May 18, 2026, 9:43 am | Read time: 3 minutes
Suede sneakers are true all-rounders among shoes. With their velvety-soft appearance, they not only look elegant but can also be combined in many ways for everyday wear. The catch: The delicate material is prone to dirt and quickly attracts moisture. That’s why they require a bit more care. myHOMEBOOK knows how to clean suede sneakers effectively.
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What You Need to Clean Suede
There are special tools for cleaning suede sneakers that should be used to avoid damaging the delicate natural material. The basic kit includes: a suede cleaner, a soft brush or alternatively a toothbrush with particularly soft bristles, a microfiber cloth, and an eraser or a regular rubber eraser. Depending on the type of stain, white vinegar, rubbing alcohol, cornstarch, or hydrogen peroxide can also be helpful.
Important: To protect your shoes from the next muddy weather, use a waterproofing spray after each cleaning. This adds an extra protective layer to the surface, making it resistant to new dirt.
Step-by-Step to a Clean Sneaker
Before starting the care process, stuff the sneakers with shoe trees or crumpled newspaper. This helps them keep their shape and makes them easier to work on. It’s also important: Never clean suede sneakers while they’re still wet. Moisture can cause dirt and stains to penetrate deeper into the material, making them harder to remove. For drying, place suede sneakers in the air and in front of a fan. The delicate natural leather should never go in the dryer.
Also interesting: Which shoes can go in the washing machine and which cannot?
Always Start Dry
Often, a dry basic cleaning is enough to refresh suede. For this, clean the shoe surface with a brush or toothbrush to remove coarse dirt. Avoid using soap or water. Smaller scratches can often be eliminated with light sideways movements, as this helps the suede fibers stand up again.
What Else You Can Use an Eraser for Around the House
How to Properly Clean, Care for, and Waterproof Leather Shoes
Target Stains Specifically
A suede eraser is a simple and effective solution for small, individual stains. Gently work on the affected areas without damaging the material itself. Alternatively, a regular eraser will do. For larger stains, use a damp cloth with suede cleaner. You can also use white vinegar or rubbing alcohol. It’s important not to soak the shoe with the liquid and to use the cleaner sparingly.
For Stubborn Stains, There’s the Power Solution
Oil and grease stains can often be treated with cornstarch. Sprinkle the powder on the affected area and let it sit for a few hours. Then remove the residue with a cloth. Gum or wax can be easily removed after placing the shoe in the freezer. This hardens the substance, allowing it to be carefully peeled off. For blood stains, treat with hydrogen peroxide. Dampen a clean towel or cotton ball and gently dab out the dirt.