How to Make Suede Shoes Look New

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There’s no denying the timeless appeal of suede shoes. This unique material—a type of treated leather—adds a soft, luxurious texture to everything from classic loafers to sleek boots. It’s also a popular material for bags, jackets, and countless other wardrobe staples. 

But as stylish as suede is, it comes with a catch: upkeep. Unlike many other materials, suede needs a little extra TLC to stay looking its best. From dealing with dirt to water stains to scuff marks, this guide will walk you through exactly how to clean suede shoes so you can restore their shade, preserve their softness, and enjoy them for years to come. 

What not to do when cleaning suede

Before you start cleaning a suede shoe, it’s important to know what not to do. Suede is a delicate material, so even small mistakes can cause lasting damage. Here are three tips to clean your favorite suede shoes safely. 

Don’t use harsh chemicals

The chemical cleaners that work on other shoes can wreak havoc on suede’s delicate texture. Skip the all-purpose shoe polishes, bleach, or anything too abrasive. Instead, reach for gentler products like white vinegar or a dedicated suede shoe cleaner. 

Don’t put water directly on suede

Water is suede’s frenemy—while it might help remove dirt, it often leaves behind water stains in the process. Instead of soaking the material, stick with dry-cleaning methods like a suede brush or spot treatments using a damp cloth. Whatever you do, don’t pour water straight onto the fabric. 

Don’t put suede in the washer

If you’ve thrifted suede shoes, sticking them in the washing machine might seem like a quick way to get them looking like new, but it will do more harm than good. Direct exposure to water, heat, and detergent can lead to shrinkage, wrinkles, and permanent discoloration. 

Supplies for cleaning suede shoes

We’ve told you what not to do, but what does clean suede? Here’s everything you need to tackle this task in a way that won’t lead to regret. 

• Suede brush: A suede brush with soft bristles or rubber nubs is a must-have for lifting dirt, reviving the nap, and brushing away surface stains.
• Suede eraser: Gently rub away scuffs and tough spots with this textured block made specifically for suede.
• White vinegar: An effective, natural cleaner for water stains and general grime, white vinegar is as easy to use as it is affordable—just dab and blot gently on the suede.
• Cornstarch or baking soda (optional): If you have cornstarch or baking soda in your pantry, they’re great for tackling oil stains—just sprinkle, let sit, and brush off.
• Suede protector (optional): Once your shoes are clean, this spray helps repel future dirt and moisture. Consider it your suede’s best defense against stains.

How to clean suede shoes in 6 steps

So how do you clean suede shoes without ruining them? Here’s a simple, step-by-step guide to help get your footwear looking good as new. These tips also work for cleaning and detoxing things like suede jackets and bags without causing damage. 

1. Brush away dirt

Use a suede brush to gently remove dirt and grime, brushing in the direction of the suede’s natural grain. Make sure your shoes are completely dry for this step—brushing wet suede can damage it.

2. Spot clean with an eraser

For more stubborn stains or scuffs, use a suede eraser to spot clean. Don’t have one? A pencil eraser can work in a pinch. Gently rub the suede eraser over the mark, either back and forth or in small circles. Apply a bit of pressure, but don’t brush too hard; suede is sensitive, and too much friction can wear down the fabric. 

3. Brush again

After using a suede eraser, you’ll likely notice more dirt or residue on the shoe's surface. Grab your suede brush once more and gently dust off any eraser debris or loosened grime. This step will help smooth the surface and prep your shoes for deeper spot cleaning. 

4. Clean stubborn stains

Don’t worry if you’re still dealing with set-in stains—some grime needs a little extra attention. For tough spots, white vinegar or rubbing alcohol can work wonders. These mild acids help break down dirt, oil stains, and mystery marks without ruining the fabric. 

Instead of applying these solutions directly to the suede, dampen a cloth and gently dab or rub the stain. Work slowly and avoid over-soaking—too much liquid can leave behind water stains or discoloration. 

If you’re dealing with an especially stubborn oil stain, try sprinkling a small amount of cornstarch or baking soda on the area. Let it sit for a few hours to absorb the oil, then gently brush or wipe it away with a clean, dry cloth. 

5. Apply suede protector

Once your shoes are looking fresh again, give them a little armor. A quick spray of suede protector helps repel future water stains, dirt, and grime, keeping your suede shoes cleaner for longer and saving you time between touch-ups. 

6. Repair and replace

If your shoes have more than a few surface stains—think holes, worn-out soles, or broken zippers—you might need to have a cobbler mend them. These pros can help with things like patching holes, resoling the shoes, and replacing zippers. 

But you’ll sometimes find that even your most-loved pieces are beyond repair, no matter how carefully you try to clean them. When that happens, it’s the perfect excuse to thrift a replacement online. Sites like ThredUp make it easy to find unique, secondhand suede items that have the same charm as your originals—and thrifting is much more affordable and sustainable than buying new. 

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How do you keep suede items clean longer? 

Suede shoes can be a big investment—with proper care, they’ll stay in rotation for years, sometimes even decades. Being proactive with care and maintenance is key to extending suede’s lifespan and keeping it looking its best. 

These are our top clothing care tips for preserving suede:

• Use suede protector early and often: When you bring home a new suede product, apply a suede protector right away instead of waiting until it gets dirty. To prevent stains and water damage, let the protector dry completely before wearing your shoes. 
• Brush your shoes regularly: Routine brushing with a suede brush keeps dirt, dust, and buildup at bay. A quick brush now and then will help your suede shoes stay fresh longer. 
• Store shoes in a cool, dry place: Keep your suede away from direct sunlight or damp places—both can damage the material and cause discoloration. 
• Donate or resell gently worn pairs: If you’ve fallen out of love with shoes that are still in good shape, try upcycling or reselling them online through a platform like ThredUp. ThredUp’s repair program can even mend gently worn items to extend their lifecycle. 

Find the perfect pair of preloved suede shoes on ThredUp

Cleaning suede shoes doesn’t have to be intimidating—the right tools and a little know-how will go a long way. Whether you’re restoring an old favorite or keeping a new pair fresh, these simple tips can help you build a longer-lasting, more sustainable wardrobe. 

ThredUp is the perfect place to find and sell preloved suede shoes, along with an extensive collection of other secondhand styles. With thousands of sizes, price points, and clothing brands, we make it easy to score suede pieces that match your style—and your budget. 

FAQs

How do you clean oily stains from suede items? 

To remove stubborn oil stains from suede, sprinkle a small amount of cornstarch or baking soda directly onto the spot. Let it sit for a few hours to absorb the oil, then gently brush it away with a suede brush. 

How do you wash suede shoes? 

Don’t throw your suede shoes in the washer like you would with canvas sneakers. Instead, use a suede brush to sweep away dirt and grime, a suede eraser to remove scuffs, and a soft cloth dabbed in white vinegar or rubbing alcohol to spot clean. 

Does baking soda clean suede? 

Yes, baking soda is a natural, budget-friendly way to remove grease and oil stains from suede. Just dust on the baking soda, let it sit for a few hours, and gently brush it off. 

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