5 Important Tips To Clean Your Shoe With Household Items

Suede has always had a place in the shoe scene, and most of us own at least one suede pair. Cleaning suede can be an ordeal, though, because if it is handled wrongly the nap goes dull and the material can be damaged. That is why it is worth taking care of suede properly, so it stays good-looking for as long as it should.

Five points for cleaning suede shoes with everyday household items

#1. Put crumpled paper inside before cleaning.

Putting crumpled paper inside your shoes is an important step before you start cleaning. It keeps the shoe in its natural shape, firms up the soft suede so it is easier to work on, and makes stubborn spots easier to reach.

#2. Get a soft-bristled brush.

You can use a toothbrush, or any soft-bristled brush, to clean suede. Brush in the direction of the fibre. Avoid brushing back and forth, as it will ruin the nap. Remember that moisture can leave a permanent stain on suede, so make sure the shoe is completely dry before you brush it. If you wear suede often, a proper suede brush is worth buying.

#3. For a tough stain, use vinegar.

Tougher stains like food or drink will not come off by brushing alone. Pour a little white vinegar onto a clean cloth and wipe the stain gently. Apply a small amount to the stained area and let it dry. Once dry, brush it off to lift the stain out.

#4. Remove stains with an eraser.

Not all marks come off with brushing and wiping. If stains remain after the two steps above, take a plain pencil eraser and gently rub away any water, oil or grease marks. Press a little harder for tougher spots.

#5. Rub the surface with a clean towel.

Once the stains are off, go over the suede gently with a clean dry towel to remove any remaining layer of dirt. Wipe in the direction of the nap and avoid any back and forth motion.

If You Would Rather Not Deal With Suede

Suede is the hardest material to keep in Malaysian humidity, because it traps moisture and shows every water mark. If that sounds like more work than you want, premium PU and faux leather wipe clean with a damp cloth and dry quickly: Sofia Luxe Pointed Kitten Heel and Lily Scallop Block Heel are both made that way.

Whatever the material, the bigger risk here is mould rather than dirt. Our guide on seven steps to stop shoes going mouldy covers how to dry and store them so this cleaning is needed far less often.