Buzz
Suede slippers offer warmth and comfort, yet cleaning them requires care to prevent damage or stains. Avoid using water and opt for gentle methods. Brushing the nap, cleaning the inner lining, and buffing out stains can restore your slippers.
Steps
Performing Routine Maintenance
Utilize a suede brush or toothbrush to eliminate dirt and debris. If your slippers lack stubborn stains, a suede brush or clean toothbrush is sufficient for maintaining their appearance. Gently brush away any dirt and debris to restore the nap and remove any trapped particles.
- The nap refers to the small fibers on suede.
- Be cautious not to brush too vigorously, as it may embed dirt deeper into the nap.
Avoid using the washing machine or spot-cleaning your slippers with water. Water can harm the suede nap and leave stubborn stains. Instead, opt for non-water methods to clean your slippers, such as brushing, to ensure their longevity.
- Avoid placing suede slippers in the dryer as high heat can damage them.
Protect your slippers by applying suede protector spray. This spray repels dirt and water, prolonging the cleanliness of your slippers. Ensure your slippers are dry and clean before spraying them evenly. Allow them to air dry in a well-ventilated area before wearing.
- You can purchase suede protector spray online or at select shoe stores.
Maintain the cleanliness of your suede slippers regularly. Over time, dirt and debris accumulate in the nap, leading to matting and staining. Incorporate routine cleaning using a suede brush or toothbrush to preserve their appearance.
Pro Tip: Keep a suede brush or toothbrush near your slipper storage area for quick cleaning whenever needed.
Dealing with Stains
Try using baking soda to eliminate fresh stains from your slippers. If you've spilled something and the stain is still wet, blot it gently with a paper towel. Then, sprinkle baking soda over the wet spot and leave it overnight. The next day, brush away the baking soda and any remaining stain.
- Baking soda absorbs liquids trapped in the nap of suede slippers, making it effective for fresh stains.
Buff out set stains using an eraser. Take a suede eraser (or a pencil eraser as an alternative) and gently rub it over the stained area of your slippers. Continue this process until you've removed as much of the stain as possible.
- Specialty suede erasers can be found online or in select shoe stores.
Address stubborn stains with white vinegar. Unlike water, white vinegar in small amounts shouldn't stain or harm your slippers. Dip a clean cloth in white vinegar and gently rub the stained area. Repeat until the stain disappears, then allow your slippers to air dry.
- Vinegar's acidity makes it an effective stain remover, and its quick evaporation minimizes the risk of staining or damaging suede.
Combat grease and oil stains with white chalk or cornstarch. Cover the stain with white chalk or sprinkle cornstarch generously over it. Leave it overnight, then brush it off in the morning. Both chalk and cornstarch absorb oil, helping to fade or remove the stain.
Consider using a commercial suede stain remover if homemade methods are ineffective. Various suede cleaners are available, including sprays and liquid solutions. If remedies like baking soda, vinegar, and erasers don't work, a commercial suede stain remover might be more successful.
- You can purchase suede stain removers online or at certain shoe stores.
If you're unable to remove stains on your own, consider taking your slippers to a cobbler. Cobblers are skilled in working with delicate materials like suede and can effectively tackle stubborn stains. When all else fails, seek assistance from a local cobbler to restore your suede slippers as much as possible.
- Cleaning suede slippers at a cobbler typically costs around $50.
Refreshing the Inner Lining
Use a baby wipe to clean the inner lining of your slippers. Over time, the inner lining of suede slippers can become dirty. Take a baby wipe and thoroughly wipe down the inner lining of each slipper, ensuring to clean around the toe box area as well.
- Baby wipes contain detergent that effectively removes dirt and grime from inside your slippers without causing damage to the lining.
Eliminate odors by sprinkling baking soda inside your slippers. The fuzzy lining of suede slippers may develop unpleasant odors with frequent wear. To neutralize any odors, generously sprinkle baking soda inside each slipper. Allow the slippers to sit overnight, then vacuum or brush out the baking soda in the morning.
- Baking soda absorbs odors trapped inside the slippers, leaving them fresh-smelling.
Combat persistent odors with a commercial deodorizer spray. If baking soda doesn't do the trick, use a specialized deodorizing spray for the insides of your slippers. Ensure the spray doesn't come into contact with the suede exterior to avoid damaging the nap. Allow the spray to air dry before wearing your slippers.
- You can purchase shoe or slipper deodorizing sprays online or at select shoe stores.
Pro Tip: Create your own homemade deodorizing spray by mixing 1⁄2 cup (120 mL) of water, 1⁄2 cup (120 mL) of white vinegar, and 5 drops of tea tree oil in a spray bottle.
Essentials You’ll Need
- Suede brush or toothbrush
- Baby wipes
- Baking soda or deodorizing spray
- Suede protector spray (optional)
- Suede eraser (optional)
- Baking soda for stains (optional)
- White vinegar (optional)
- White chalk or cornstarch (optional)
Additional Advice
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If your suede slippers get wet, quickly blot up excess water before it dries. Then, use a suede brush or clean toothbrush to restore the nap before it dries out completely.
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Keep your suede slippers strictly for indoor use to minimize dirt accumulation. Wearing them outdoors increases the risk of getting them dirty, muddy, or wet.
Important Reminders
- Avoid using water to clean suede as it can harm the nap and lead to stains.
