To clean suede shoes, make sure they are completely dry, brush them in one direction with a suede brush, rub scuffs with a suede eraser, and dab stubborn stains with a little white vinegar or rubbing alcohol. Never soak suede or use soap and water on it.
In this guide
Suede is leather that has been sanded to raise a soft, velvety surface called the nap. That nap is what traps dirt and what gets flattened or stiff when it is cleaned the wrong way. Almost all suede cleaning is done dry.
What you need
- A suede brush (brass or nylon bristles, often with a rubber crepe side)
- A suede eraser, or a clean white pencil eraser
- White vinegar or rubbing alcohol
- A clean white cloth or towel
- Cornflour or talcum powder for grease
- Plain paper or shoe trees
- Suede protector spray
Quick guide by stain type
| Problem | Method |
|---|---|
| Dust and light dirt | Brush in one direction when dry |
| Scuffs and shiny patches | Suede eraser, then brush back and forth to lift the nap |
| Dried mud | Let it dry fully, break off the crust, then brush |
| Water marks | Dampen the whole shoe lightly and evenly, blot, dry, brush |
| Grease or oil | Cover with cornflour overnight, brush off |
| Salt lines or set-in stains | Dab with white vinegar on a cloth, dry, brush |
How to clean dirt and scuff marks
- Dry the shoes first. Cleaning wet suede pushes dirt deeper. Stuff damp shoes with paper and wait.
- Brush in one direction with light strokes to lift off loose dirt.
- Work on scuffs. Brush back and forth over flattened or scuffed areas with a little more pressure to raise the nap.
- Use the eraser on marks that remain, rubbing firmly, then brush away the crumbs.
Related: How to Clean UGG Slippers and Other Sheepskin Slippers
How to remove water stains from suede
It sounds backwards, but the fix for a water mark is a little more water, applied evenly.
- Lightly mist or dab the entire outside of the shoe with a damp cloth so the whole surface is evenly damp, not wet.
- Blot with a dry towel to lift out the excess.
- Stuff the shoe with paper or insert a shoe tree to hold its shape.
- Let it dry naturally, away from heat and sunlight, for a full day.
- Brush the nap back up once dry.
How to remove oil, grease and stubborn stains
- Fresh grease: cover it with cornflour or talcum powder as soon as possible and leave it for several hours or overnight. Brush the powder off and repeat if needed.
- Set-in stains and salt: dampen a corner of a cloth with white vinegar or rubbing alcohol and dab the stain. Both evaporate quickly and are less likely to mark suede than water. Let it dry, then brush.
- Ink: blot fresh ink immediately; once dry, work at it with the eraser or a little rubbing alcohol on a cotton bud.
Test any liquid on a hidden area first, such as the inside of the heel.
What not to do
- Do not put suede in the washing machine or scrub it with soapy water.
- Do not dry it with a hairdryer or on a radiator; heat makes suede stiff and brittle.
- Do not use coloured cloths or newspaper, which can transfer dye or ink.
- Do not use regular leather polish or conditioner; it mats the nap. For smooth leather, follow our guide to cleaning white leather shoes instead.
How to protect suede shoes
- Spray new or freshly cleaned suede with a suede protector and let it dry before wearing.
- Brush them briefly after each wear.
- Avoid wearing suede in heavy rain or on salted winter pavements.
- Store them with shoe trees in a breathable bag, not plastic.
Frequently asked questions
Can you clean suede with water?
Only very sparingly. A light, even dampening removes water marks, but soaking or scrubbing with water stiffens and stains suede.
Can I use a toothbrush instead of a suede brush?
A clean, dry, soft toothbrush works for light dirt. A proper suede brush is better at lifting flattened nap.
Does vinegar damage suede?
Small amounts of white vinegar dabbed on with a cloth are safe for most suede. The smell fades as it dries. Always test a hidden spot first.
Is nubuck cleaned the same way?
Yes. Nubuck has a finer nap but responds to the same dry brushing, eraser and protector routine.
