Whether you’ve just scuffed your favorite pair of suede shoes or they’ve been damaged by water, there are ways to repair suede shoes that look and feel as good as new.
In this blog post, we’ll go over the steps you need to take to fix suede shoes, as well as some tips on how to prevent damage in the future. So whether your footwear is a cherished possession or a just-in-case backup pair, read on for the information you need to keep them looking and feeling great.
what are suede shoes?
Do many people ask what are suede shoes? Well, suede footwear is made from soft and gentle leather, which is a bit thicker than the leather used for other types of footwear. The nap of the shoe refers to the small fibers that stick up off of the surface of the shoe. Suede is very absorbent and delicate, so different care must be taken when cleaning and repairing this type of shoe than with others such as patent or PVC.
what does suede leather look like?
This leather is characterized by short, fuzzy fibers that lie atop its smooth surface. This type of leather is generally soft, making it great for clothing and footwear. It has a delicate feel because the fibers are easily damaged or displaced.
how to fix suede shoes that got wet?
Wet shoes can quickly become a problem if not handled properly because the fibers in this type of leather swell when it gets wet. You can repair suede shoes using the following ways.
- In order to make your shoes look fresh and new again, you will need to get rid of all excess moisture from the surface of the shoe by blotting with a clean towel.
- Don’t rub the shoe with the towel in an effort to dry it, because this will only cause more damage by further damaging or displacing fibers.
- Fill a small bucket or bowl with lukewarm water and add in one tablespoon of gentle shampoo. Soak a clean rag in the mixture and wring it out until it’s nearly dry.
- Rub the shoe in a circular motion to gently clean the surface of your shoes, then rinse with clean water and allow to air dry completely before wearing them again.
how to restore faded suede shoes
- This leather is generally dyed during the manufacturing process using one of two different methods:
- Pigment Dyeing
- Direct Dyeing.
This leather dyed-through this process will run when wet and can potentially stain other fabrics if not cleaned immediately after getting wet.
Because of this, we recommend taking extra precautions when cleaning them that have been colored as well as those that are entirely neutral in color. Follow these steps to restore suede shoe color.
- Pour some white vinegar into a small bowl or bucket and stir in one tablespoon of water.
- Soak a clean rag in the mixture, wring it out until it’s nearly dry, then rub them in small circles to gently remove stains.
- Finish by rinsing with lukewarm water and allowing them to air dry completely before wearing them again.
These are delicate by nature but don’t have to be fragile if treated properly. By knowing how to fix suede shoes that got wet or dirty, you can extend their life for years to come. For more tips on caring for suede leather, click here.
how to restore faded suede shoes
Sometimes it seems that no matter how careful you are with your footwear, they just won’t stay clean for long. Suede is a delicate type of leather that is easily stained and often scuffs simply from being worn, so keeping your footwear looking new can be a bit of a challenge.
Luckily, there are some simple steps you can take to fix suede shoe color.
To begin restoring the color in your faded suede shoes:
- Pour one tablespoon of vinegar and one tablespoon of water into a small bowl or bucket.
- Stir until well combined then soak a clean rag in the mixture and wring it out until it’s nearly dry.
- Rub them in a circular motion to gently remove stains.
- Then rinse with warm water and allow them to air dry completely before wearing them again.
You can also restore suede shoes color by using purple shampoo every time you wash them. Simply follow the same step-by-step process as above, but finish by rinsing them with cool water instead of warm. Pair your repair suede shoes with some stylish new socks for added appeal!
FAQs:
Q: Can you fix suede shoes?
A: Yes you can repair suede shoes by
- Cleaning it to get rid of all excess moisture from the surface.
- Use diluted shampoo to clean it gently.
- Rub the them in small circles using a wet rag soaked in vinegar and water solution to remove stains.
- Air drying completely before wearing them.
Q: How do you repair damaged suede?
A: Take them to a cobbler or shoe repair store and have them patched. Find a fabric that matches the color of the shoes, cut it into a circle with a small margin around it and use it as a patch. Make sure you remove all excess moisture from the footwear before applying the patch
Q: How to clean dirty white suede shoes?
A: If you don’t know where to get suede shoes cleaned, Follow these steps:
- Cleaning shoes with Shampoo Use a mild shampoo and cold water. Mix one tablespoon of gentle shampoo in a bucket or bowl with lukewarm water. Soak a clean rag in the water and wring it out until its nearly dry
- Wipe down them with a damp rag to remove any loose dirt or debris.
- Gently rub them in a circular motion with the soaked rag to lift tough dirt and stains
- Rinse them with lukewarm water using a clean rag
- Once you have rinsed off all of the dirt and shampoo, set your footwear in a well-ventilated area to dry completely. If they are still dirty after air drying, you may need to repeat the process.
Q: Can scuffed suede shoes be repaired?
A: Yes, scuffed suede can be repaired if you know how to fix suede shoes. Suede is delicate by nature but doesn’t have to be fragile if treated properly.
- Use a hairdryer with a nozzle attachment to heat up the scuffed area of your shoe. This will make it easier to rub out the scratch in them. Use small circular motions
- If the scuff has gone down to the layer underneath your shoes, you may need to apply some water to that area. Once it’s wet, proceed with restoring the color by rubbing gently
- Once you have rubbed out all visible scuffs, use a shiner to restore shine and color.
Q: How do you restore worn suede shoes?
A: In order to repair suede shoes take your shoes to a cobbler or shoe repair store and have them re-soled or repaired or follow the above steps to fix suede shoes.
Concluding:-
This is a delicate material that can fray and fade over time if not cared for properly. However, with the right methods of cleaning and fixing suede shoes, you can keep your favorite pair looking as new as ever for years to come and you don’t need to repair suede shoes. Whether you’ve got a scuff on your favorite pair of leather shoes or they’re simply faded from wear and tear, there are ways to restore suede shoe color back to its original state.