How to clean suede shoes in 5 minutes without ruining them
Suede shoes, especially light ones, require careful handling and get dirty quickly. The easiest way to restore their original appearance is with dry cleaning, but this is expensive. In addition, in most cases, you can deal with dirt at home. Jason Markk, a blogger and founder of a company specializing in shoe cleaning products, shared life hacks on how to clean suede shoes yourself without damaging the delicate material, Ukr.Media reports.
How to clean suede shoes at home: step-by-step instructions
Markk’s first tip is to only work with dry shoes. Laces from suede sneakers or trainers should be removed (they can be washed separately in the washing machine). Damp shoes can be dried with a hairdryer on a cold setting before cleaning.
Start by removing dirt with a special brush with soft natural bristles for suede shoes. Alternatively, you can use a soft toothbrush. Remove dirt with light side-to-side movements, lifting the suede fibers.
Next, you will need an eraser. You can use a special one for suede. If you don't have one, a regular clean pencil eraser will do. Use it to erase any dirt, including on the ends of the sole, using smooth movements.
How to remove stains from suede shoes
To remove stains, you will need ethyl alcohol or white vinegar. Apply a small amount to a soft microfiber cloth and gently rub into the stain. Repeat if necessary.
For fresh grease stains on suede shoes, Markk recommends sprinkling talcum powder or cornstarch, letting it dry, and then removing the talcum powder or starch with a microfiber cloth.
If the stain on your suede shoes is stubborn, you can use hydrogen peroxide. It should be applied very carefully and tested on a small area first.
Water stains on suede shoes, according to the expert, are easy to remove. The easiest option: lightly dampen the entire surface of the shoe. Then put absorbent paper inside to remove excess moisture, and with a soft microfiber cloth, apply a little more water to the top of the suede sneakers, boots or other footwear. Let it dry completely in the shade and away from heat sources and go over the surface with a soft cloth.
White suede shoes get dirty especially quickly. But they can also be cleaned at home. The main thing is to follow a few tips.
Джерело: Source