What You Need

  • Suede brush: A brush with brass or nylon bristles specifically for suede. Available from shoe stores, $8–20. The most important suede cleaning tool.
  • Suede eraser: A block eraser (similar to a pencil eraser) that rubs away surface stains. Often sold together with a brush.
  • Suede protector spray: Applied to clean suede to repel water and stains before they occur. The best suede care investment.
  • White vinegar or rubbing alcohol: For specific stain types (see below).

Everyday Dirt and Scuffs

  1. 1

    Let mud dry completely before brushing

    Never try to clean wet mud from suede — it will spread and set into the fibres. Let it dry completely (usually overnight). Once dry, it brushes off easily.

  2. 2

    Brush with the suede brush

    Use firm strokes in one direction (with the grain of the nap) to lift dirt and restore the texture. For scuffs where the nap has been flattened, brush back and forth vigorously to raise the fibres again. Brush the whole shoe at the end in one consistent direction for an even finish.

  3. 3

    Use the suede eraser for stubborn marks

    Rub the eraser over any remaining marks with firm pressure. The friction removes the mark while slightly abrading the suede surface. Brush again after erasing to restore the nap direction.

Specific Stain Treatments

  • Water stains: Lightly dampen the entire shoe evenly with a clean cloth or spray bottle — counterintuitively, evening out the moisture prevents water marks. Let dry naturally away from direct heat, stuffed with paper to hold shape.
  • Oil or grease stains: Apply a small amount of cornstarch or talcum powder immediately to absorb the oil. Leave for several hours, then brush away. Repeat if needed.
  • Scuff marks: Use the suede eraser vigorously, then brush.
  • Salt stains (from roads in winter): White vinegar on a cloth, dabbed lightly, neutralises salt stains. Let dry and brush.
Never use water directly, soap, regular leather polish or household cleaners on suede. These damage the texture permanently. Suede is also damaged by heat — never use a hairdryer to dry suede shoes. Stuff with newspaper and air dry at room temperature.
Prevention is everything with suedeSpray new suede shoes with a suede protector (Crep Protect, Jason Markk, Scotchgard Suede) before wearing them. Reapply every 3–6 months. This creates a barrier that repels water and prevents most stains from setting. Far easier than removing stains after the fact.

Frequently Asked Questions

A regular shoe brush or stiff household brush can damage suede by scratching the surface unevenly. Use a dedicated suede brush with brass wire or soft nylon bristles. In a pinch, a clean toothbrush used very gently can work for small areas. The investment in a proper suede brush ($10–15) is worthwhile to avoid damaging expensive shoes.
Similar but not identical. Both are soft, napped leather surfaces. Suede is made from the underside (flesh side) of animal skin. Nubuck is made from the outer surface of the hide that has been buffed to create a similar texture — it is slightly more durable and water-resistant than suede. Both are cleaned with the same tools and methods.