How to Clean Suede Boots Without Ruining Them (6 Steps)

You love your suede boots, but one rainy walk or a coffee spill can leave them looking old and dirty. You might even feel scared to clean them because suede is so soft and delicate. But don’t worry. You can clean your suede boots easily at home and make them look new again. In this article, you’ll learn exactly how to clean suede boots the right way without damaging the fabric.

Brush Off Loose Dirt First

Before you try any deep cleaning, you need to remove the loose dirt from your suede boots. This is one of the most important things because if you start with wet cleaning, the dirt can go deeper into the material. Suede is soft and has a fuzzy surface, so dirt sticks easily to it. You can’t just wipe it with a wet cloth like leather. You need to brush it the right way.

Start by making sure your boots are dry. Never try to brush suede when it is wet. If they are wet, let them dry first in a cool place away from sunlight or heater. Once dry, take a suede brush. If you don’t have one, you can use a soft toothbrush for now, but it is better to get a real suede brush.

Hold the boot in one hand and gently brush in one direction. Don’t brush back and forth because that can make the suede look messy. You want to lift the dirt without pressing too hard. Use short strokes and go slowly. If you see any darker spots or stains, don’t panic. Those need special treatment later.

Keep brushing until all loose dirt is gone. If there’s mud, use a spoon or dull knife to gently scrape off the dry mud before brushing.

This brushing also helps to bring back the texture of the suede. It makes your boots look fresh even before deeper cleaning. If your boots still look dusty, brush again a second time.

• Always brush when boots are dry
• Use a suede brush or soft toothbrush
• Brush in one direction only
• Remove dry mud first with spoon
• Don’t brush hard, go gentle and slow
• Brushing helps suede look fresh again

Use a Suede Eraser on Tough Marks

After brushing, you may still see some tough marks or dark spots. These could be from oil, food, or just worn-out areas. For these, you need something called a suede eraser. It is made just for suede and works like a pencil eraser but is stronger. If you don't have a suede eraser, you can try using a clean white pencil eraser, but it may not work as well.

Hold your boot steady and gently rub the eraser on the stain. Use light pressure and small circular motions. Don't press too hard or you might flatten the suede or damage it. Rub until the spot fades. You may see small bits coming off the eraser — that's normal.

If the stain is still there, rub again but always be gentle. You can also brush the area after using the eraser to lift the suede again.

Some people try to use a bit of fine sandpaper or a nail file if they don't have an eraser. That can work but only for very tiny spots and only if you are super careful. It can damage your boots if used wrong.

If your boots have salt stains from snow, don't use an eraser. Those need a different method. Just focus the eraser on dirt, oil marks, or shiny spots where suede has been rubbed smooth.

After using the eraser, check your boots in good light to see if the stain is gone. Then use your suede brush again to finish the surface.

• Suede eraser works best for marks and stains
• Rub gently in small circles
• Don't press too hard or rush it
• Brush after erasing to fix suede texture
• Use pencil eraser if you don't have suede eraser
• Never use on salt stains

Treat Stains with Vinegar or Rubbing Alcohol

Some stains need more than just a brush or eraser. For water spots, salt lines, or even some oil stains, you can use white vinegar or rubbing alcohol. These liquids dry fast and don't damage suede like water does. They can help lift stains from deep inside the fabric.

Start with a clean cloth or cotton ball. Dip it into white vinegar or rubbing alcohol. Make sure it's damp but not dripping. Gently rub the stained area in a small circle. Try not to soak the suede. Just use enough to clean the surface.

At first, the suede might look darker. That's normal and will go away when it dries. After cleaning, let your boots dry fully in the air. Never put them near a heater or in the sun.

Once dry, brush the suede again to make it soft and smooth. You might need to repeat the process if the stain is still there. Don't give up after one try. Some stains need a second cleaning.

This method works great for water stains, salt marks, or light oil spots. But if your boots are really dirty or stained all over, you may need to clean the whole boot using this method. Just be patient and work in small parts.

• Use vinegar or rubbing alcohol for deeper stains
• Use small amount with cloth or cotton
• Rub gently in circles
• Let dry naturally
• Brush after drying to restore suede
• Repeat if needed for tough stains

Let Them Dry the Right Way

Drying is a big part of cleaning suede. If you dry suede the wrong way, it can shrink, fade, or become hard. After any kind of cleaning, whether you used a brush, eraser, or vinegar, you must let the boots dry slowly and carefully.

First, never use a hairdryer, heater, or put the boots in the sun. High heat can ruin the soft texture of suede. Always let the boots air dry in a cool, dry place.

Stuff your boots with paper towels or plain white paper. This helps them keep their shape while drying. Don't use newspaper because the ink can leak onto the suede. Also, don't overfill them — just enough to help hold the shape.

Leave them alone while they dry. This can take many hours, maybe even overnight. Be patient. Trying to speed up the process can damage the suede.

Once dry, feel the surface. If it feels rough or stiff, brush it gently with your suede brush. This brings back the soft feel. Sometimes the color looks different when wet, but it usually returns after drying fully.

If your boots got soaked in rain, do this drying method before trying to clean them. Dry first, then clean. Water can set stains, so drying is the safe step before cleaning.

• Never dry suede with heat or sun
• Always air dry in cool area
• Stuff boots with paper to keep shape
• Don't use newspaper
• Be patient — drying takes time
• Brush after drying to soften surface

Use Suede Protector Spray

Once your boots are clean and dry, the next best thing is to protect them so they stay clean longer. Suede protector spray is made to stop water, dirt, and stains from getting into the suede. It adds a clear layer that keeps your boots safe.

Choose a spray made just for suede. You can find these online or in shoe stores. Read the label to make sure it says ‘safe for suede’.

Before spraying, brush your boots so they look fresh. Hold the can about 6 to 8 inches away from the boot. Spray lightly and evenly. Don't soak the boot. Just a soft mist all over.

Let the boots dry for 24 hours after spraying. Don't wear them while the spray is still wet. After drying, you can brush them again to lift the suede if it looks flat.

This spray should be used every few weeks, especially during rainy or snowy weather. It doesn't last forever, so re-spray when needed.

Protecting your suede boots can make them last longer and stay cleaner. It's a simple step that many people forget.

• Use only spray made for suede
• Spray lightly from 6 to 8 inches away
• Don't wear boots until fully dry
• Reapply every few weeks
• Always brush before and after spraying
• Helps prevent future stains and water damage

Store Suede Boots the Right Way

After all the work to clean and protect your boots, you also need to store them the right way. Bad storage can ruin suede even if your boots are clean.

First, always store them in a cool, dry place. Never leave them in direct sunlight or damp rooms. Sunlight fades suede and moisture can lead to mold or stains.

Keep your boots upright. You can stuff them with paper or use boot shapers. This keeps the shape nice and stops creases.

If you want, put your boots in a cloth shoe bag or a box. Don't use plastic bags — suede needs to breathe. Plastic holds moisture and that can damage the suede.

Also, make sure your boots are clean before you store them. Never store them dirty because stains will get worse over time.

Check on your boots once in a while if they're stored for a long time. Brush them lightly to keep the surface soft.

Good storage is the final step to keeping your suede boots in perfect shape. You spent time cleaning them, so don't let bad storage ruin your hard work.

• Store in cool, dry place
• Avoid sun and damp rooms
• Keep upright with paper or boot shapers
• Use cloth bag or box, not plastic
• Store only clean boots
• Check and brush boots sometimes during storage

Final Thoughts

Suede boots are beautiful but need gentle care. When you clean them the right way, they can stay soft and look brand new for a long time. Brushing, erasing stains, using vinegar, drying slowly, and protecting them with spray all help keep them fresh. And don’t forget good storage. You now have the full guide to keep your suede boots clean and protected at home. Just take your time and treat your boots with love.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is it okay to use water to clean suede boots?

No, it is not a good idea to use plain water to clean suede. Water can damage the texture and leave stains or spots on suede. It might make the suede stiff or rough. Instead, use rubbing alcohol or white vinegar, which dry faster and are safer for suede. If your boots get wet from rain, let them dry first, then brush or clean gently. Water should always be used carefully and only with the right method. Suede is a soft material and needs gentle care.

Can I use dish soap to clean suede boots?

No, you should not use dish soap on suede boots. Dish soap is made for hard surfaces and can leave stains or marks on soft suede. It also adds moisture, which suede does not like. Instead of dish soap, use special suede cleaner or white vinegar. These are safer and won’t ruin the surface. If you use soap, it may soak into the fabric and leave behind a dark patch. Always choose products that are made just for suede.

Do I need to clean both boots if only one is dirty?

It is best to clean both boots even if only one looks dirty. This way, both boots will look the same and stay in the same condition. Cleaning only one boot can make it look newer than the other. Suede also changes color slightly when cleaned, so cleaning both keeps them looking even. It’s also a good habit to brush both boots regularly to stop dirt from building up. Taking care of both boots helps them last longer and keeps the pair looking fresh.

Can I dry suede boots with a hair dryer?

No, never use a hair dryer to dry suede boots. High heat can shrink the material and make it stiff or crack. Suede needs to dry slowly in a cool and dry area. The best way is to let the boots air dry at room temperature. Stuff the inside with paper towels to keep their shape. Be patient and let them dry overnight. Rushing the drying process can ruin the look and feel of your suede boots.

Is it safe to use vinegar on all colors of suede?

Yes, white vinegar is safe to use on most colors of suede. But you should always test a small hidden area first to be sure. Sometimes, very bright or dyed suede might react a little. If the color does not change, then it's safe to clean the stain. Vinegar dries quickly and does not leave marks like water does. Just use a little at a time and be gentle. After drying, brush the area to keep the suede soft.

Can I clean suede boots in a washing machine?

No, suede boots should never be cleaned in a washing machine. The machine uses too much water and motion, which can ruin the suede. It can cause shrinkage, stains, and loss of shape. Suede is not like regular fabric. It needs to be cleaned by hand using a brush, eraser, and safe cleaning liquids like vinegar. If your boots are very dirty, it is better to clean them slowly and gently or take them to a shoe cleaner.

Do I need a special brush for suede boots?

Yes, a suede brush is the best tool for cleaning suede boots. It is made with soft bristles or rubber that gently lifts dirt without harming the material. If you use a normal brush or hard bristles, it can damage the surface. If you don't have a suede brush, a soft toothbrush can work for light cleaning. But for the best results and care, it is worth getting a suede brush. It helps restore the soft look of your boots.

Can I use baby wipes to clean suede boots?

No, baby wipes are not safe for suede. They have moisture and chemicals that can damage suede. Even though baby wipes feel soft, they can leave wet marks or remove color from the suede surface. Suede is very sensitive to wet products. Instead, use dry tools like a suede brush or eraser. For deeper cleaning, use a cloth with vinegar or rubbing alcohol. Avoid anything that adds moisture, like wipes, soaps, or wet cloths.