9 Effective Ways to Clean & Protect Suede Elevator Shoes

It’s no secret that suede is one of the most popular materials in the fashion world. You’re probably wearing suede boots, suede bags, a suede hat, or some other suede accessory. So, what exactly is suede? Well, it’s a soft leather with a nappy, short-hair finish. It’s made from the underlay skin of sheep and cattle. However, you don’t have to worry about buying suede because, with some maintenance, you can have a pair of suede shoes that look as good as new. Sure, suede is prone to scuffs, scratches, and water damage, but just like regular leather, the more you care for your suede, the better it will look.

As you wear regularly, suede elevator shoes can collect dirt, water spots, salt marks, scuffs, and other grime, especially if you wear them in wet weather. However, using the right tools and techniques, learning how to clean suede shoes is easy. Let’s take a step-by-step look at some of the best ways to clean and maintain suede elevator shoes for men so you can keep them in top condition for longer. These cleaning tips will help restore your suede shoes to a soft, polished look.

What Is Suede?

The suede material is a type of leather made from the underside of animal hide like cow, pigskin, sheep, crocodile, etc. What makes it noticeably different from other leather is that the surface comprises small, raised fibers and a velvety surface that is smooth and soft to the touch. Suede is often a premium shoe fabric and instantly elevates your footwear from bog-standard to something special.

How Durable Are Suede Shoes?

Suede is a very durable & tough fabric. It is made from a thin layer of animal hide than standard leather, making it more flexible & durable than its thicker counterpart. When taken care of with regular cleaning and protection, suede should last just as long as leather.

9 Simple Tips To Clean Suede Shoes

— Clean with suede brush

Investing in a good quality brush is the most important tool for cleaning suede elevator shoes effectively, as it is superb for brushing off dried stains. Make sure your shoes are completely dry, and use your brush to brush away the grime in small motions. If required, brush against the nap of the suede elevator shoes but finish brushing in the direction of the grain to maintain its smooth finish touch.

— Use a protective spray

Invest in a good-quality protector spray suitable for nubuck and suede, take the garment outside (when it’s not raining), brush off any lint or dust, and give it a light, veil-like misting all over, lifting up arms and pocket flaps to access all areas. The coating will eventually wear off, so reapply once a year, preferably just before you start wearing it again. Even if you add a stain-removing product to your suede elevator shoes, the only way to keep them looking their best is to wear them outside in dry weather and try to avoid spills wherever possible.

— Let suede dry naturally

Let the garment air dry naturally away from heat to prevent distortion and shrinkage. Food and drink stains can be a particular headache, and while it might be tempting to start rubbing your garment with the nearest rag, this can worsen matters. Blot the excess spillage lightly with a white handkerchief and never rub it, as this can damage the surface and lift the color of the skin. Moreover, try the latest collection of elevator shoes for men from renowned brands like Locaka that last long and give you a stylish look with comfort.

Also Read: Elevator Shoes & Foot Health: Choose the Right Elevator Shoes for Foot Comfort

— Rub out stains with an eraser

A suede eraser can effectively be a spot-cleaning tool for hard-to-tackle stains such as watermarks, oil, and grease. Simply rub the eraser as you would a standard one on any marks, making sure only to use moderate pressure. Rub the eraser gently across the mark. You don’t want to rub too hard and damage the suede stain. If the eraser doesn’t work, stop using it and switch to another cleaning method.

— Apply cornstarch

Apply cornstarch to oil or grease spots on suede elevator shoes and let it sit for a few hours. Scrape the cornstarch off with a brush. Do this until the spot is completely gone. Avoid soaking suede shoes directly in water. Check out office elevator shoes for men if you want to try new fashion look at work.

— Clean suede with vinegar

If you’re dealing with tough stains on your suede elevator shoes, use a white vinegar microfiber cloth and gently wipe the stain onto the cloth. The vinegar may temporarily change the color of your suede while it’s wet, but as the water evaporates, the color should return to normal. Allow the wet spot to dry, then check to see if the stain remains. Once clean and dry, brush the surface again to restore its original appearance.

— Avoid wet weather

Although suede has a seasonal aesthetic and works brilliantly paired with autumn and winter attire, the simplest way to protect your suede elevator shoes from stains is to avoid wearing them on days when there are chances of wet weather conditions such as rain and snow.

— Use shoe trees

When you remove your shoes, place shoe trees snugly inside them to maintain their shape and prevent the suede from wrinkling. Wooden shoe trees made from cedar will also help to eliminate odor from perspiration and soak up any residual moisture in the suede. Moreover, try suede shoes from top brands like Locaka that last long and give you a stylish look with comfort.

— Clean with baking soda

Baking soda isn’t just a staple; it’s also a versatile cleaning agent. It is outstanding for cleaning suede elevator shoes as it can absorb grease and dirt. Sprinkle baking soda on the stains & rub it with a soft suede brush or old toothbrush. Let the baking powder sit on the shoes for about 15 minutes, then clean it. When you clean the baking soda, the dirt and oil should also easily disappear!

To Sum Up

Suede shoes are fantastic when substituting for similar styles. Suede can require some upkeep and maintenance to ensure it lasts, but the same can be said for other materials as well. You can gently brush the suede with a rubber-bristled brush to remove markings, and a water-resistant spray ensures that water doesn’t mark or stain the soft material. Follow the above steps on how to care for your suede shoes, and you can ensure yours are kept in the best possible condition, whatever the weather. Buy a new pair of casual elevator shoes from Locaka & level up your style game with comfort…