Suede and nubuck need more care than smooth leather, rubber, or canvas. The safest starting point is a dry routine: brush away loose dirt, use a suede eraser on marks, then brush again to revive the nap.
If the shoe needs a fuller clean, use a controlled suede-appropriate foam routine with light pressure. Test first in a hidden area, avoid soaking the material, remove excess solution, and let the suede air dry fully before brushing the nap back up.
The Short Answer
- Start with the Premium Suede Cleaning Kit for dry suede and nubuck care.
- Use the brush first to lift loose dirt and help revive the nap.
- Use the eraser on dry marks, then brush again.
- Use Ready-To-Use Foam Cleaner or the Quick Clean Kit only when the material needs a fuller clean, and test first.
- Once the material is clean and fully dry, use Repel Spray to help guard most absorbent materials against liquid and dirt.
Best For / Not For
Dry brush and eraser
Best for loose dirt, dry marks, nap revival, and regular suede or nubuck maintenance. Not for deep staining or soaked material.
Foam routine
Best when dry care is not enough and the shoe needs a fuller clean. Not for untested dyed suede, heavy soaking, or aggressive scrubbing.
Repel after cleaning
Best for clean, fully dry absorbent materials that need protection before wear. Do not use on unsealed leather or vegetable-tanned leather.
Step 1: Start Dry
Brush the surface before adding any solution. This removes loose dirt and helps you see what actually needs more attention. Work with light pressure and follow the direction of the nap when possible.
For dry marks, use the suede eraser from the Premium Suede Cleaning Kit. After erasing, brush the area again to lift the nap and even out the texture.
Step 2: Use Foam Only When Needed
If dry care is not enough, a foam routine can help with a fuller clean. Test in an inconspicuous area first, especially on dyed suede. Dyed suede can bleed when it touches water, and heavy scrubbing can change the nap.
Use Ready-To-Use Foam Cleaner with a delicate brush and light pressure. Wipe away excess solution with a microfiber towel. Do not soak the material.
Step 3: Let Suede Air Dry Fully
Let the shoe air dry at room temperature. Do not use direct heat. Once fully dry, brush the nap back up so the surface looks more even.
Step 4: Protect After Cleaning
After suede is clean and fully dry, Repel Spray can help guard most absorbent materials, including suede and nubuck, against liquid and dirt. Do not use Repel on unsealed leather or vegetable-tanned leather.
Products Used in This Guide
- Premium Suede Cleaning Kit - best first step for dry suede and nubuck care.
- Ready-To-Use Foam Cleaner - fuller cleaning option when dry care is not enough.
- Quick Clean Kit - foam plus Delicates Brush for controlled cleaning.
- Repel Spray - protection step after the material is clean and dry.
- Suede Care Bundle - a full care system for cleaning, reviving, and protecting suede.
What Not to Use on Suede
Do not use Quick Wipes on suede or nubuck. Quick Wipes are built for fast surface cleanup on other materials, while suede needs a material-specific routine because the nap can mat or stain if cleaned incorrectly.
FAQ
Can I clean suede shoes at home?
Yes, but start dry and use caution. Brush away loose dirt, use a suede eraser on dry marks, and test first before any foam or wet step.
Can I use Foam Cleaner on suede?
Ready-To-Use Foam Cleaner can be used for a fuller clean on appropriate suede or nubuck with extra care. Test first, use light pressure, avoid soaking, and let the material air dry fully.
Can I use Quick Wipes on suede?
No. Do not use Quick Wipes on suede or nubuck. Use the Premium Suede Cleaning Kit for dry care or a controlled foam routine when needed.
Should I use Repel on suede?
After suede is clean and fully dry, Repel can help guard most absorbent materials, including suede and nubuck, against liquid and dirt. Do not use it on unsealed leather or vegetable-tanned leather.
Can suede color bleed when cleaned?
Yes. Dyed suede can bleed when it touches water, so test in a hidden area before using foam or any wet cleaning step.
