Suede boots are a classic and timeless accessory for any outfit. They’re also a great choice when you want to look chic throughout the year. Suede is a fabric that can be used to dress up casual denim or add a little flair to your favorite sweater dresses. One problem? Suede is easily damaged by water, so be careful. With a little elbow grease and product, a few drops of liquid or other stains and scuffs can be removed. But if your boots are soaked in water, they’re ruined.
Expert Shaniece says that you should avoid wearing suede shoes in muddy or snowy conditions. If you must brave a few storms “you can clean your suede boot with a toothbrush, white vinegar, and baking soda.”
There is hope for removing stains from suede. If your beloved pair of suede boots need some TLC, here are a few common stains and how to remove them quickly, according to cleaning and fashion experts.
Water Marks
Suede has a smooth texture and is soft. It’s great to pair with other fabrics, like leather, but it isn’t ideal for dealing with water. So, don’t wear suede in the rain. Water can be used to restore suede boots to their original glory if they are damp. We know it sounds counterintuitive, but spraying water on your suede shoes is the best way to remove water stains. After lightly brushing the stain, soak up any water that may have accumulated with a paper towel or cloth before letting them air dry.
You can waterproof your suede boots before you take them out in the rain. When treating old shoes, make sure to only apply the spray when they are completely dry.
Mud and Dirt
It is impossible to avoid dirt and mud stains, and they can be difficult to remove. If you have stains on your suede boot, first make sure that the fabric has dried completely before cleaning them. Avoid direct sunlight when drying to prevent further damage. After drying, gently brush off any excess dirt. You can use either a suede or clean toothbrush for this. Steamer can be used to remove stubborn stains. To remove super-tough stains, lightly blot them with a paper towel. Jones says to let your boots air dry before trying again if necessary.
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Scuffs & Salt
Scuff marks are the easiest to remove, even though they’re the most common (thanks, fashion gods!) Magic Erasers can be used to remove scuff marks in most cases. Do a spot test before you start cleaning. After you’ve proven that the Magic Eraser will not cause any further damage, get down to some elbow grease and start scrubbing. Salt stains can be caused by weather conditions such as snow or beach. (Summer concerts require boots!) Start by removing any excess salt. Mix cold water and a little dish soap, then dip a clean rag in the mixture. Gently wipe the stain with a clean cloth and repeat until you get your shoes back to their original glory.
Food and Oil Stains
Oil and grease stains can ruin your favorite suede shoes. But don’t worry, there are ways to save them. Sprinkle baby powder, baking soda, cornstarch or other absorbents on the stain to remove the oil. Allow this to sit for an hour or more before removing with a soft bristle brush. It may look oily when it sits on the stain but that’s because it is working! Dish soap is another common ingredient that can be used. Use a soap-water mixture to gently dab on your shoe. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes, then rinse with a slightly moist cloth. Be sure that your clothes aren’t too wet before applying.
Additional Tips
Rubber can be used to remove tough stains. You should apply the rubber with pressure, but not too much, to avoid damaging the fabric. Jones recommends using vinegar to clean suede. Use a paper towel or cloth dipped in white vinegar to gently rub the stain. Take extra care not to soak the fabric. Do not be concerned if your shoes’ color gets darker. This is part of the normal process and the shoes will return to the original shade when they are fully dried. Repeat the process as necessary.
