A drop of coffee, one puddle too many, a greasy mark: on a velvety shoe, a stain shows quickly. The good news is that it almost always comes out if you follow the right method and don't rush. Here's how to remove a stain from suede or microsuede, and from the vegan suede of our styles.
The essentials
- Never rub a fresh stain: blot, then let it dry.
- Grease: cornflour or talc overnight, then brush.
- Water or a water ring: dampen the whole area evenly, air-dry, brush.
- Always test first on a hidden area.
The golden rule: don't rub straight away
The natural reflex is to rub. It's the worst thing to do: you push the stain in and crush the fibres. Blot with kitchen paper or a dry cloth to absorb as much as possible, let it air-dry away from any heat source, and only then treat the mark that remains.
Water stain or water ring
Paradoxically, water leaves a mark because it wetted one part of the shoe and not the rest. The solution: even it out.
- Pass a barely damp sponge or cloth over the whole area, up to the seams, so the moisture is even.
- Stuff the inside with paper to keep the shape.
- Let it dry at room temperature.
- Brush one way and then the other to lift the nap.
If your shoes often get caught in the rain, also read vegan suede and rain: can you wear your mules outside in winter.
Grease stain (oil, butter, cream)
- Blot immediately with kitchen paper, without rubbing.
- Sprinkle generously with cornflour or talc: the powder will absorb the grease.
- Leave overnight.
- Tap off the powder, then brush. Repeat if needed.
Mud
Don't touch anything while it's wet. Once the mud is completely dry, most of it comes off on its own: tap, then brush. Any remaining mark is treated like a water stain.
Salt marks in winter
Pavement salt leaves whitish rings. Mix one part white vinegar with two parts water, barely dampen a cloth and dab the mark. Let it dry, then brush. Test on a hidden area first.
Coffee, wine, juice
Blot straight away to absorb the liquid. Then pass a slightly damp cloth from the outside of the stain towards the centre, so as not to spread it. Let it dry, then brush. An old, dark stain may need several passes.
Chewing gum or wax
Place an ice cube in a small plastic bag on the gum or wax to harden it, then peel it off gently. Then brush to erase the mark.
Dry marks and scuffs
For small everyday marks, the brush is usually enough: crepe rubber “erases” the mark while lifting the fibres. A clean white eraser can also help on suede. The step-by-step method is in our guide how to use a suede brush.
Suede, microsuede, vegan suede: any differences?
Suede is leather: it's more sensitive to water and harsh products. Microsuede and vegan suede are synthetic microfibres, generally more forgiving. For our vegan suede styles, everyday care comes down to a damp cloth and a soft brush. The differences are explained in vegan suede, microsuede, suede: what's the difference.
What not to do
- Put the shoes in the washing machine, unless the manufacturer says otherwise.
- Use bleach, acetone or a textile stain remover not designed for these materials.
- Dry on a radiator, with a hairdryer or in direct sunlight.
- Brush an area that's still damp.
FAQ
Can an old stain come out?
Often, yes, with several passes and some patience. The more recent the stain, the easier it is.
Do I need a waterproofing spray?
On suede, a suitable spray limits water stains. On vegan suede it's not essential, but you can use one that's compatible with synthetic textiles, after testing on a hidden area.
Which brush should I use after cleaning?
A crepe rubber brush, like our suede care brush, free from 3 pairs.
Read also
- How to use a suede brush
- How to care for microsuede or vegan suede shoes
- Smelly slippers: 7 simple solutions
The right tool to finish the job: our suede care brush, €7.90 or free from 3 pairs.
