Cleaning and Care for Suede

Suede is made from leather that's been rubbed to create a nap, or a slightly fuzzy texture. The softer underside of leather is generally used to make suede.

Water and Stain Protector

Treat new suede shoes with a water and stain protector spray before wearing them. It shall help avoid stains and make it easier to clean. A thin application of a suede protector will last for several months (that’s right, you do have to treat suede every couple months) and will help repel dirt and stop stains before they start. A tip to keep in mind before actually spraying: We strongly recommend brushing with a suede brush before and after you spray it.

Brush

A suede brush is useful to get rid of any surface dirt from your boots or shoes. This will simply help get the suede cleaner before more intensive treatments. Be sure to brush with the grain of the fabric, rather than against. A soft bristle brush will be ideal for this use. To preserve the beauty and charm of your suede shoes, prefer to brush the shoes after each use, before storing them.

Stain Cleaning

Do not attempt to spot clean suede items with water, it can affect both the color and texture of suede. For tough stains, use a specially designed suede cleaner. Always follow the instructions on the label if using a commercial cleaning product. When dealing with tough stains that you have failed to remove, it is better to take them to a professional cleaner who specializes in leather and suede.

*Do not wear your delicate suede shoes during the rainy season.

Store

When you’re not wearing your suede shoes, store them in a suitable way. You can use a cotton fabric bag (dust-bag) to store your shoes in cool, dry, dark places. Damp places (like basements) can encourage mold and mildew growth. Places that are too hot, such as attics, can damage the suede and places full of natural light will fade suede.