While suede shoes are a luxury find in one’s wardrobe, they need to be treated as such leaving it not only attached to the base but also fragile. With some maintenance, your suede shoes will look stylish for a long time. With this comprehensive guide, you will know all you need to know to keep your suede shoes looking great.
Understanding Suede
Before diving into maintenance techniques, you need to know what makes suede different. Leather from the underside of animal skin is known as suede. Its velvet texture is soft and breathability. But that porous nature also leaves it prone to stains, water damage, and, wear and tear.
Essential Tools and Products Required
Before you begin cleaning or caring for your suede shoes made from either polyester sewing thread or nylon sewing thread, gather the following essential tools and products:
- Suede brush: For removing dirt and restoring the nap the suede brush needs to have one coarse and one fine bristle.
- Suede eraser: It’s a specialized eraser that gets rid of scuffs and light stains.
- Suede cleaner: Deeper cleaning requires a gentle, water-based cleaner intended for suede.
- Suede protector spray: A suede protector spray can be applied to shoes you’ve worn before, serving to create a protective barrier against water, stains, and dirt.
- Microfiber cloth: To wipe and remove excess moisture from your shoes, use a soft clean microfiber cloth.
- Shoe trees: Shoe trees keep your shoes from wrinkling.
Daily Care and Prevention
- Regular brushing: Right after use, remove any surface dirt, dust, or debris with a suede brush. Do not rub, brush gently in the direction that the nap points.
- Immediate stain treatment: If you see a stain, take care of it right then. Collect the excess moisture on the stain by gently blotting it with a clean cloth. Don’t rub, as this will spread the stain and ruin the suede.
- Protect from moisture: Whenever possible, do not wear suede shoes in wet weather. Do not allow them to dry if they do get wet, air them out away from direct heat sources instead. You can stuff them with newspaper so they absorb moisture.
- Use shoe trees: If you don’t use them, place a shoe tree in your shoes to keep them looking neat and avoid creases. A bonus of cedar shoe trees is their ability to absorb moisture and eliminate odors.
- Store properly: Shoes made from suede should be stored in cool and dry places, not under direct sunlight. To avoid dust and moisture in their shoes, you can consider using breathable shoe bags.
Cleaning Suede Shoes
- Light cleaning: To clean a bit more, a suede brush will take out surface dirt and debris. To take care of scuff marks and light stains, you can also use a suede eraser (see picture below).
- Deeper cleaning: If you want to clean this suede further, use a dedicated suede cleaning. Do exactly as is said on the product label. Work the cleaner with a clean cloth, and apply it to the shoes, then wipe gently. Let them dry naturally fully.
- Stain removal: If you have a stain on suede or any other leather material, there’s a suede cleaning guide for it (in case of the stain you want to remove) or you need to approach a professional. This type of stain needs a special treatment, as does oil, grease, and blood.
Protecting Suede Shoes
- Apply suede protector: They suggest you apply a suede protector spray before you wear your suede shoes for the first time. This produces a seal that will protect it from water, stains, and dirt. Periodically reapply the protector spray for it to stay effective.
- Avoid harsh chemicals: Don’t apply chemicals like alcohol or acetone to suede. They can do damage to the delicate fibers.
- Be mindful of contact: When handling suede shoes make sure to avoid sharp or rough surfaces that can make it scuff or scratch.
Professional Cleaning
If your suede shoes have stubborn stains or are horribly damaged, you can bring them to a professional shoe cleaner. They know how to clean and restore your shoes but not damage your shoes any further.
Additional Tips
- Rotate your shoes: Don’t wear the same pair of suede shoes every day. It allows the tires to air out and helps them not to over wear.
- Consider suede care kits: Most suede care kits contain a suede brush, eraser, cleaner, and protector spray, offering all of the must-have gadgets in a single, convenient package.
- Invest in quality suede: To make your money’s worth, choose the best quality suede shoes from reputable brands.
So, following these tips and techniques, you can very effectively control your suede shoes and make them final for years. Remember, prevention is key. Treat your suede shoes to regular care and attention, and with a bit of luck you will avoid expensive repairs and keep suede footwear a stylish and long-loved part of your wardrobe.
Conclusion
Investing some time and effort in suede shoe care is critical. Neglecting these delicate shoes can cause irrevocable damage, including tenacious stains, watermarks, and a loss of their trademark softness. By implementing a regular care regimen into your shoe maintenance practice, you will not only extend the life of your suede footwear but also retain its sumptuous appearance, ensuring many years of elegant delight.
