How to clean and restore suede shoes — removing dirt, scuffs and stains without damaging the nap.
⏱ 4 min readEasyUpdated May 2026
Quick Answer
Use a suede brush to remove dry dirt with short back-and-forth strokes. For scuffs: rub gently with a suede eraser. For stains: white vinegar on a cloth, dab and let dry. Always brush in one direction at the end to restore the nap.
What You Need
Suede brush (stiff bristle brush — brass or nylon)
Suede eraser (or a clean pencil eraser)
White vinegar
Clean cloths
Suede protector spray (for after cleaning)
Never get suede wet with waterWater causes permanent watermarks and can flatten the nap. Use dry methods first and vinegar only for stains — never soak suede or put it under running water.
Regular Cleaning (Dry)
1
Dry the shoes completely first
Never clean wet suede — let any moisture dry naturally before brushing. Stuff with newspaper to maintain shape while drying. This takes several hours.
2
Brush away loose dirt with a suede brush
Use short, firm back-and-forth strokes with the suede brush to remove surface dirt and dust. This also raises the nap (the soft fibres) that gets flattened with wear.
3
Use a suede eraser for scuffs
Rub the eraser gently back and forth over scuffs and light marks. It lifts dirt embedded in the fibres. Brush away the eraser residue with the suede brush afterwards.
4
Brush in one direction to finish
At the end, always brush in one uniform direction to restore the nap to a consistent appearance. This is what gives cleaned suede its even colour and texture.
Removing Stains
5
Oil stains: apply cornflour or talcum powder
Sprinkle generously over the stain and leave overnight to absorb the oil. Brush away and repeat if needed.
6
Other stains: white vinegar
Dampen a clean cloth with white vinegar — do not soak it. Dab at the stain gently — do not rub. Let it dry naturally. The stain should fade as it dries. Brush with the suede brush once fully dry.
Protect after cleaningOnce clean and dry, apply a suede protector spray (available from shoe shops). Hold 20–30cm from the shoe and spray evenly. Let dry. This creates a barrier against future stains and water damage and makes future cleaning much easier. Reapply every few months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Avoid it — water causes permanent watermarks and damages the nap. If suede gets wet in the rain, stuff with newspaper, let dry naturally away from heat, then brush with a suede brush once completely dry. For cleaning, use dry methods or white vinegar (applied with a barely damp cloth) rather than water.
Suede dye or colour reviver spray (available in common shoe colours from shoe repair shops and online) can restore or change suede colour. Clean and dry the shoe thoroughly first. Apply evenly in a well-ventilated area, following product instructions. Allow to dry completely then brush to restore the nap.