Cleaning Suede Shoes: Many people love suede jackets, suede wallets, and shoes, but some of them are not sure how to clean them properly.
People from all over the world are usually convinced that suede is an excellent material. However, there is one fact they had to put up with – if they get dirty, the cleaning process can be overwhelming.
This is the reason why a majority of people avoid it altogether. They think that it needs special care. However, if you know how to care for them, they can be a good companion for winter/autumn adventures.
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How To Clean Suede Shoes
The process is accessible only if you have the right tools. First, you must get a good suede cleaning kit such as the suede and nubuck cleaning kit.
The next thing is to get a brush for the shoe cleaning process. It would be best if you also had a white washcloth and suede protector.
Step 1
First things first – don’t use water to clean your suede shoes – ever! Water can leave marks and stains on your favorite suede shoes, which you do not want to achieve.
Suede is a very delicate fabric, but you don’t need to take your suede shoes to the professional cleaner whenever they get dirty; you can do it yourself at home.
If you have all the above, get the brush in the cleaning kit and brush the stained areas in one direction.
This will help to remove the surface layer of dirt from the fabric. Once that process is done, you must brush the stains on the left in the correct motion.
Just apply some little force to ensure that all the dirt is removed. However, please do not overdo it.
Step 2
You are encouraged to go through step one carefully and precisely to get to the bottom of the whole matter. If your shoes weren’t so dirty, you don’t have to go any further.
Though your shoes have set-in dirt and stains, you should use an eraser to get to the bottom of the matter. So we hope the cleaning kit you choose has an eraser.
Rub that eraser over the stain in a circular motion and with gentle pressure. Keep rubbing the eraser until all the dirt is gone.
Do this process outside or over a towel because it may be messy.
Step 3
If you have white suede shoes and are still persuaded that the dirt is not gone, it’s time to use a different method.
Prepare a mixture of water and white vinegar and pour it into a washcloth. After that, rub the dampened washcloth over the shoe. Then give it some time to let the area dry completely.
Once dry, get a toothbrush or soft brush to fluff the fabric back. It is also imperative to brush away all the loosened dirt.
Step 5
Now that you have cleaned your shoe and you can see it’s glowing, don’t you think you have to protect them from odor and getting as dirty as they were in the future?
The good thing is that several suede protectant sprays are available today.
Get one of them and spray it over the shoe to protect it against dirt in the future.
Bonus tip: A woman from Scotland recently shared her way of cleaning suede heels – with micellar water!
Her post went viral; you can try this method if nothing else works!
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How to Clean Nubuck Shoes
Nubuck shoes are becoming increasingly popular, and are a great way to add style to your wardrobe.
But these shoes require special care to keep looking as good as possible.
From the best cleaning products for nubuck to cleaning them, here is how you can clean nubuck shoes effectively.
What is Nubuck?
Nubuck is top-grain cowhide leather sanded or buffed on the grain side to give it a short, velvety nap. It is usually lighter than suede but can be dyed any color.
Nubuck is made from the same type of leather as full-grain Aniline and semi-aniline leather but does not have the protective coating on those types of leather.
Because it is not as durable as other types of leather, it is important to take extra care when cleaning nubuck shoes.
The Different Types of Nubuck Shoes
There are four main types of nubuck shoes: sport, classic, ankle, and slip-on. Sport nubuck shoes are designed for hiking, running, and tennis.
They’re usually made with a thicker sole and a more breathable upper to keep your feet comfortable during strenuous activity. Classic nubuck shoes are dressier than sports shoes and are often worn for work or special occasions.
They typically have a thinner sole and a more polished look. Ankle nubuck shoes are a boot that comes up over the ankle for added support. Slip-on nubucks are easy to put on and take off and are often worn as casual footwear.
How to Clean Nubuck Shoes
If your nubuck shoes are starting to look a little worse for wear, don’t despair – with a little effort, you can clean them up and restore them to their former glory.
Here’s how:
- Begin by brushing off any loose dirt or debris with a soft brush.
- If there are any stubborn marks or stains, treat them with a suitable cleaner – we recommend using a specialist nubuck cleaner. Still, you can also use white vinegar or rubbing alcohol diluted with water. Apply the cleaner to a clean cloth and rub gently into the mark or stain.
- Once all the marks and stains have been treated, it’s time to shampoo the shoes. Again, we recommend using a specialist nubuck shampoo, but you can also use a mild liquid soap such as baby shampoo. Wet a sponge or soft brush and work up a lather in the soap before gently scrubbing all over the shoes.
- Rinse the shoes thoroughly with clean water to remove all traces of soap or cleaner. Allow them to air dry completely before continuing.
- Once the shoes are dry, brush them with a stiff bristled brush to raise the nap of the nubuck and restore its natural texture and appearance.
What Products to Use on Nubuck Shoes
To clean nubuck shoes, you will need a few specific products:
- A nubuck brush: This brush is designed specifically for nubuck and suede shoes. It will help loosen dirt and debris from the surface of the shoe.
- A mild soap: You don’t want to use a harsh detergent on nubuck, as it can damage the material. A mild soap will be gentle enough to clean the shoes without damaging them.
- A microfiber cloth: This is great for buffing away any soap residue and polishing the shoes.
- Nubuck conditioner: This product will help restore the nubuck’s natural oils, keeping it looking healthy and preventing it from drying out.
How to Prevent Damage to Nubuck Shoes
To prevent damage to your nubuck shoes, it is important to take care of them regularly.
Here are some tips on how to do so:
- Brush the shoes regularly with a soft-bristled brush to remove dirt and debris.
- When not in use, store the shoes in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
- If the shoes get wet, let them dry naturally at room temperature and avoid using a hair dryer or other heat source.
- Apply a nubuck protector before wearing the shoes in wet or snowy conditions.
Materials Needed
Assuming you’re starting with a pair of clean, new shoes:
- A soft toothbrush
- A suede brush
- A lint roller
- White vinegar
- Water
- Towel
- Newspaper
- Shoe polish (optional)
If your shoes are already stained or dirty:
– A soft toothbrush
– A suede brush
– A lint roller
– White vinegar
– Water
– Towel
– Newspaper
You will also need: – Dish soap or shampoo – Baking soda – Hydrogen peroxide (optional)
Steps to Cleaning Nubuck Shoes
Assuming you have the appropriate cleaning supplies:
- Begin by thoroughly brushing the shoes with a nubuck brush. This will help to remove any surface dirt and debris.
- Next, mix a solution of mild soap and water. Apply this to a clean cloth and wipe down the shoes. Be sure to focus on any areas that appear especially dirty.
- Once the shoes are wet, use a nubuck eraser to remove any remaining dirt or stains. Rubbing the eraser in small circles over the affected area should do the trick.
- Finally, allow the shoes to air dry completely before wearing them again.
Tips and Tricks
Assuming your nubuck shoes are already dirty, here are some tips and tricks to get them clean:
- To start, you will need a nubuck cleaning brush. You can purchase one online or at most shoe stores.
- Get a bowl of warm water and add a small amount of mild soap. Mix them and wet the brush in soapy water.
- Gently scrub the shoes with the brush in a circular motion. You may need to do this a few times to get all the dirt and grime out.
- Once you have scrubbed the shoes, rinse them off with clean water.
- Use a towel to dry them off and then let them air dry.
With these tips, your nubuck shoes should be good as new!
Other Ways to Clean Nubuck Shoes
There are a few other ways that you can clean your nubuck shoes. One way is to use a brush and some water. Wet the brush and then lightly scrub the dirt and stains off of your shoes.
You can also use mild soap if you need to. Another way to clean nubuck shoes is to use a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment.
Gently vacuum your shoes, being careful not to scratch the surface. You can also use baby wipes or a damp cloth to wipe your shoes.
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