-over dye. First, use a suede brush to remove any dirt and grime. [19] Next, remove the laces. Apply a suede cleaner for deeper stains. Finally, apply the suede dye by dabbing it on the shoe with a sponge. [20]
    • Apply another coat of dye if needed.
    • Verify that your suede is genuine before trying to dye it. Research different dyes to find one from a trusted company and follow the exact directions on the bottle, advises shoe care and repair specialist Moe Draper. [21]
  4. 4
    How often should you waterproof suede? Waterproof suede at the start of the season when you’ll be wearing them (typically, fall or winter). Apply a waterproof spray every time you clean them to restore their waterproof seal. If you’re wearing them in particularly wet conditions, waterproof once a month. [22]
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Join the Discussion...

How can I clean suede shoes without damaging them?
WikiElephantHugger968
WikiElephantHugger968
I love my suede shoes and wear them everywhere, but I recently noticed that they're looking a little dingy and have a couple small stains on them. I've heard that washing them or using water is a big no-no, but I don't know what I can use then. What are my options to make my shoes look like new?
Rio Jongsae Kim
Designer Shoe & Bag Care Specialist
For cleaning suede shoes, use a suede brush to remove the dust and dirt first. After that, you can apply a specialty suede cleaner with a suede cleaning brush.

You may be able to remove some surface dirt and stains with suede gum or soft sandpaper, but follow up with suede cleaner afterwards. Wipe off any suds with a damp towel when you're done and let your shoes air-dry. Make sure to brush the nap with a suede brush once they're dry to restore the look of your shoes.

If you have oil stains, you can add cornstarch or baby powder to cover the stain and let your shoes sit for a couple of hours. The powder will absorb most of the oil stain. Then, just wipe off the powder with a shoe brush and damp rag to remove the excess.
WikiMountainCat42
WikiMountainCat42
You can buy something called a suede eraser for like 10 bucks online! It's helpful for getting rid of small marks and scuffs.
See all 7 Replies and
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    How do you clean dust off of suede?
    Mallika Sharma
    Certified Suede Care Technician
    Mallika Sharma is a Certified Leather Care Technician and the Founder of The Leather Laundry, a niche spa service for luxury leather gear in India. Mallika specializes in leather cleaning, coloring, repairing, and restoring for shoes, handbags, jackets, wallets, belts, and sofas. She holds a Master’s degree in Finance and Investment from the University of Edinburgh Business School. Mallika is a certified Professional Leather Care Technician and trained with the globally reputed leather care company, LTT in the United Kingdom.
    Mallika Sharma
    Certified Suede Care Technician
    Expert Answer
    A soft bristle suede brush is the best way to get rid of dust. Gently brush your suede to get the dust off.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
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  • Question
    Is there any way to clean suede?
    Mallika Sharma
    Certified Suede Care Technician
    Mallika Sharma is a Certified Leather Care Technician and the Founder of The Leather Laundry, a niche spa service for luxury leather gear in India. Mallika specializes in leather cleaning, coloring, repairing, and restoring for shoes, handbags, jackets, wallets, belts, and sofas. She holds a Master’s degree in Finance and Investment from the University of Edinburgh Business School. Mallika is a certified Professional Leather Care Technician and trained with the globally reputed leather care company, LTT in the United Kingdom.
    Mallika Sharma
    Certified Suede Care Technician
    Expert Answer
    Use a suede brush to clean dry dirt and dust off of suede. For harsher stains, colour restoration by a professional is the only solution.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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      Things You'll Need

      Brushing the Nap

      Removing Scuffs and Stains

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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x08lOAK7waQ#t=47s
      2. ↑ https://www.cosmopolitan.com/uk/fashion/style/a27583370/clean-suede-shoes/
      3. ↑ https://www.whowhatwear.com/how-to-clean-suede-boots/slide2
      4. ↑ https://www.whowhatwear.com/how-to-clean-suede-boots/slide2
      5. ↑ https://www.cosmopolitan.com/uk/fashion/style/a27583370/clean-suede-shoes/
      6. ↑ Daniel Olin. Home Cleaning Specialist. Expert Interview. 12 October 2021.
      7. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nct8d2DdduE#t=2m
      8. ↑ https://www.whowhatwear.com/how-to-clean-suede-boots/slide4
      9. ↑ Daniel Olin. Home Cleaning Specialist. Expert Interview. 12 October 2021.
      1. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nct8d2DdduE#t=1m9s
      2. ↑ Rio Jongsae Kim. Designer Shoe & Bag Care Specialist. Expert Interview. 15 April 2021.
      3. ↑ https://www.vogue.com/article/how-to-clean-suede-shoes
      4. ↑ https://www.readersdigest.ca/home-garden/tips/5-more-things-do-sandpaper/
      5. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nct8d2DdduE#t=2m15s
      6. ↑ https://youtu.be/2jp8oqlLiAA?t=41
      7. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jXNjf8W3Pqc#t=5m3s
      8. ↑ https://www.wood-blocks.com/blog/guide-to-safely-storing-and-preserving-suede-shoes-and-clothing
      9. ↑ https://www.vogue.com/article/how-to-clean-suede-shoes
      10. ↑ https://youtu.be/Pf432Pd_mWI?t=29
      11. ↑ https://youtu.be/Pf432Pd_mWI?t=90
      12. ↑ Moe Draper. Shoe Care & Repair Specialist. Expert Interview. 5 April 2021.
      13. ↑ https://redmooseusa.com/blogs/news/can-suede-get-wet
      14. ↑ Moe Draper. Shoe Care & Repair Specialist. Expert Interview. 5 April 2021.

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To restore your suede shoes at home, gently brush them with a suede brush using a back and forth motion, which will clean and restore the nap. You can use a soft-bristle toothbrush if you don't have a suede brush. If your shoes have stains, try dabbing them with white vinegar. Let the vinegar dry, then brush the area. Alternatively, rub off dirt spots using a suede eraser. A regular pencil eraser might also do the trick. To protect your shoes from future damage, treat them with a suede protectant spray. To learn how to use sandpaper to get tough stains out of suede, scroll down!

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