How to Clean Suede Shoes the Right Way

Suede shoes are great. Learning how to clean suedes shoes? Not so great. Do you need to buy products specifically to make sure your favorite boots don't get ruined this winter? Or can you pop into your local drugstore to whip up a DIY treatment?  So many questions. 

You know how to clean your shower and clean your closet—why should suede shoes be your impossible Everest?

If your favorite boots, flats, or heels are in need of a little refresh but you're not sure where to start, we asked experts about how to clean your suede shoes the right way to keep them looking new for as long as possible.

How often should you clean your suede?

“It’s not about how often, but about how you clean suede shoes,” says Edmundo Castillo, SVP, global head of design at Stuart Weitzman. “You can technically clean suede every day if you want to, but you can’t use an abrasive brush, especially if the shoe is made with a supple suede.” That's good news if you're finding that you can't help but grab your beloved suede boots before stepping out for a walk around the park or quick trip to the store to pick up some early holiday gifts.

Bickmore Suede & Nubuck Cleaner

Shacke Suede and Nubuck 4-Way Leather Brush Cleaner

“If it's a lighter-color suede that you're wearing often, I generally recommend you clean it at least twice in a season,” says Eduard Shinunov, owner of New York City shoe repair shop Cobbler Express, which has been around for 46 years and counting. Giving your pair a thorough but soft brush once a month or so, you can prevent buildup from dirt and debris without worrying if you're in danger of stripping the suede.

What are the best products to clean suede?

When it comes down to getting the most thorough spruce up, the ingredients found in suede cleaners are key. “Go with a natural product—it’s a better choice over a spray with harsh chemicals, which will dry out the skin instead of nourishing it,” says Castillo.  

Anthony Cao, creative director at Jason Markk, agrees and adds that you should also definitely “avoid the use of any household remedies like baking soda and Vanish.” While you're already likely to have these items and figure they could save you some time and money, resorting to a quick fix could end up causing more damage to the suede. Alcohol and vinegar are okay in a pinch, but your best bet is to invest in an affordable suede-cleaning pack.