Shoes and sneakers
How to clean suede sneakers step by step
By sneakersInn team · Updated
To clean suede sneakers, brush off dry dirt with a suede brush, rub marks out with a suede eraser, treat stubborn stains with a cloth barely dampened with white vinegar, lift flattened areas with a little steam and brushing, then protect them with a suede spray. Always work on dry suede and use as little water as possible.
| Problem | Fix |
|---|---|
| Dust | Brush in one direction, then against |
| Scuff marks | Suede eraser, then brush |
| Water spots | Dampen the whole panel evenly, blot, dry, brush |
| Stubborn stains | Cloth with a little white vinegar, dry, brush |
| Oil or grease | Cornflour overnight, then brush |
| Flattened nap | Light steam, then brush |
What do I need?
- A suede brush (brass or nylon bristles with a rubber side)
- A suede eraser
- White vinegar
- Cornflour for grease
- Suede protector spray
- Paper to stuff the shoes
Step by step
- Let them dry fully if they're wet. Never clean wet suede.
- Stuff with paper to hold the shape.
- Brush away loose dirt, first with the grain, then against it.
- Erase scuffs and marks with the eraser, rubbing gently.
- Treat stains with a cloth lightly dampened with white vinegar, dabbing rather than rubbing. Let it dry.
- Brush again to restore the soft nap.
- Steam any flattened patches lightly by holding them near the steam from a kettle, then brush.
- Protect with a suede spray, and let it dry before wearing.
How do I fix water stains?
Odd as it sounds, dampen the entire stained panel evenly with a damp sponge so it dries without a ring, blot, stuff with paper, dry in the shade, then brush.
What about the soles?
Clean rubber soles separately with a brush and soapy water, keeping water away from the suede.
How do I keep suede clean in Accra?
Brush after every wear during harmattan, avoid suede in the rainy season, and reapply protector spray every few weeks. See suede vs leather sneakers.
Questions
Can I wash suede sneakers in a machine?
No. Water and tumbling ruin suede and glue.
Can nubuck be cleaned the same way?
Mostly yes, with gentler brushing.
What else keeps sneakers going?
See how to make your sneakers last longer and our cleaning and care page. For care advice on a specific pair, ask on WhatsApp. See also how to store sneakers properly.