Suede shoes are fashionable and nice but they require high maintenance especially during rainy season. In case you don’t know suede and liquids do not go very well together. They are like two parallel lines that never meet a consensus.
So how do you make sure that your suede shoes stay in good shape? Here are 7 tips to keep your suede shoes as good as brand new:
1. Don’t clean your suede shoes with water
Using water alone to clean suede will affect both its colour and texture. When your suede shoes loses its texture, it is no longer suede but something else.
2. Protect your suede
Get a protective, water repellant spray for your shoes. A thin application of a suede sealant should last for several months and will stop dirt, liquid and other stains before they occur. Don’t forget to brush before and after spraying them.
3. Brush your suede shoes
To remove everyday dirt and dust, use a soft bristle brush or suede eraser to clean your suede shoes. Use light, swift strokes to avoid damaging the texture of your suede shoes.
4. Use talcum powder or corn meal for liquid spills
In situations, when water or any other liquid spills on your precious suede, clean with a neat cloth or towel and then apply talcum powder or corn meal to the affected area. Leave to set overnight and then brush with a suede brush the next day to remove the dried powder.
5. Use white vinegar for dried stains
In case of dried stain, rub off the dirt with a kneaded eraser or an emery board as a quick fix. You can also try blotting out the stain using a small amount of white vinegar and a clean towel. Repeat until the stain disappears.
6. Use a toothbrush to revive suede
If your suede starts to look flattened and tired, use a clean toothbrush to scrub it. If your suede shoes are in bad shape, hold the suede item over steam for a few seconds and then brush it.
7. Seek professional help
If all these tips fail, just get your suede shoes cleaned professionally.