One advantage of suede shoes is their elegance as well as comfort, and it applies to popular styles, like Birkenstocks and ankle boots, included. However, maintaining their pristine condition is tough as they can become dirty, muddy, or stained after encountering dirt, mud or stains. The truth is that you need to know how to clean suede in a way that means you can continue to enjoy them as part of your collection.

Thankfully, you don’t have to use special products to get your suede shoes looking like new again. Most common problems can be taken care of with basic household items. This guide will show you how to save your beloved suede footwear, with instructions that are as straightforward as they are effective.

Essential Items You'll Need

• Suede brush or nail brush
• White vinegar
• Baking soda
• Flannel or face cloth
• Rubber eraser

1. Begin with the suede brush to eliminate any loose dirt and debris from the shoe's surface

Make sure all dirt on your shoes is dry before starting this process. Cleaning wet stains just pushes the particles deeper into the suede and makes pulling them out later more difficult.

Just brush away loose grit from the foot using gentle strokes in one direction only. Taking the time to brush in the grain of suede makes all the difference, as if you don't you can cause tears and excess shedding. For more strengthening, apply tougher pressure as you will with the scrape the same back and forth in quick motion. This technique lifts flattened suede fibers to help better streamline cleaning.

If you don’t have a suede brush, a clean nail brush or even a tooth brush will do a good job if you don’t have a suede brush. Cleaning your shoes will keep them looking and lasting longer.

2. Use the Eraser to Remove Remaining Stains

Clean and stain free standard eraser works just fine as long as it’s clean and stain free, but if you have one that’s supposed to be used specifically with suds try using that.

Use a back and forth motion with the contained pressure on the stained area. Still, if the marks don’t go away after a while, refrain from using too much force to them. Keep the suede material away from any possible damage to your shoes.

3. Using White Vinegar or Rubbing Alcohol for Stubborn Stains

White vinegar and rubbing alcohol can work if the stain doesn't go away on your suede shoes. If it sounds counterintuitive to apply liquids, their acidic nature does the job of breaking down those hard to remove stains.

First, find something clean flannel or washcloth, dip a corner of that in a small bowl of either vinegar or rubbing alcohol. The cloth should still be only slightly damp; don’t soak it. Reach over and gently dab the damp corner at the very edge of the stain on your shoe. Massaging the liquid into the suede, use a light pressing motion. Increase pressure and if the stain is still not coming up, don’t add more liquid, just add more pressure. It all comes down to doing it using a consistent back and forth motion.

Just remember that these liquids will make the suede darker for a second of time. But the liquid will make it colorless, but become its original color again when the liquid evaporates. It might take you several attempts, drying between applications, for the suede to dry.

As needed, keep re-dipping your cloth into vinegar or rubbing alcohol to effectively eliminate the mark. I remind you to be patient, since it‘s not healthy to soak in suede as too much liquid can have damage effects. There’s no reason to worry about lingering odors: The liquids will dissipate, and there will be no odor hanging around.

4. For Oil or Grease Stains, Utilize Baking Soda

If your suede footwear is stained with oil or grease, it can be a tough deal, but baking soda can be your saving grace. Start with a patch test. Pick a spot on the back of your shoes where the suede won’t be on display for all to see and test how the suede reacts to the baking soda.

First, lightly blot any excess oil or grease with a clean cloth. Then sprinkle baking soda generously over your stained area so that you have covered yourself completely. Sit it on top for several hours, or better days if you can, to let it soak up the stain.

After the waiting period, brush gently off the baking soda with a suede brush or a nail brush. Look carefully at the results. Repeating treatment can be done until the stain clears. Steps like these would help you to restore your suede items and prolong the life of the same.

5. Apply a Suede Protector to Complete the Process

After your suede shoes look pristine, you need to use a suede protector. It serves to help with protecting your shoes from future stains and keeping them nice.

Just remember not every protector is the same – some are able to change the color of your suede. When selecting a product on Amazon, always check customer ratings and reviews as a means to end up with a product that will suit your need. In case you’re experimenting with a new protector, make sure to get a patch and confirm compatibility with your shoes.