It’s boots and booties season! Hooray!
But its also bad weather, hot coffee and sugary cocktails season which can spell disaster for those suede boots you saved up for. Boo!
Suede is one of those fabrics that shows every last imperfection. Dirt, dark patches, grime and other stains show up on suede in a super magnified way so taking care of these little blemishes quickly will keep your suede shoes and boots looking #ShoeoftheDay perfect.
The first thing you should do BEFORE you wear suede shoes is protect them with a sealant. Either take them to a shoe professional to have done or DIY it. You can pick up a suede sealant at most drugstores or on amazon. A thin application will last several months and help repel dirt, water and other stains. Make sure to reapply after brushing.
Now on to my tricks for fixing scuffed or stained suede shoes and maintaining that luxe suede look.
Brusha Brusha Brusha! Brush Your Suede after every wear. This is the secret to keeping the suede fluffy and shiny-spot free. You can do this with a suede brush or with a dry/clean soft nylon toothbrush. If you’ve got a shiny, worn spot, use the brush/toothbrush to lift the tamped-down fabric with short, gentle strokes. It will also remove any loose dirt, lint or pet hair.
I don’t know about you but my suede booties get scuff marks like crazy! To remove these marks gently rub an eraser back and forth over a scuff or stain until it lifts, then brush off any eraser shavings with your suede brush. You can do this with a suede eraser or in a pinch a pencil eraser will do. I swear it’s magic- see above before and after!
For black suede pieces you can also touch up faded or scuffed spots lightly with a black crayon, then rub the color into the suede with your finger. Repeat until the spot blends with the surrounding suede
If tragedy strikes.. aka liquid spills on your suede shoes use talcum powder or cornmeal to treat them. Start by patting (NOT RUBBING) the area with a clean cloth or towel and then apply a layer of cornmeal or talcum powder. Let it sit overnight, and then brush the suede the following day to remove the dried powder.
Stylist Tip: These tips are meant for small accidents and imperfection. Don’t attempt to restore severely damaged or severely stained suede at home. Take it to a drycleaning professional who specializes in the care of suede and leather.
Click Below to SHOP some of My favorite Suede Tools:
20 Comments
This is great! I have a pair of mules I need to clean!
Jamie
Treats and Trends
Yay! Glad you liked it. These tricks are so easy and lifesavers!
What a a fab post. I love my suede boots but did not dare clean them myself – thank you 🙂 x
These tricks are lifesavers!
I’m so glad to come across this! Where do all these scratches come from? I swear to god they just show up out of nowhere when I’m not looking!
So happy to have found your trick!
Right! every time I wear suede! The eraser will get you good as new again!
This is SO helpful! I have so many suede shoes not looking awesome right now! You are the best!
These tricks will have you back in shape!
this is such great advice – as a hairstylist I give my shoes a beating & instead of fixing them up I just buy more – what a waste – I’m going to try some of your tips instead!
Totally magical!
Obsessed with your tips you should make a guide!
Courtney BENTLEY || http://www.courtneyvioletbentley.com
Thanks babe glad you enjoy them!
Good tips! And, best of all, these tips don’t sound complicated or hard to do at all. 🙂
They are super easy and work like a charm!
Good tips! I need to clean my suede high heels!
Thanks glad you enjoyed them~
This is so helpful! There’s nothing worse than scuffing suede shoes. Thanks for sharing this!
Glad you liked it!
Wow, really handy tips dear. Thanks for sharing! This has been my problem for my suede boots for years.
Works like a charm!