How To Clean Suede Sneakers In Just 20 Minutes
If you own a pair of suede shoes, you'll know that as soon as you step outside, the soft, velvety suede can become a magnet for dirt, as it stains easily because it absorbs moisture and fades during the sunniest days.
It's one of the most delicate materials and therefore has very specific cleaning requirements. In this post we'll show you how to clean suede sneakers.
But first, let's start by knowing what suede is:
"It's type of skin of elk or other animals marinated and tanned. Suede leather is made from the inner part of the skin, usually from lamb, but also from goat, pig, calf or elk.
Its softness, thinness and ductility make it suitable for delicate leather garments and uses; thus, it was originally used to make women's gloves. Suede is also popular for use in upholstery, shoes, handbags, other accessories and as a lining for other leather products."
Because of its characteristics, suede requires special care and maintenance. We have to be methodical, because a good cleaning of each stain can extend the life of our suede shoes or suede boots.
Here we leave you a how to clean suede sneakers tutorial, whether there are existing stains, or if you want to prevent them or are looking for a "tune-up".
HOW TO CLEAN SUEDE SNEAKERS
- Prepare for cleaning
Before you get down to work, use a shoe tree as the Saphir BdC Cedar Shoe Trees or stuff the shoes with balled up newspaper so they don't lose their shape while you clean them.
Tip: In case you want to start washing them after they've gotten wet from rain or snow, avoid it. It is better to let any wet substance dry before brushing them, as it may cause the opposite effect to the one we are looking for. Let them dry naturally or in front of a fan.
- Remove excess dirt
Don't underestimate the power of a brush. Before starting the cleaning process with materials, it is essential to remove all surface dirt. Otherwise we will make the cleaning more expensive and need to make extra effort.
Our Saphir BdC Brass Brush is perfect for this step.
Important:
For moderate cleaning, we should brush in the direction of the hair.
On the other hand, for an in-depth treatment, we must go against the direction of the hair, lifting the suede fibers of the shoe, making short, light strokes and always carrying it out dry.
If you do not have a brush, you can use a clean cloth, but never use soap and water, as this could be counterproductive.
CLEANER BLOCK TO CLEAN SUEDE SNEAKERS
- Remove surface stains
To remove marks that remain on the surface of the shoes and scuffs, it is best to use Gommadin Suede Eraser.
Before you start using it, make sure that the eraser does not have any stains on it.
Then gently rub the surface so as not to damage the suede and with light strokes you'll fade those stains.
If the stains do not disappear, try the next step.
- Remove the most stubborn stains
If the two previous steps haven't been enough to remove all the stains and there are some that resist, we recommend using a very complete Sneaker Cleaner to clean in depth without damaging the original texture or altering the original colors.
You can use Suede Cleaner Omninettoyant Saphir Médaille D'Or.
As you've already removed the dust and the most superficial stains, it'll be time to apply the cleaner.
1.-Apply a small amount of product in a bowl of warm water.
2.- Proceed with cleaning by rubbing gently with circular movements.
3.- Once cleaning is complete, remove excess product with a microfiber towel.
4.- Let dry and once it is completely dry, proceed to brush to recover the softness.
Important: don't soak the shoes. Only slightly dampen the suede.
- Apply a protector
"Prevention is better than cure".
To keep your suede shoes looking like new for future wear, and to prevent stains from penetrating more easily, it's very important to apply a protector. Use our Waterproofing Spray Saphir Médaille D'Or so that after its application the fibers become more resistant and breathable and your shoes repel water, snow or dust.
How do we do it? It's easy:
1.- Shake the spray before use.
2.- Spray abundantly on the dry surface at a distance of approximately 30cm.
3.- Let dry for at least 30 minutes.
- Renew suede
If after cleaning, you want to renew the color of your shoes, nourishing and protecting them at the same time, use Renovateur Suede and Nubuck Spray.
You can choose from different colors, or a neutral one.
Lets see how to apply it:
1.- Remove dust and stains from the surface as we've showed you in the previous steps.
2.- Shake the spray before applying.
3.- Apply evenly at a distance of 20cm.
4.- Let dry for at least 30 minutes.
5.- Brush again for a perfect finish.
We hope we've helped you to know how to clean suede sneakers and how to treat this delicate material.
Cheer up and make your sneakers rise from the ashes.
See you soon! :)
