Suede is a leather material that has been pressed, ripped, and stretched for a classic look. Because it has gone through a "destroying" process, suede is much more sensitive to water than ordinary leather. You should give suede a protective layer to keep them clean and beautiful. However, sometimes you may still need to clean and dry suede shoes that are wet, but don't have a protective coating.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Drying Wet Suede Shoes Safely
Step 1. Take off your shoes and let them dry slowly in the open air
However, do not place these shoes in the sun or near heaters. If you're not careful, excessive heat will actually cause the suede to bend and crack.
Do not try to remove stains from shoes while they are still there. This can give the suede a smooth, flannel-like texture to peel off
Step 2. Gently insert a tissue or old newspaper into the shoe following the shape of the foot if your shoe is soaked
Leather and suede often shrivel up when wet and then dry in this position. As a result, the leather will crack when you put your shoes back on. To prevent this from happening, try slowly inserting the roll of paper into the shoe until it looks like it's being worn. You don't have to cram the paper all the way up to the shoe. Just insert enough paper to absorb water and maintain the shape of the shoe.
- Be sure to insert at least one roll of paper all the way to the toe of the shoe.
- Note that the ink on newspapers may smudge when wet. While it won't cause any problems with most shoes because it's only placed on the inside, you should still be careful.
Step 3. Gently remove any dirt or mud on the shoes with a suede brush or a soft nylon brush
You can also use a nail brush or toothbrush if that's all you have. Gently brush large stains on the shoe in the direction of the suede fibers. You don't have to thoroughly clean the stain, after all, suede shoes should not be brushed while they are wet as much as possible.
Step 4. Know that water will not damage your suede shoes if you allow them to dry
Do not rub, rub, or wipe the suede layer vigorously. When wet, suede fibers that were previously smooth and soft will harden and become brittle, making them easy to tear. So, when your shoes get stained or wet, try to resist the urge to wipe them and wait for them to dry completely. With a little patience, even the most serious damage to suede shoes can be repaired.
Once the smooth outer layer of suede has peeled off, you can't repair it anymore. Once damaged, this flannel layer cannot be repaired
Step 5. Trim the dry suede shoes with a suede brush to bring them back to their original smooth texture
Once the shoes are clean and completely dry, take a suede brush and use it to return the fibers to their original position. Move the brush in a circular motion all over the shoe until the fibers are smooth and shiny again. While old shoes may not come back as good as new, this step can go a long way in improving the look of old, dull shoes.
Step 6. Spray suede protection onto the shoes to prevent further damage
Suede shoes can be used anywhere, as long as you have them ready. Most shoes do require a special suede coating or spray, but the benefits are many. The protective spray will keep your shoes dry, prevent stains and water spots, and maintain a smooth outer finish for years to come.
Method 2 of 2: Removing Stains
Step 1. Dry the entire shoe before cleaning the stain
While certain stain-removing products need to be used with a small amount of water, make sure your shoes are completely dry before proceeding. The water will make the leather (and its derivative, suede) a little more supple and weak. As a result, cleaning stains on wet shoes can cause them to bend or crack. Only use a small amount of water if absolutely necessary for cleaning. If not, clean the shoes dry.
Step 2. Purchase a suede stain remover to remove most stains and water marks
This simple tool that is very useful for saving suede shoes is able to clean the suede coating while protecting the texture and color. Just rub the eraser gently in a circular motion to remove the stain from the shoe. Be careful not to rub the shoes too hard. When you're done, use a nylon brush, lint brush, or suede brush to smooth the suede back into place. This suede stain remover is generally effective for cleaning:
- used water
- Salt stains
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Water-based stains (e.g. juice, drinks, etc.)
Although the effectiveness is not the same, in an emergency a pencil eraser that is strong enough can also be used like a suede stain remover
Step 3. Clean the salt stains with a little white vinegar
Mix equal parts white vinegar and warm water (a 1/4 cup each should be more than enough) then use a sponge or toothbrush to clean the stain with this solution. Vinegar is also effective at removing colored stains such as wine or chocolate splashes. However, vinegar is not enough to help remove mud or oil stains.
Step 4. Clean the oil stain with a little cornstarch or talcum powder
If your shoes get spilled, you'll need to change your cleaning method a bit to save them. Sprinkle a little cornstarch or talcum powder on the stain area and leave it overnight. In the morning, use a dry brush to clean the flour or powder. You may have to moisten the brush a little. Finally, use a suede brush to bring the fibers back to their original state.
Oil stains are notoriously difficult to remove. So understand that these stains may not be able to be removed without causing damage to the suede
Step 5. Clean the ink stains with a cotton ball and rubbing alcohol
Just pat the ink stain with 91% alcohol if you have it. When you're done, let the shoes dry and use a suede stain remover to remove any other stains.
Tips
- Always protect your shoes from water and stains beforehand. Suede shoe care is quite difficult. So, try your best to avoid stains.
- Suede shoes are suitable for use during sunny weather. Try not to wear these shoes in the rain and in muddy places.
