Advertisement
Nagpur: Whether it’s rain, dirt, or anything else. Now that we’re right in the thick of summer, there’s a good chance that suede shoes have been a regular feature of your wardrobe. Especially given that suede sneakers are a pro-level style move right now. But of course, with regular wear comes unwanted dirt and grime (and the occasional rainstorm). And if you live anywhere that requires a lot of walking, your favorite suede shoes will quickly start to look like you’ve spent your summer working in a tire yard. Luckily, keeping them clean and crisp doesn’t require all that much effort. With a bit of regular upkeep, your shoes can look box-fresh all summer long. Here’s how you do it.
-
Regularly Brush Them: The one thing you absolutely have to have if you own suede shoes is a suede brush. Because of the soft grain of suede, a special brush is the best way to keep it clean. And it’s also the best way to maintain the finish so that your shoes don’t look worn out.
-
Fight Water Stains with Water: As anyone who lives anywhere but the Southwest knows, summer storms can creep up on you in an instant. Which means there’s always a bit of a risk for water-staining your suede shoes. Ironically, the best way to get rid of a water stain is with more water. The trick is to first apply a light coat of water with your suede brush, and then gently dab the surface of the shoes with a rag until it is evenly wet, without any water stains showing. Then, insert shoes trees or, barring that, wads of paper so that your shoes will maintain their shape as they dry. Once they’re completely dry, go over them lightly with your (dry) suede brush to restore the grain to its original look.
-
Water and Vinegar for Really Tough Stains:For hard-to-remove stains—or, if you wear them during the winter, for salt stains—the best method is to use a solution of two parts water, one part white vinegar. Apply a small amount of the solution with a soft rag or a towel, and then let it dry. Once it’s dry, go over it lightly with your suede brush.
-
Protect Them:The best method for keeping your suede shoes clean, however, is to employ a preemptive strike—i.e. a good spray-on suede protector.
