In case someone has stepped on or stained your blue suede shoes, here’s exactly how to clean them.

Qiwa tips for lovers of fine taste… and fine suede leather

Although suede certainly has a velvety and elegant appearance, one of its few drawbacks is that it stains, wears, and flattens easily. That’s why it’s so important to know how to care for and protect your suede garments, especially your shoes.

Regular brushing and cleaning will keep your suede shoes, jackets, hats, pants, and furniture looking the same as the day you bought them. But even more importantly, you should address any wear on suede quickly to prevent permanent stains or damage to the material.

While cleaning and caring for suede isn’t really difficult, it does require more attention than many other types of leather. That’s why at Qiwa we decided to share some of our secrets for properly maintaining your suede garments and items.

Basic Suede Care

Could it get any more elegant?

The best way to keep your suede shoes, hats, home furniture, and gloves in good condition is to take the necessary basic precautions. As a general rule, you should leave suede garments at home on days when rain is forecast, but inevitably, at some point, you’ll be caught in an unexpected downpour, where it’s very likely you’ll step in a puddle or walk on wet grass.

That’s why clothing, footwear, and suede accessories should be treated with a water-repellent spray. Whatever spray you choose, first test it on a discreet area. If the results are as expected, apply the spray to your suede shoes or other items and allow it to dry completely. This protective layer will significantly reduce the chances of staining if the suede gets wet.

Regular brushing of your suede is essential, whether it’s a wearable item or home decoration. A good brush with stiff bristles is perfectly suitable for use on suede, providing a deep yet gentle cleaning, removing dust and dirt while restoring the suede’s texture.

In fact, you should brush your suede garments after each use, or use the brush on your suede furniture weekly. But if you don’t have much time, the minimum recommended frequency is at least once a month.

Brush the suede thoroughly across the entire surface, working only in forward and backward motions. Do not make circular motions or push the brush in different directions. Regular brushing is the best way to keep suede looking good and to remove dust or light stains.

Removing Stains from Suede

Are you old? But old enough to understand this image?

If your suede shoes get covered in mud or stained on the toes or sides, or if rain has stained your favorite suede hat that you always wear on sunny days, the solution to remove these stains is using a suede brush.

Often, a thorough brushing is all that’s needed to remove dirt, but if the situation is more complicated, you’ll need to follow these tips:

a) If the stain is dry, take a pencil eraser, also known as a “cheese eraser.” Rub the eraser over the stain with small circular motions and light pressure. Brush the suede to restore its surface once the stain has disappeared.

b) Still see the stain? Go to your kitchen pantry and grab some white vinegar. Pour a little onto a clean, dry cloth and rub the vinegar onto the stained area of the suede. Remember, the goal is to moisten the suede, not soak it. Let the suede air dry, then brush the stain to remove any remaining marks.

c) If the suede is stained with oil, sprinkle enough talcum powder or cornstarch to completely cover the stain and let it sit for several hours. Then, use your suede brush to remove the powder, hopefully taking the oily stain with it. If a mark remains, use white vinegar as described above.

d) Wet stains, including those caused by water, should be blotted with a towel as soon as possible before allowing the suede to air dry. Never place your suede near a heater or use a hairdryer to speed up the drying process, as this can fade or damage the material. If the suede dries with a water mark, you’ll need to use white vinegar again, let the suede dry, and then brush it thoroughly.

The bottle that magical suede-cleaning vinegar deserves

Looking for Suede Garments and Accessories Made from 100% Natural Leather?

Qiwa is a family-owned company that has been crafting leather goods, accessories, automotive upholstery, and jackets with high standards of quality and design for 30 years. At Qiwa, we develop premium products made from the highest quality leather, both under our brand and in collaboration with various designers, supporting several entrepreneurial projects.

We offer a wide variety of suede items and other types of natural leather in different styles, either with finishes of your choice from our catalog or customized according to your preferences, with a broad range of colors and personalized finishes.

Learn more about our history here and our product catalog here. You can also contact us directly here.