Getting stains off suede shoes
Reading time: 3 min | Last updated: 11 December 2025
Has this ever happened to you? You’ve just pulled out those new suede shoes – all set for a fresh day – and before you’ve even left the house, there’s already a stain. How, where, what? No idea. But what you do know is that stain needs to go! In this blog, we’ll share some handy tips to help you get stains out of your suede shoes. Keep reading!
Step-by-step: Getting stains off suede shoes
Step 1 | Leave the stain alone
It might sound odd, but suede requires patience. The more you panic and rub at it, the worse it will get. No matter how tempting it is to dive in right away, let the stain dry properly first!
Step 2 | Your suede brush is your best friend
Once the stain is dry, grab a suede brush. No brush? A soft toothbrush can work wonders too. Gently brush in the direction of the grain of the leather.
Also handy: a special suede eraser. Gently rub over the stain and watch as the magic unfolds.
By the way, with our Suede + Nubuck Box, you can easily clean your suede shoes too.
Step 3 | Protect your shoes
Prevention is always better than cure. Before heading out, use a protective spray specifically designed for suede. This creates an invisible protective layer over your shoes. Super useful – especially if you’re a bit clumsy like us!
Extra tip: Oily stains?
For grease or oil stains, sprinkle some cornflour, talcum powder, or baking soda onto the stain. Let it sit overnight so the powder can absorb the oil. The next morning, simply brush it off. Voilà! It’s a handy household tip, but do it at your own risk!
Extra tip: Stubborn stains
Extra tip: Stubborn stains
Is the stain really stubborn? Try a special suede spray or cleaner. Just spray, wait a few hours, brush – and often, even the most persistent stains will disappear. Always test the spray on a small, inconspicuous area first to be on the safe side.
Can't get it clean?
If you really can’t get the stain out, it might be time for a new pair of shoes. You’ll find our beautiful suede shoes here.
Not sure about suede? Check out our leather shoes instead. Also gorgeous, super comfy, and – most importantly – much easier to clean!
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Good choice!
These shoes are of excellent quality. With proper care, they'll stay beautiful for a long time – sustainable for the planet and smart for your wallet. Our maintenance tips: