How to clean and care for your suede boots

With the cold, wintry British weather hanging around, grabbing your soft suede boots might be tempting when looking for something cute and cosy to put on your feet. However, with wet weather a consistent inevitability in this country, suede boots can be problematic this time of year.

If you wear your suede shoes in winter, they will require extra care to retain their characteristic look for as long as possible. If they get dirty because of the weather, you must know how to clean them to avoid permanent stains.

Read our easy step-by-step guide to learn how to care for your suede boots to maintain their natural nap and signature look. We'll also give you our top cleaning tips for suede boots to keep them looking as good as the day you bought them.

How to clean suede boots

One crucial aspect of caring for suede boots properly is cleaning them if they get dirty. From day-to-day stains to water damage, follow our top tips for cleaning suede boots below to make your favourite pair last beyond winter.

What do you need to clean suede footwear?

Before you start, make sure you have all the right tools to clean your suede boots to avoid damaging them:

A suede brush
A soft-bristled brush
Suede eraser (or a clean white pencil eraser)
A clean cloth
White vinegar, rubbing alcohol or suede cleaner for stains
A small bowl of water
Paper towels or shoe trees

How do you clean suede boots at home?

Follow this easy step-by-step guide below for the best way to clean suede boots.

1. Prep your suede boots

Before you start, ensure your suede boots are completely dry; if you start cleaning when they contain moisture, it can damage the nap (the soft texture of the suede). First, remove any loose dirt or debris with your soft-bristled brush. Also, always brush in one direction to avoid damaging the nap.

2. Use a suede brush

A suede brush is your best friend for cleaning and maintaining suede boots—everyone who owns suede boots should have one! To remove scuffs or stubborn dirt, gently brush your suede boots with the brush in small circular motions. If the nap looks flat, brushing it can also help restore the texture.

3. Tackle stains with a suede eraser

Suede is often considered one of the most daunting materials to remove stains from. But don't let this put you off—all you need are the right tools.

Rub a suede eraser, or use a clean white pencil eraser on stains or shiny spots if you don't have a specific suede one. Apply gentle pressure and work on the area until the stain fades.

4. Clean tough stains

For tougher stains, you may need a different approach. Dampen a clean cloth with white vinegar, rubbing alcohol or suede cleaner and gently blot the stained area to lift the stain. Avoid soaking the suede; a light dampening is enough. Once the stain has lifted, leave your suede boots to air dry. And once dry, brush your suede boots with the suede brush to restore the nap.

5. Handle water stains

Unfortunately, suede boots don't like water. (They're not great for British winters!) And if you happen to be caught in the rain while wearing them, the rainwater may leave a stain.

To combat water stains on suede boots, use a clean cloth to evenly dampen the entire surface of the boot with a small amount of water. But be careful not to saturate!

Then, stuff your suede boots with paper towels or shoe trees to help maintain their shape as they dry. Allow the boots to air dry away from direct heat or sunlight.

6. Restore the nap

Once your boots are completely dry after any cleaning, always brush them with the suede brush to help fluff the nap.

Top tips:

Always follow these top tips for the best, safest and most effective suede cleaning.

To avoid damaging your boots, always test any cleaning product on a small, inconspicuous area before applying it to the rest of the boot.
Never soak suede boots or expose them to moisture, as this destroys the nap.

How to care for suede boots

Knowing how to clean your suede boots is just step one. Following good care practices will also help them look good for longer.

Can you wear suede in the rain?

We don't recommend wearing suede boots in the rain. One of the best ways to protect them is to avoid the rain. Suede is sensitive to water, which can damage the nap leaving stains if it rains.

If your suede boots get wet, blot them dry and use the cleaning instructions above to remove any stains. Let them air dry away from radiators, and place shoe trees or stuff them with paper towels to help them maintain their shape while drying.

Protect them with a suede protector spray

Rain is inevitable in this country, so help protect your suede boots from getting caught in the rain by spraying them with a water and stain-repellent spray.

Apply a suede protector before wearing your boots for the first time. For added protection, reapply every few weeks, especially during rainy or snowy seasons.

Brush regularly to maintain texture

Using a suede brush helps remove dirt, dust, and scuffs, but it also helps maintain the classic texture and look of your suede boots. For the best effect, always brush in the same direction.

Spot clean when needed

Maintain the look of your suede boots by spot cleaning as soon as you see a stain. Follow the cleaning tips and steps above to learn how to best clean suede boots.

Store them properly

Proper storage is imperative to maintaining the condition of your suede boots. Always store them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat sources.

You can also use shoe trees to maintain their shape in storage and dust bags to protect them from dust and dirt.

Avoid exposure to sunlight

As already mentioned, avoid exposing your suede boots to too much sunlight. Prolonged exposure can cause the colour of your suede boots to fade. So, store them in a shaded area when not in use.

Handle salt and snow stains promptly

Salt stains from road salt and snow stains are the bain of suede boots and are unfortunately very common during winter. If you get either of these stains, wipe them down with a cloth dampened with equal parts water and white vinegar mixture. Dealing with these stains promptly prevents them from embedding permanently.

Rotate your shoes

A great way to help your suede boots look good and last longer is to prevent excessive wear and tear by rotating between pairs. Doing this allows the suede to breathe and maintain its structure.

Address odours

If your suede boots are producing an odour, maybe you've worn them on a warm day, or they've got damp and are starting to smell, address the odour as soon as possible. Sprinkle baking soda inside the boots and leave it to absorb the moisture and odours overnight. Shake them out in the morning for fresh-smelling boots.

Take them to get professionally cleaned or fixed

If your suede boots develop serious stains or damage, consider taking them to a professional shoe cleaner or cobbler specialising in suede care to give them a new lease of life.

Suede boots at Daniel Footwear

Following the right care practices and cleaning routine above, your suede boots will last season after season.

However, there will come a point when you can no longer revive your suede boots to their former glory, and even the best suede brush can't restore their characteristic nap. If this is the case, it might be time to hang up your beloved suede boots and replace them with a new pair.

Shop a wide range of stylish suede boots at Daniel Footwear today.

Women's Suede Boots Men's Suede Boots

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How to clean suede boots