Cleaning Suede Clothing and Shoes

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What's the best way to clean scuffed suede clothing and shoes?

Suede is an interesting fabric in that it's tough and delicate at the same time, and it's very prone to scuffing. Since suede is such an investment, it's a good thing there are reliable techniques for removing scuffs. Here's our favorite:

You can use steam and a suede brush to get rid of the scuffs and restore some of the color. Hold the scuffed item above a pot of boiling water to raise the nap of the suede. Remove it from the heat source and use a suede brush to brush the matted material.

If the suede has an oil stain, try using talcum powder to absorb it. Leave the powder on overnight, then use the suede brush to lift the nap.

If these techniques don't work, take your clothing to a professional dry cleaner who offers leather and suede cleaning services, or take your shoes to a shoe repair professional, who will clean and dye them for you, usually for less than $10.00 US.