In college I spent a winter semester living in London and quickly learned that suede shoes aren’t the most practical choice for a rainy climate. When it rains most days, high-maintenance footwear that soaks up slush and stains easily becomes more trouble than it’s worth. That got me wondering why many winter boots are made from suede despite how difficult they are to keep clean. Whether you own Uggs, Bean Boots, or another suede style, here’s a straightforward guide on how to clean suede boots and keep them looking good all season.
How to Clean Suede Boots
Cleaning suede successfully comes down to using the right tools and avoiding excess water. Suede shouldn’t be soaked, so dousing your boots with a stain remover or wringing them out with a wet towel can do more harm than good.
Instead, use a suede or nubuck cleaning kit, sold at shoe stores and online. These kits typically include a brush, a suede eraser, and a cleaning cloth to lift dirt, remove scuffs, and restore the nap without heavy moisture. Kits are usually affordable and will prolong the life of your suede footwear.
Supplies
— Scissors
— Suede cleaning kit (wire brush and eraser)
— White vinegar
— Water
— Clean towel or dish cloth
— Suede waterproofing spray
— Optional: baby powder or cornstarch for odors or grease stains
Step 1 | Remove dirt and debris
Start by trimming any loose threads, excess fleece, or damaged rubber from soles and edges. Then use a natural-bristle or wire brush to gently remove surface dirt and to lift the suede pile. A natural-bristle brush is gentler and allows firmer pressure without damaging the material; a wire brush is more aggressive, so proceed carefully. Stop brushing if you notice any discoloration or damage.
Some people brush suede before and after every wear to maintain the nap, but a practical routine is to brush your boots every 1–2 months or any time you do a deeper cleaning.
Step 2 | Get rid of scuff marks
Use the suede eraser from your cleaning kit to work over scuffs with firm, controlled pressure—similar to using a pencil eraser. If the eraser leaves a flaky residue, brush the area gently to remove the particles and restore the texture.
Step 3 | Wipe with a vinegar mixture
For tougher stains, a lightly damp cloth with a diluted vinegar solution can help without overly wetting the suede. Combine equal parts cold water and distilled white vinegar (for example, 1/2 cup water and 1/2 cup vinegar). Dip a clean, light-colored cloth into the mixture and wring out excess liquid so it’s only slightly damp.
Gently blot and wipe the stained areas. Be careful not to rub aggressively, as this can flatten the nap or remove color. Allow the boots to air dry naturally away from direct heat, then brush the suede to lift the nap again.
Step 4 | Protect with a waterproof spray
Protecting suede is essential to prevent future stains and water damage. Use a waterproofing spray formulated for suede and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Typically you’ll hold the can about six inches from the shoe and apply a light, even mist over clean, dry suede. Don’t soak the material—just apply a thin coat and allow it to dry completely.
Reapply the protectant every 2–3 months, or more often if you wear the boots in wet conditions, to maintain water resistance and stain protection.
Helpful Suede Boot Tips
— If the inside of shearling or Ugg-style boots is matted or has an odor, mix 1 tablespoon baking soda with 1 tablespoon cornstarch and sprinkle it inside. Work it into the lining, let it sit for 2–3 hours, then shake or vacuum out. Using a vacuum with a drapery or upholstery attachment helps remove residue and revive the shearling.
— For grease stains, apply baby powder or cornstarch to the spot and leave it overnight. The powder absorbs grease; brush it off the next day. You may need to repeat this process once or twice for stubborn stains.
— For visible water stains, gently rubbing the stained area with the other boot or using a slightly damp cloth followed by brushing can help even out the nap and reduce the appearance of the stain.
Following these simple steps—regular brushing, spot treating with an eraser, using a light vinegar solution for stubborn marks, and protecting with a proper waterproof spray—will keep your suede boots looking their best through wet winters and everyday wear.