How to clean suede work boots . Suede is stylish leather material, but it can be temperamental when it comes to wearing stains, or water spots. Do you have a scuff mark on your new suede boots? Do not be afraid!
Keeping suede clean is easy once you know how to do it, and you can do it with household items. Read on for step-by-step instructions on how to clean suede leather boots and shoes.
- For most needs
A soft bristle brush or a suede brush (a toothbrush will also work)
A clean cloth or bath towel.
Newspaper or something else to fill the trunk with
Water (for water stains)
- For tough stains and scuffs:
A pencil eraser (for difficult scratches)
White vinegar (for stubborn stains)
- For tough stains and scuffs:
- Suede protector
- Waterproofing if you live in an area with snow
Step By Step: How to Clean Suede Boots & Shoes
1. Drying boots or shoes: To clean suede boots and shoes, they must be dried first. If they aren't dry yet, tuck your boots (or shoes) with newspaper or anything else you can stuff inside the boot to help keep its shape while it dries, and leave them in a dry place out of direct sunlight. If the boots are soaked, remove the insole and place an absorbent towel such as a paper towel inside. A hairdryer can drive the impatient among us crazy, but be careful not to overdo it as it can burn the leather.
2. Fill the Boot/Shoe: If you haven't already, fill each boot or shoe with newspaper or something that has a similar function so that the boot holds its shape as you brush or wet it (for water stains).
3. Brush to Remove Dirt and Debris: Using a soft bristle brush, gently brush away dried dirt and scuff marks. Brush in the same direction unless you encounter stubborn chafing, which may require you to brush back and forth to loosen the grain. Finish by brushing with the grain in the same direction as before to leave consistent brush marks.
4. Wipe with a clean, dry cloth: After brushing, wipe the surface with a clean, dry cloth to remove any dust or small particles left behind after brushing. As with brushing, wipe in the same direction to leave a clean, even grain pattern. This may be your last step if you only have light dirt or scuffs. Continue to step 8 if your boots look good. If you have stubborn stains or marks, continue with the following steps.
5. Remove stubborn marks with a pencil eraser: For scuff marks or dirt that you cannot remove with a brush, use a pencil eraser and rub vigorously back and forth over the area. Finish by using your brush again and brushing out the grain.
6. Remove water stains by wetting/drying: If water has discolored any part of your boots, remove water stains from your suede boots by dampening a brush or clean towel and gently moistening the outside of the boot around the stain. Once wet, remove excess water with a dry towel. Fill the boot with dry newspaper and let it dry overnight.
7. Remove stubborn stains and salt stains with white vinegar – If your boots and shoes have fallen victim to salt stains or other stains, you can use white vinegar to remove the stains. Dampen a towel or cloth with white vinegar and apply it to the stained area. Let the boot dry (filled, of course), then use your brush as you would to remove other stains and revive the grain.
8. Apply suede protector (and waterproofing if you live in a snowy area): You've worked hard cleaning your suede boots, so you need to protect them from future damage.
Suede protector:
There are a number of suede protectors available, such as Ariat Water and Stain Protectant or Kiwi® Suede Protector, which are usually applied with a spray bottle.
(Always test the product in an inconspicuous area first, such as the inside of the shoe/boot). Make sure your boots are clean (or as good as you can get them) to your liking, make sure they're also dry, then apply a suede protector to all the outer parts of the boot.
Make sure your boots are clean (or as good as you can get them) to your liking, make sure they're also dry, then apply a suede protector to all the outer parts of the boot.
Waterproofer:
If you live in an area where it snows, it's a good idea to protect your boots with waterproofing as this will help prevent salt stains. The waterproofing will make your boots darker when you put them on for the first time, but don't worry, they will