“If you take suede leather and put it on a piece of steel and put moisture on it, it actually sticks” Nik Wallenda.

Suede is a type of leather that has underground stress, tear and distress to enable it achieve its classic-felt like look. It’s for these reasons that suede is less water repellant than leather.

Because Suede requires much more level of attention than leather shoe, we have highlighted a few tricks to help you handle suede problems;

• Wet Suede

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Remove the shoe and dry in open air slowly. Do not put the shoes in sunlight or next to a heater as this can cause the suede to warp or crack. Do not try to remove any stains while the shoe is wet too. This can strip the shoes of its soft texture.

• Muddy or Dirty Suede

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To remove dirt or mud, use either of these brushes; a suede brush, a gentle nylon brush, a nail brush or a toothbrush.

Brush away any mud or dirt by gently working with the nap (i.e. the direction of the suede hairs). Remember not to scrub or wipe suede shoes when wet.

• Old and Dried Up Suede

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To revive an old or dried up suede shoe, massage the fibers back into place using a suede brush. Start of by working in small circles; by massaging each area until the fiber of the shoe is soft and glowing.

• Oil Stained Suede

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For oil stained suede shoes, apply talcum or cornstarch powder. Dust the stained area with cornstarch or talcum powder and allow the shoe to sit overnight.

Afterward, using a dry brush gently wipe away the talcum powder or cornstarch. A little bit of moisture would be needed to remove all the powder. To conclude, make use of a suede brush to return the nap to its normal direction.

• Ink Stained Suede

You remove ink stains with cotton balls and 91% alcohol. Simply blot away the ink by rubbing alcohol to the affected area and allow to dry. A suede shoe eraser can then be used to remove any leftover stains once dry.

• Watermarked or Stained Suede

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If your suede shoe is stained with watermarks, water-based stains (juices, drinks, etc) or salt stains, use a suede eraser.

In the absence of a suede eraser, a sturdy pencil eraser can suffice. When removing stains, scrub gently in a circular motion.

A nylon, suede or lint brush can be used to gently comb the fabric back into place.

• Salt Stained Suede

This hack is great for shoes stained with salt. In the absence of a suede shoe eraser, an equal mixture of white vinegar and warm water would suffice.

Remember the rule; to gently wipe away the stains with the mixture. This can be done either with a sponge or a toothbrush. This hack can be used to clean suede shoes stained with chocolate or wine. It is not to be used for mud or oil stains.