How can I clean suede shoes without damaging them?

For a complete guide to this topic, read the wikiHow article The Best Ways to Clean Suede Shoes without Ruining Them .
WikiElephantHugger968
01/09/25 9:47am
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?
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Expert Comments

wikiHow Expert
Rio Jongsae Kim
Designer Shoe & Bag Care Specialist
01/09/25 6:09pm
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.
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Reader Comments

WikiMountainCat42
01/11/25 10:33am
You can buy something called a suede eraser for like 10 bucks online! It's helpful for getting rid of small marks and scuffs.
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WikiFlamingoTrader842
01/16/25 8:07pm
I second the suede eraser! It got rid of a couple of marks on my suede shoes.
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WikiLynxRunner234
01/10/25 6:09am
I've had luck with using distilled white vinegar to remove stains from my suede shoes! You'll want to dip a cloth in vinegar and gently work it into the stain. Then use a brush and a gentle back-and-forth motion (not circles) to lightly scrub the stain. Let the shoes dry for like 30 to 45 minutes before you check to see if the stains have gone away. Treat with more vinegar if needed
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Anonymous WikiFawn
Anonymous WikiFawn
01/20/25 8:28pm
I would take them to a cobbler and see what my options are. Generally, you should scotch guard suede shoes when you first get them. A cobbler can tell you if that's still an option and do that for you or possibly figure out a way to make them look great again. Also -- and this was a game changer for me -- a cobbler can polish the suede to make it look like leather. That will wear off over time and start to look like a beautiful cross between suede and leather, but you can also get it redone.
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Anonymous WikiEagle
Anonymous WikiEagle
01/23/25 12:10am
if you haven't a steamer here is a tip. when you boil your kettle the steam out of that will clean boots without getting to close put hand in boot but stilll be careful and use a soft cloth to dab at it x
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Anonymous WikiCassowary
Anonymous WikiCassowary
01/31/25 5:57am
Steam from a kettle
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