How to clean suede shoes

As for suede shoes, the old adage "prevention is better than cure" applies without any doubt. Suede and nubuck look great, but they are very difficult materials. A minor slip could ruin a pair of shoes for good.

If you have invested money in a pair of quality shoes, you will want to keep them in good condition, especially if they are suede. Once you have bought a pair of suede or nubuck shoes, the first thing to do is to protect them from the weather.

You can and must protect all your shoes from the elements.

No waterproofing will make your shoes completely impenetrable to the weather, but it will still provide good protection. Some waterproofing sprays are made for certain types of shoe materials. If you are processing suede, use a silicone spray specially formulated for suede and nubuck, such as Kiwi Suede Protector.

If you have a pair of dirty or stained suede shoes, there is hope. Here are some tips for cleaning your suede shoes:

·         Use a suede cleaning block. A suede cleaning block, also called a buckskin, is ideal for removing the heaviest and most deeply embedded dirt and stains. Be sure to brush in the same direction. Brushing in different directions may cause two-tone suedes. You can also use a rubber eraser; just make sure it's clean.

·         Follow with a suede brush. After cleaning, use a suede brush. A suede brush has bristles often made of brass that restore the nap of the suede.

·         Apply a water repellent. Now that you have taken the time to treat the stains, preserve your hard work by applying a silicone spray on your shoes to prevent water stains and stains.

These cleaning tips can also be used on other suede or nubuck items, such as handbags and jackets. There are some other important things to keep in mind:

·         Test any product on a small, inconspicuous part of the shoe before tackling a big stain.

·         Never use a wire brush or shoe polish on suede or nubuck.

·         Use products formulated specifically for the material of your shoes: full grain leather, suede, patent leather, etc.

If you want to clean your suede shoes yourself, you can often find suede gums and brushes in the same package, such as the Kiwi Suede & Nubuck maintenance kit, but if you are afraid to take the cleaning between your Hands, Find a shoe store near you and let the professionals take care of you.