How To Remove Common Stains From Suede Shoes, Clothing, and More

Removing Dried Stains From Suede

Each of the following steps gets progressively more abrasive, so try the gentlest first. These techniques also work for minor scuffs on suede.

1. Gently Rub the Stain With Cloth

   Rub the area gently with a clean, soft cloth to remove any dried-on surface stain. The cloth will also restore some of the texture to the nap.

2. Try a Pencil Eraser

   Rub remaining stains gently with a pencil eraser or art gum eraser.

3. Use an Emery File if Necessary

   Carefully scrub with an emery nail file to remove extremely stubborn stains.

Removing Oily Stains From Suede

1. Sprinkle the Stain With Powder

   Sprinkle the stain with baby powder or cornstarch to absorb the oil and let it sit for an hour. Depending on the amount of oil on the suede, the powder may appear oily after sitting.

   Brushed away the saturated powder with a soft brush.

2. Repeat the Powder Step

   Repeat the step above until the powder no longer changes color or texture within an hour.

   Brush off the loose powder and scrub lightly with a suede brush to restore the nap.

Removing Liquid Stains From Suede

1. Blot the Stain

   Blot away as much moisture as possible with a clean, soft cloth. Put the cloth directly over the stain and apply some pressure to draw the moisture away from the suede and into the cloth.

   Keep turning the cloth to a clean, dry area and continue blotting until the area appears dry.

2. Allow the Stain To Dry

   Allow the suede to air dry away from direct heat or light.

3. Use the Powder Method

   If traces of the stain remain after air drying, follow the steps recommended above for removing a dry stain.

   Tip

   Suede can be waterproofed using a specially formulated spray to help prevent moisture stains. Before using, test on an inside seam because it can change the color, look, and texture of your suede garment.

   
   

Removing Sticker Residue From Suede

Stickers, sticky name tags, and tape can be tough on suede coats, shoes, and furniture. Quite often when the tag or tape is pulled off, some sticky glue or residue is left behind on the nap of the suede.

1. Dampen the Area

   Dampen the sticker or tape and surrounding area lightly with a wet paper towel.

2. Scrape Away the Sticker

   Lift one corner of the sticker or tape carefully with the edge of a blunt knife or a credit card. Continue prying the entire sticker and gently scrape it away.

3. Allow the Spot To Air-Dry

   Allow the area to dry slowly and completely away from direct light or heat.

4. Erase the Residue

   Remove any remaining sticky residue with an art gum eraser. Use a gentle touch and lots of patience. Do not rub too hard; just lightly rub the surface and the eraser will pick up the leftover glue in the nap.

5. Use an Emery File if Necessary

   Rub the area gently with an emery board nail file as a last resort for stubborn stickiness.

Removing Adhesive Residue From Synthetic Suede

Microsuede and Ultrasuede are man-made microfiber fabrics with a brushed finish that resembles the nap of natural suede leather. These materials are easier to clean and much more resistant to spills and stains than natural suede.

Most synthetic suede fabrics can be machine-washed. Simply follow the directions on the care label. For stickers or adhesive stains, follow the steps below.

1. Lift Sticky Stains With a Gum Eraser

   Lift away the sticky residue with an art gum eraser. Using a gentle touch, just lightly rub the surface and the eraser will pick up the leftover glue in the nap.

   This works especially well with microsuede shoes or upholstery that cannot be tossed in the washer.

2. Try a Commercial Glue Remover

   Follow the product instructions for a commercial glue remover, which is generally safe to use on synthetic suede fabrics.

When to Call a Professional

If the stain is large or unusual, take the suede garment to your dry cleaner as soon as possible. Point out and identify the stain to help your professional cleaner choose the proper treatment. 

Additional Tips For Handling Suede Stains

Once you remove a stain or scuff from the suede, brush the stained area with a suede brush to restore and smooth out the nap or the natural, soft texture of the suede.

Brushing should be your last step for each of the suede treatment methods.