Each type of leather needs its own treatment. It is therefore important that you know for sure which type of leather you want to clean and how you can do this best.
Suede is one of the types of leather that requires just a little more attention than, for example, smooth leather. In this article I will show you how you can easily clean your suede shoes by means of our step-by-step plan: ‘cleaning suede shoes’.
In addition, I tell you how to recognize the different types of leather and everything you need to know about cleaning suede shoes.
What type of leather are my shoes made of?
Before you start cleaning your suede shoes, it is important to know for sure what type of leather your shoes are made of. Each type of leather requires a different approach. These are the different types of leather:
- Suede leather can be recognized by the small hairs on the leather. There is a nap in the leather. The leather feels soft and supple.
- Nubuck leather does not have small hairs like suede leather. You can recognize nubuck leather by a light nap in the leather. The leather feels supple and firm.
- Smooth leather can be recognized by the shine on the leather. In addition, smooth leather has a completely smooth material and does not have a nap in the leather like the other types of leather.
Supplies for cleaning suede shoes
To be able to start with the step-by-step plan: ‘cleaning suede shoes’, it is wise to already look at the requirements. By being well prepared, you can easily refresh your shoes again! These are the essentials for the best result:
Cleaning suede shoes: step-by-step plan
Follow our suede shoe cleaning step-by-step plan for the best result for your shoes.
- It is important that your suede shoes are thoroughly dry before you start the cleaning treatment. Are your shoes not dry? Let your shoes dry first before you start cleaning your suede shoes.
- Brush the loose dirt off your shoes with the shoe brush.
- Use the Magic upper cleaner. Shake the bottle well before use.
- Apply the foam of the Magic upper cleaner to a number of places on the shoe and rub it out with a soft sponge or brush. (In the video below the step-by-step plan you can see how this is easily applied to the shoes.)
- Let the foam of the Magic upper cleaner soak in for 5 minutes.
- Remove the remaining dirt and foam with the microfiber cloth.
- If all goes well, your suede shoes will be almost completely fresh again. There may still be some light stains on your shoes. Brush and/or erase the last spots from your suede shoes with the suede brush and/or suede eraser.
TIP: Read the description on the packaging of the care products carefully in advance. This way you can be sure that you are using it correctly.
Clean suede shoes again? Maintain your suede shoes!
The step-by-step plan: ‘Cleaning suede shoes’ helped? Then it is now time to maintain your suede shoes. With a little maintenance every month you ensure that your shoes are protected against water and dirt. This makes cleaning your shoes a lot less necessary!
My advice
Cleaning your suede shoes is easy with our step-by-step plan. Didn’t succeed with the above maintenance products and our plan? Then it’s time for a new pair of shoes or accept that the stains are on your shoes.
My advice is to properly maintain your shoes and treat them with the right maintenance products. This prevents the dirt from getting into the suede. This makes it much more likely that you will get your favorite pair of shoes fresh again!
Wondering how you can best maintain your shoes? Check out my previously written article: ”maintaining suede shoes”.
