How to Clean Suede Sneakers
Restore delicate suede sneakers safely using dry-brushing, specialized foam cleaners, nap-resetting techniques, and protective weatherproofing spray.
Dry-brush loose dirt, lift marks with a suede eraser, test a suitable cleaner on a hidden area, apply only a small amount of foam, restore the nap with a brush and air-dry away from heat.
Watch: How to Clean Suede Sneakers Safely
A suede brush, eraser and light foam, without soaking the nap. · 2:53 minute walkthrough. The full written steps are below.
Clean suede dry first, wet second
Suede damage usually comes from soaking the material or scrubbing against the nap. Start dry, test any product, and let the shoes air-dry.
Before you start
- Dry-brush loose dirt before applying anything.
- Test the cleaner on a hidden area.
- Use small amounts of foam and avoid soaking.
- Restore the nap and air-dry away from heat.
Common failure points
- Never machine-wash suede unless the manufacturer says it is safe.
- Heat can stiffen or shrink the material.
- Do not scrub aggressively against the nap.
Watch the original demonstration
See the source video before you start, then use the step checkpoints below as your field guide.
Play source video on YouTubeKeep learning
- Clean Suede Puma SneakersA product-specific version of the process.
- Clean Suede Sneakers GuideRead the complete step sequence.
- Clean Your ShoesGeneral shoe-care guidance.
Visual step map
See the full sequence before you start, then check off each step as you go.
0 of 6 steps checked
Materials and cost planner
Select the items you plan to buy, adjust any estimated price, and calculate the selected total.
Editable rough U.S. retail estimates. Estimated all listed: $85.00. Prices are planning estimates, not quotes — tax, store, brand, size and quantity will change them.
Time and finish planner
Estimate active working time from the number of steps in this guide.
Room surface area calculator
Estimate the wall, ceiling and floor area of a room for planning cleaning time and supplies.
Subtract large fixtures or appliances that will not be cleaned. Never mix cleaning chemicals unless the manufacturer explicitly says it is safe.
- Read the tools, materials, safety notes, and steps below for free.
- Tap See 20-second demo if you want to understand it first.
- Tap Start Camera Coach when you want hands-free help, or Voice-only if you do not want to use the camera.
- Allow camera and microphone. Point your phone at the work; the coach watches your progress and tells you the next step.
🧰 Required Tools & Equipment
- ✓ Soft horsehair brush
- ✓ Medium nylon or suede brush
- ✓ Suede eraser
- ✓ Adjustable shoe trees
- ✓ Microfiber towels
- ✓ Small water bowl
📦 Materials & Supplies
- ✓ Suede-safe sneaker cleaner solution
- ✓ Water-repellent suede protector spray
- ✓ Clean water
⚠️ Safety Checkpoints & Warnings
- • Work in a well-ventilated area when applying water-repellent spray.
- • Never soak suede directly in water to prevent permanent fiber damage and dye bleeding.
- • Keep heat guns or hair dryers away; high heat shrinks and stiffens suede leather.
📋 Step-by-Step Guide (6 Steps)
Insert Shoe Trees and Dry Brush
Insert adjustable shoe trees to maintain the sneaker's shape and tension the toe box. Take a dry, soft horsehair brush and sweep across the entire upper in a single direction to remove loose surface dirt and dust.
- • Shoe toe box is taut and uncreased.
- • Surface dust is cleared, leaving the suede texture uniform.
- • Scrubbing back and forth aggressively, which grinds dust deeper into the fibers.
Erase Stubborn Scuffs
Use a specialized rubber suede eraser on visible stains, oil spots, or scuff marks. Apply firm, circular pressure over the stain, allowing the rubber shavings to pull out embedded debris.
- • Eraser shavings visible on the suede surface.
- • Targeted scuff mark is significantly lightened or gone.
- • Pressing too hard on worn suede, creating bald patches.
Lather with Controlled Foam
Dip the bristles of a medium brush lightly into water, shake off all excess, and apply a drop of suede cleaner. Scrub the bristles against your hand or a towel to create a thick, low-moisture foam, then work the foam into the suede in light circular motions.
- • White foam resting on the surface without puddling or drenching the suede.
- • Even lather coverage across entire panel sections.
- • Applying a dripping wet brush directly to the shoe, saturating the leather.
Blot and Extract Moisture
Immediately press a dry microfiber towel into the cleaned suede to extract dirt-infused foam and water. Dab and twist the towel firmly across the panel; do not rub violently.
- • Microfiber towel pulls away damp with extracted dirt stains.
- • Suede surface looks damp-matte rather than glossy or wet.
- • Letting the soapy lather air dry on the suede, which causes crusty residue.
Dry Completely and Reset the Nap
Allow the sneakers to air dry completely for at least 8 hours with shoe trees inside. Once dry, stroke the suede with a medium suede brush or crepe brush in alternating directions to lift the matted fibers and restore a soft, buttery texture.
- • Suede nap visibly stands up and shifts color/tone when brushed back and forth.
- • No stiff or hardened patches remain on the panels.
- • Brushing the suede while it is still damp, which tears or curls the fibers.
Apply Water and Stain Repellent
Hold the suede protector can 6 to 8 inches away from the sneaker and spray a continuous, even mist over the entire shoe. Allow the first coat to dry for 15 minutes, then apply a second light coat for maximum protection.
- • A fine, even, non-dripping mist settling across all suede panels.
- • Complete coverage without heavy wet drips running down the sides.
- • Holding the can too close, causing aerosol pooling and dark wet spots.
Credit: inspired by an original tutorial by RESHOEVN8R — watch the original on YouTube.
Don’t have everything?
- No Suede eraser? Clean white vinyl pencil eraser
- No Shoe trees? Tightly balled paper towels packed firmly inside the toe box
- No Specialized suede cleaner? Distilled white vinegar diluted 1:1 with water on a barely-damp cloth
Frequently asked questions
Can suede sneakers get wet?
Avoid soaking suede. Use as little moisture as possible, blot excess, and let the shoes air-dry naturally away from heat.
What brush should I use on suede?
Use a soft suede or nubuck brush. A stiff brush can damage the nap and leave visible scratches.
Can I machine-wash suede sneakers?
Do not machine-wash suede unless the shoe manufacturer explicitly says it is safe. Water and agitation can stiffen, shrink or discolor the material.
Should I use a suede protector?
A protector can help repel water and stains, but apply it only after the shoes are fully dry and follow the product and shoe manufacturer instructions.