What is Suede?
Can You Put Suede Shoes in The Washer? Suede is a quality fabric derived from the soft part of animal hides, transforming into luxurious items like shoes, jackets, purses, and furniture coverings.
This material, often sourced from sheepskin, pigskin, or cowhide, gives real suede its unique texture and appeal.
Unlike real suede, microsuede presents a similar look but is tougher and easier to clean. Whenever I purchase a suede item, I make it a point to follow the care instructions carefully to maintain its elegance and longevity.
Can you Clean Suede?
Cleaning suede can be a tough task due to its delicate nature, but with the right tools like a soft brush, suede eraser, and suede cleaners, you can make it look good again.
The key is to be gentle and patient during the cleaning process to avoid getting the material damaged. Suede, a natural fabric, picks up moisture and dirt quite easily.
When you see any dirt on your suede items, it’s critical to clean them quickly. Acting sooner rather than later gives you a better chance to clean your suede effectively and keep it looking good.
My own experience underscores the importance of immediate action; the sooner you tackle dirty suede, the more likely you are to restore its appearance.
Does Suede Need to Be Washed?
Suede can last a long time with proper care, but it’s easy to stain. It shouldn’t be washed in a machine due to the risk of water stains. For those unavoidable spots, it’s better to clean them gently by hand or take them to a dry cleaner.
Interestingly, some Whirlpool® washers, like the Top Load Washer with a Pretreat Station, offer a unique feature for prewashing clothes directly in the washer, which can help get rid of loose dirt without fully immersing your suede items.
Using the washer’s faucet to clean specific areas can be a safe alternative, ensuring your suede stays in top condition without the harsh impact of a full wash cycle.
How to Clean Suede in a Washing Machine
Suede, a leather-treated material with a soft, fuzzy surface, offers a more decorative look than other leathers. However, it is also more sensitive.
While you can spray it with protectants to somewhat shield it, making suede waterproof is harder than with regular leather.
Most makers say you should not wash suede in a machine. However, it can be done, just not too often. This delicate balance preserves the unique qualities of suede while ensuring it remains clean and vibrant.
Step 1
Put your suede clothes in the washing machine with a cleaner made for leather and suede. Use the amount of cleaner the bottle says to use.
Step 2
Use the washer’s soft cycle. Let it go through the whole cycle, but don’t use fabric softener.
Step 3
Take your suede items out of the washer and carefully shape them back to how they were.
Step 4
Put the suede items on a clean towel and let them dry completely.
How to Get Your Suede Shoes Looking Brand New
Suede is a sensitive fabric that needs careful cleaning. Here’s how to clean dirt, stains, and marks from your suede shoes.
Supplies
Suede cleaning solution, distilled white vinegar or isopropyl alcohol
Optional: Hydrogen peroxide
Optional: Cornstarch
Optional: Suede protection spray
Tools
Suede brush, toothbrush, microfiber towel, or soft shoe brush A suede eraser or regular eraser Gentle cloth.
How to Clean Suede Shoes: Can You Put Suede Shoes in The Washer?
- First, gently brush away any dirt using a suede brush to ensure the surface is clean.
- For any stains, either a suede eraser or a little vinegar on a cloth should be used. It’s important to dab gently and don’t rub to avoid damaging the material.
- If the shoes become wet, blot them with a towel and then let them air dry to prevent water damage.
- Apply a suede protector spray to guard against future stains, extending the life and appearance of your suede shoes.
This approach ensures your suede shoes are meticulously cared for without the harshness of a washing machine, preserving their quality and aesthetic appeal.
1. Set Up to Clean
Starting your suede shoe cleaning process, put a shoe tree inside or fill the shoes with balled-up paper to keep their shape as you clean. A crucial tip: Don’t clean your suede shoes while they’re wet.
Let any mud or moisture dry thoroughly before you begin to brush. This prevents making stains worse. Remember, putting shoes in the dryer can harm them significantly.
Instead, stuff them with newspaper or let them air dry near a fan for the best results without causing damage.
2. Remove Excess Dirt and Debris
Begin the cleaning process by using a suede brush or toothbrush to lightly remove dirt and bits from the shoe’s surface. If you don’t have a brush, a clean cloth works effectively as an alternative.
It’s crucial to avoid using soap or water as these can spread the dirt further into the material. For those small scuff marks, quickly brush back and forth to raise the suede fibers and loosen the dirt effectively before going to the next part of the cleaning.
This step ensures that your suede shoes are prepped and ready for a more detailed cleaning without embedding the dirt deeper.
3. Rub Away Surface Marks
To get rid of marks on your shoes, using a suede eraser works well. If you don’t have one, a pencil eraser or a cleaning eraser can help. Ensure the eraser is clean before starting.
You may need to press a bit harder in this step, but remain gentle to avoid damaging the suede. Scrub the stains with a back-and-forth motion for effectiveness. If this approach doesn’t help, it’s time to go to the next step for a stronger solution.
This technique is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the suede while ensuring it remains spotless.
4. Treat Stubborn Stains
When other methods don’t work, it’s time to try an acidic liquid to break up dirt clumps and remove stains. Wet a cloth corner with a little suede cleaner, white vinegar, or rubbing alcohol. Make sure not to soak the shoe, but just lightly moisten the suede.
Rub the area quickly from side to side, then let the suede dry. If the stain remains, do it again. This technique requires patience and precision but can be incredibly effective in restoring the pristine condition of suede shoes.
Other Techniques For Specific Types of Stains
Oil and Grease Stains
To tackle oil and grease stains on suede shoes, sprinkle cornstarch directly on the stain and leave the shoe for a few hours. This allows the cornstarch to absorb the oil effectively.
Instead of using a suede brush, which might spread the grease, lightly wipe off any leftovers with a cloth or use a hand vacuum to pick them up from the shoe.
This method ensures that the stain is lifted without pushing it deeper into the fabric, preserving the integrity and appearance of your suede footwear.
Gum or Wax
Put your shoes in the freezer until the gum or wax becomes hard. After that, just peel or scrape it off the shoe.
Blood Stains
Put a cotton ball or clean cloth in a little hydrogen peroxide and lightly tap the stain. Let the shoe dry, and do it again if needed.
Can You Wash Suede Shoes in the Washing Machine? If Not, What’s the Best Way to Wash Them?
- If you don’t like your shoes enough to preserve them meticulously, you might wash them in the washing machine, but it’s not recommended for those you cherish.
- To properly care for suede shoes, follow these steps carefully:
- Use a suede brush to get rid of dirt, and then brush strongly to remove scuff marks.
- After that, use an eraser to remove Scuffs and marks more precisely.
- Once cleaning is complete, spray a suede protector spray on your shoes to shield them from future stains and damage.
By adhering to these guidelines, you ensure your suede shoes remain in prime condition, sidestepping the harsh conditions of a washing machine cycle.
How To Clean Suede Shoes
Suede shoes should not be washed in a machine. To clean them, start by rubbing with a wet, lint-free cloth or a suede brush. Use straight, varying strokes to lift dirt without pushing it further in.
A wet cloth may darken the suede’s color, but it will dry back to normal. Since suede is not waterproof, a damp cloth won’t leave marks. For tough stains or a deep clean, opt for a suede-safe leather cleaner, like Active Foam Cleaner from our Shoe Care range.
Always check it on a small part first to avoid damage. For the best clean, consider taking your shoes to a professional leather cleaner.
How To Fix A Scratch On Your Suede Shoe
Scratches on suede can easily appear, but fortunately, they can often be fixed depending on their size and depth. For small scratches, try rubbing it with your finger to smooth it out.
If you encounter deeper ones, put some suede conditioner on the scratch and around it, then rub it in. Should this method not help, use a suede brush to gently brush the leather fibers, which might blend the fibers enough to hide the scratch.
For very big or deep scratches, consider using a leather filler kit, or better, take your shoes to a leather expert for repair. Additionally, you can treat your shoes to help prevent future scratches.
How To Treat Suede Shoes
To maintain your suede shoes in top condition, it’s important to treat them often, especially if they are unfinished suede. This makes them softer and less likely to get scratched.
After cleaning your suede shoes, use a soft cloth or brush to put on a suede conditioner, which might be wax, oil, or cream. Use straight moves in various directions to spread the conditioner evenly on the shoe.
Then, add a protective finish, like Protector from our Shoe Care line, which helps to keep water out and protects against stains. This routine ensures your shoes remain pristine, extending their lifespan and keeping them ready for any occasion.
How to Store Suede Items
Keep your suede items in a dry place away from water. Also, store them in a dark spot to prevent damage or color change from too much sunlight.
FAQs
Can Suede Shoes Be Washed?
Suede shoes should not be washed in a machine as it can damage them. Instead, spot-clean or use a suede brush for dirt and stains. For a deeper clean, hand wash gently with suitable cleaners or take them to a professional.
Does Suede Spray Work?
Yes, suede spray works effectively. It adds a protective layer to suede, making it more resistant to water and stains. Regular use can help keep suede looking good longer, but it’s important to apply it correctly for the best results.
How Do You Clean Suede Naturally?
To clean suede naturally, gently brush the surface with a suede brush to remove dirt. For stains, dab with a cloth dipped in vinegar or rubbing alcohol. Let it dry, then brush again. Cornstarch can absorb oil stains. Always test a small area first.
Can You Clean it with Just Water?
Cleaning suede with just water is not recommended as it can cause stains and damage the material. If necessary, use a damp cloth to lightly blot stains, but always follow proper suede cleaning methods to avoid water damage.
Should You Let Suede Air Dry?
Yes, you should let the suede air dry. After cleaning, place the suede item in a well-ventilated area away from direct heat and sunlight.
This helps prevent water stains and maintains the material’s quality. Avoid using a dryer or direct heat sources.
How Can You Wash Suede Shoes?
Suede absorbs water, so washing a pair of suede shoes with water can cause stains to set in the fabric.
Instead, start with a dry brush, follow with a rubber eraser, and work out stubborn stains with a bit of rubbing alcohol, white vinegar, or a suede-cleaning solution.
Are Suede Shoes Ruined if they Get Wet?
Unlike leather shoes, suede is not moisture-resistant. When suede gets wet, it becomes stiff and brittle after it dries – deteriorating its material and making it prone to permanent damage.
Can I Wash Suede With Detergent?
Can You Clean Suede with Soap & Water? Honestly, soap isn’t the way to go because of potential staining. Even worse, suede tends to stain with water.
We always recommend using a brush and cleaning kit, but water could work if you need to tackle surface marks (like a hand sanitizer stain on suede).
What is the Safest Way to Clean Suede?
You can’t use water-based cleaning methods to clean suede, so vinegar and alcohol are great substitutes.
Pour a little bit of white vinegar or rubbing alcohol onto a washcloth, gently rub the stained area, then let it dry before reassessing. If the stain is gone, use a suede brush to retexture the treated area.
Does Suede Shrink When Washed?
If you immerse your suede jacket in cold water or put it in your washing machine, it will shrink, however, you will probably ruin the garment in the process and is therefore not advised.
