Suede shoes can be a stylish addition to any outfit. However, suede is a super absorbent and thin fabric that easily picks up dirt, stains, and moisture. 

Unsurprisingly, experts warn that suede is not the easiest material to clean, and the wrong techniques can ruin your shoes.

“Because of its soft texture, scrubbing too hard can damage the material instead of cleaning it,” Ariana Roviello, the owner of Laundré, says.

While a commercial cleaner will get the job done, we spoke with cleaning experts to learn more about DIY solutions to clean suede shoes. Read on to see what common household ingredients can clean your suede shoes without suede cleaner.

White Vinegar

One of the best DIY solutions to clean suede is a combination of equal parts white vinegar and water.

“[This method] helps break down dirt without soaking the suede,” Roviello says.

Simply dip a cloth in the mixture and dab it gently on the suede’s stain. Let it dry completely. Then, brush the suede to fluff it back up. For particularly stubborn stains, let the suede dry, and then try using plain white vinegar to dab at the spot. Finish by brushing the shoes to remove any remaining dirt or grime.

Suede Brush 

A suede brush is a must for properly maintaining and cleaning suede shoes. You can purchase brushes specific to caring for suede, but a soft-bristle toothbrush will also work in a pinch. Brushes work best to remove dry stains, such as mud or dirt.

To use on stains, brush the area gently to break it up, and continue brushing until the buildup is loose and out of the fabric. 

Experts recommend brushing suede shoes at least every month to remove dirt and dust buildup.  

Rubbing Alcohol 

Like white vinegar, rubbing alcohol can safely remove stains from suede shoes. Since rubbing alcohol evaporates quickly, it poses no risk in soaking the suede.

To clean it, dip a cloth in rubbing alcohol and dab it gently on the stain. If the stain does not fully come out, let the stained area fully dry before repeating the process. Once the stain is out, fluff the nap with a suede brush to freshen up the fabric.

Pencil Eraser

A good old-fashioned pencil eraser can help remove dry or hard stains from your suede shoes. Rub the pencil eraser back and forth over the stain until it is removed.

Cornstarch

According to experts, if you have an oil stain on your shoes, it’s time to reach for the cornstarch.

Sprinkle the cornstarch on the stain and let it sit for a few hours up to overnight. The powder will absorb the grease from the fabric. Brush off the remaining cornstarch and repeat the process if needed.

Baking Soda

Baking soda is a household cleaning workhorse, and Mock says it’s another great DIY solution for grease and oil stains on suede shoes.

To use, first blot the stain with a dry cloth. Then, sprinkle the baking soda on the stain and let it sit for a few hours up to overnight. Brush off the baking soda with a suede brush and buff the shoes. Repeat if needed for stubborn stains.

Additional Tips to Care for Suede Shoes

• Avoid water. Water can damage suede and make stains set in more. Only use a small amount of water combined with white vinegar to treat stains.
• Brush them regularly with a soft or suede-specific brush. Roviello says this keeps the suede looking fresh.
• Use a suede protector spray to help prevent stains and water damage.
• Store suede shoes in a dark, dry place away from sunlight to prevent fading.
• Treat stains immediately so they don’t spread or harden.
• Use newspaper to absorb moisture! “If [your shoes] get wet, stuff them with newspaper as they dry to help them keep their shape,” Roviello says.