Clean Suede Sneakers - Complete Guide | Hypedpair

Suede is beautiful but sensitive to water, oils, and shiny spots. With the right approach, you can clean suede sneakers without crushing the nap or causing discoloration. In this guide you’ll learn step by step how to remove stains, restore the suede, and protect your sneakers with products that are safe for suede. Prefer to outsource? See our Sneakers cleaning (service/overview).

What you need to clean suede

Work with soft, suede-safe tools and as little moisture as possible. You’ll need:

• Suede brush - to brush away dry, loose dirt and lift the nap.
• Suede eraser - to rub out surface stains and shiny spots.
• Microfiber cloth - lint-free, for buffing and drying.
• Sneaker Cleaning Kits (incl. suede brush) - mild cleaning serum + brush + cloth, 99% natural, biodegradable formula.
• Hypedpair Sneaker Spray - water- and dirt-repellent protection for suede.
• Sodrai Suede Set - premium suede brush and eraser for precise work.
• Optional: white vinegar or isopropyl alcohol for specific stains, cotton swabs, shoe trees/newspaper, and new shoelaces.

Prep: dry, fill, and color test

Make sure your sneakers are completely dry. Moisture makes suede vulnerable and can make stains appear larger. Fill the shoes with shoe trees or newspaper so the toe and sides don’t collapse while cleaning. Always patch-test cleaners on an inconspicuous spot to prevent discoloration. Work in a well-lit area, brush with light pressure, and take your time. Avoid hot water, soap, and the washing machine — they distort the nap and leave permanent tide marks.

Remove loose dirt with a suede brush

Brushing is the foundation of cleaning suede. Start with light, short strokes in one direction to loosen dust and grit. Then gradually increase pressure to remove dry mud splashes or scuffs. Brush against the grain to open the nap, then finish by brushing with the nap for an even look. Keep the brush clean by tapping out dust between passes. Seeing shiny spots? First loosen the nap with the brush, then treat with the suede eraser.

Surface stains: suede eraser and light cleaning

Use the suede eraser on dry, superficial stains. Rub with small, controlled motions and build pressure until the stain releases. Brush afterwards to restore the nap. Not fully gone? Dab very sparingly with a suede-safe sneaker cleaner on a microfiber cloth or cotton swab and work locally. Use as little liquid as possible and let the area air-dry. Brush again to refresh the suede texture.

Stubborn stains: how to tackle them safely

For stubborn stains, work in small zones with minimal liquid. Apply a drop of suede cleaner, white vinegar, or isopropyl alcohol to a cotton swab. Dab gently, don’t rub. Work toward the edge of the stain to avoid rings. Let fully dry and brush the nap back up. Repeat if needed. Avoid soaking the material and don’t use harsh household cleaners or soap. Stuck? Consider having your sneakers cleaned by a professional.

Treating specific stains

Select the right method for each stain. Always work dry where possible and only use liquid in a targeted, sparing way.

Stain	Method	Steps	Note
Grease and oil	Absorb with cornstarch, then clean	Sprinkle cornstarch generously on the stain, leave 6–12 hours, brush off. Residue? Spot-clean with a mild serum and dry.	Do not wet. Repeat absorption on fresh stains for best results.
Mud and black scuffs	Let dry completely, brush; optional steam at a distance	Let mud dry, crumble away with the brush. For rubber marks: erase, then light clean. Optional: a short burst of steam from a distance to lift the nap, brush immediately after.	Never steam up close and never soak. Always test first.
Blood stains	Treat cold, sparingly	Dab with a slightly damp cloth with cold water. Still a trace? A tiny touch of 3% hydrogen peroxide or vinegar on a cotton swab, dab, dry, brush.	Use as little liquid as possible. Patch-test first.
Gum or wax	Harden and remove carefully	Place the shoe in a bag in the freezer until the gum is hard. Gently scrape with a fingernail or plastic card, brush after and finish with the eraser.	Do not pull soft gum. Avoid metal tools that can damage suede.

Protect and maintain

Once your suede sneakers are clean, protect them right away. Spray 2–3 thin layers of Protective spray for suede from 20–30 cm away, with 10 minutes of drying time between coats. The invisible layer repels water and dirt and helps prevent stains. Briefly brush the nap after drying for an even finish. Reapply protection every 4–6 weeks or after an intensive cleaning session. For in-between care, dry brushing and local erasing are sufficient. This also works for cleaning nubuck sneakers.

Frequently asked questions

How do I wash suede sneakers at home?

Never machine-wash suede and avoid soap and lots of water. Clean at home using a suede brush and suede eraser. For stains, work locally with a mild suede cleaner such as the serum in the Hypedpair Sneaker Cleaning Kit. Always go easy on moisture and let dry well, then brush afterwards.

Can I clean suede shoes with vinegar?

Yes, but only locally and sparingly. Use white vinegar on a cotton swab for specific stains like salt or blood marks. Dab gently, let dry, and brush. Always test first on an inconspicuous spot to avoid discoloration.

Which cleaner is suitable for suede?

Choose a mild, suede-safe cleaner. The serum in the Hypedpair Sneaker Cleaning Kit is 99% natural, biodegradable, and suitable for suede. Avoid harsh household cleaners and regular soap — they can stiffen the nap or cause tide marks.

How do you clean white suede sneakers?

Work extra locally and use minimal liquid to prevent rings. Start with dry brushing and erasing. For stains: spot with cleaner, let dry thoroughly, and brush afterwards. Protect afterwards with Hypedpair Sneaker Spray so dirt adheres less easily.

Can you use the same method for nubuck or fabric shoes?

Nubuck is similar to suede and can be treated in a comparable way: dry brushing, erasing, sparing cleaning, and protection. For fabric shoes you can use a bit more moisture, but still carefully and locally. Always check the manufacturer’s material advice.

Ready to make your sneakers shine? With the Hypedpair Sneaker Cleaning Kit, the Hypedpair Sneaker Spray and the Sodrai Suede Set (and Sneaker care) you can clean and protect your suede sneakers — from daily beaters to Nike Air Max — safely.