How to Clean Black Suede Shoes

Co-authored by Marc Sigal

Last Updated: September 8, 2022 References

Suede is a type of leather that needs special care. You shouldn’t wear suede when it’s raining or use water to clean most stains on suede because water can mess up the material of the shoe. To clean black suede shoes, use a suede brush, try a suede eraser, or mix a vinegar solution.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Cleaning Basic Stains

1
Buy a suede brush. Suede is a very delicate material, so you can’t use just any brush. You also can’t use water to clean most stains. You must use a soft brush to gently rub away the dirt. You can buy a suede brush, which can be found at most major retailers, shoe shops, or online.^{[1]
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Expert Source

Marc Sigal
Shoe Care Specialist
Expert Interview. 15 January 2020.}
- If you don’t have a suede brush, try a soft nylon brush. A brush used for nails could work. A soft cloth can also work if you don’t have a brush.
- Just make sure the brush is not too hard.
2
Brush away the dirt. To start cleaning, use the brush to brush away any dirt and stains. This gets all the dirt from the surface of the shoe. When first brushing, make sure you brush in the same direction. This helps remove anything on the surface.^{[2]
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Expert Source

Marc Sigal
Shoe Care Specialist
Expert Interview. 15 January 2020.}
- This works for mud and other basic stains.
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3
Rub the stain a bit harder. After you’ve brushed all the dirt off the surface, use the brush to rub with slightly more pressure. Brush back and forth over the stain to try to remove the dirt that is deeper in the suede.^{[3]
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- Make sure to still only use moderate pressure. Suede is delicate, so if you brush it too hard, you can damage it.
4
Spray your shoes with black suede protector. After you have cleaned your shoes, consider spraying them with black suede protector. This product will help keep your shoes from getting too many surface stains, though it won’t protect from everything.^{[4]
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Expert Source

Marc Sigal
Shoe Care Specialist
Expert Interview. 15 January 2020.}
- Black suede protector has dye in it to help maintain the black color of your shoes. You can also buy plain spray suede protector if you don't want to use a dye one.
5
Use black suede dye if the color has faded. Cleaning your black suede shoes may lighten the black color. If this happens, you can buy black suede dye. Follow the directions on the suede dye package to properly dye your shoes. Cover the area with the dye and allow to set.^{[5]
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- Make sure to buy dye specifically for suede.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Dealing with More Difficult Stains

1
Make a vinegar solution. If brushing doesn’t remove the stain, you can try to remove the stain with vinegar. Mix a solution that is one part white vinegar and two parts water. Use a soft cloth, and dampen it with the solution. Make sure the cloth is damp and not sopping wet.
- Wipe the stain using gentle pressure.
- Let the shoe dry completely before you wear it or place it in a shoe box.
2
Try a rubber stone. If there is a stain you cannot remove with a brush, like mud, you can try using a rubber cleaning stone. You may also be able to find a suede eraser, which often come with suede cleaning kits.^{[6]
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- Rubbing the stain with a rubber suede eraser or cleaning stone may take awhile, but with gentle pressure the stain should be removed.
- You may need to brush away rubber debris.
3
Take your shoes to a professional. If you have major stains on your black suede shoes that simple at-home techniques cannot remove, consider taking your shoes to a professional.^{[7]
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- You may consider a person who specializes in leather goods, or a cobbler, which is a person who specializes in shoes.
- These stains may include red wine, blood, or ink.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Cleaning Specific Types of Stains

1
Use water for water stains. Though you don’t want to use water for basic stains on suede, water stains can be treated with the same substance. Dampen a soft cloth, and then cover the shoe in a light layer of water. Make sure the water is evenly spread over the shoes.^{[8]
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- Use a dry cloth to dab up the excess water.
- Place a shoe tree or balled up paper inside the shoe to keep the shape. Then, let it dry overnight.
- Brush with a suede brush to liven the look of the suede.
2
Try cornstarch on oil stains. If you have an oil stain on your suede shoes, try using the suede brush. If that doesn’t remove it, use cornstarch. Sprinkle a light coating of cornstarch on the oil stain. Let the cornstarch sit for around eight hours.^{[9]
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- Brush away the cornstarch. Then use the steam from a steam iron to dampen the stained area lightly. Use the brush to finish removing the stain.
3
Freeze the shoe if something is stuck on the shoe. If you get chewing gum, wax, or something else sticky on your suede shoes, a brush won’t work. Place the shoe in the freezer until the sticky substance is frozen and hard.^{[10]
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- Use a brush to chip away the hardened substance.

Expert Q&A
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Question

How do you clean suede shoes without a suede brush?

Marc Sigal
Shoe Care Specialist
Marc Sigal is the Founder of ButlerBox, a dry cleaning and shoe care service based in Los Angeles, California. ButlerBox places custom-designed, wrinkle-resistant lockers in luxury apartment buildings, class A office buildings, shopping centers, and other convenient locations so you can pick up and drop off items 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Marc has a BA in Global and International Studies from the University of California, Santa Barbara.

Marc Sigal

Shoe Care Specialist

Expert Answer

Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

If you don't happen to have a suede brush handy, any sort of soft-bristled brush will work well. You can also use a toothbrush if you're in a pinch, although make sure you use a clean toothbrush. Brush the suede back and forth, just kind of like you're brushing a dog's hair until you remove any debris or dirt. Then, continue brushing the suede fibers in the same direction to restore the suede.