Suede shoes should not be washed with water; they should be dry cleaned. First, make sure the shoes are completely dry, remove dust and dry dirt by brushing with a suede brush in the direction of the nap, gently erase stains with a suede eraser, and finally lift the nap. Apply a water-repellent spray to protect the cleaned suede from rain and stains.
Suede and nubuck are stylish but delicate materials with a soft texture and matte appearance. Water stains, mud, and oil quickly leave marks on suede. Regular dry care with the right tools, followed by the application of water-repellent protection, significantly extends the life of suede shoes.
The difference between suede and nubuck
Suede is a soft, napped material made from the inner surface of leather. Nubuck, on the other hand, is made by sanding the outer surface of leather; it has a tighter texture and is slightly more durable. Both should be cared for similarly, without excessive exposure to water.
What you need to clean suede shoes
- Suede brush (brass or rubber bristles)
- Suede eraser
- Dry, clean cloth
- Water-repellent spray
How to clean suede shoes? Step by step
- Dry the shoes. Never brush wet suede. If the shoes are wet, place paper towels inside and let them dry completely in the shade.
- Remove dust. Gently brush the entire surface with a suede brush in the direction of the nap.
- Erase stains. Erase noticeable stains with a suede eraser using small motions. Do not press hard.
- Lift the nap. Restore the texture of the suede by brushing the flattened areas in different directions with the brush.
- Protect. Apply Water-Repellent Spray to the clean, dry surface.
How to remove water stains from suede shoes?
Water stains are usually caused by part of the shoe getting wet and drying unevenly. After letting the shoes dry completely, brushing and lifting the nap will reduce the visibility of the stain. The best solution is prevention: protecting suede shoes with a water-repellent spray before going out in the rain makes it harder for water to penetrate the surface.
How to protect suede shoes with water-repellent spray?
- Make sure the shoes are clean and completely dry.
- Shake the can and spray evenly from a distance of approximately 20 cm without wetting the surface.
- Let them dry for 25–30 minutes before wearing.
- Apply outdoors or in a well-ventilated area.
For detailed application instructions, you can refer to our how to use water-repellent spray guide.
What not to do to suede shoes
- Washing in a machine or with plenty of water
- Brushing while wet
- Drying with direct heat, such as a radiator or hair dryer
- Rubbing with liquid soap or foam cleaners
Class Mate Water-Repellent Spray
Water-Repellent Spray can be used on suede, nubuck, and leather shoes, as well as products such as bags, jackets, and tents. It creates a water-repellent care layer on the treated surface; water beads up instead of penetrating the surface. Choose any 3 products and pay for 2.
Frequently asked questions
Can suede shoes be washed?
Suede shoes should not be washed. Water can harden the texture of the suede and leave stains; they should be cleaned with a dry brush and eraser.
Can suede shoes be worn in the rain?
Suede shoes protected with water-repellent spray can be worn in light rain. If the shoes get wet, let them dry in the shade and then brush them.
Does water-repellent spray change the color of the suede?
If you are applying it for the first time, you can test it on an inconspicuous part of the shoe to see the result.
How often should I apply water-repellent spray?
Depending on usage, you can reapply it especially before the rainy season and after cleaning the shoes.
