How To Remove Common Stains From Suede Shoes, Clothing, and More
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The Spruce
Suede is natural leather that is thin, porous, and not as durable as solid hide. So, unlike solid leather, it needs special treatment if you want to remove dirt, oil, or sticker residue.
Learn how some common household ingredients can clean minor stains from suede and microsuede (synthetic suede) upholstery, boots, clothing, slippers, and clogs like the KO-Z EZ scuffs from Deckers X Lab.
Always test cleaning solutions on a small, hidden area first to check for any discoloration or damage before proceeding with the stain treatment.
Stain Type | Various |
Detergent Type | None |
Water Temperature | Do not use water |
Click Play to Learn How to Quickly Remove Stains From Suede
Before You Begin
Use a soft-bristled brush to brush away loose particles from the suede surface. This should be done each time you finish wearing the item or at least weekly. Suede can easily absorb oils and soil that sit on the surface, so prompt removal means fewer stains.
What You'll Need
Equipment / Tools
- Suede brush
- Soft, white, clean cloth
- Pencil eraser or art gum eraser (for removing adhesives)
- Blunt knife or plastic edge (for removing adhesives)
- Emery nail file or emery cloth (optional)
- Commercial glue remover (optional for synthetic suede)
Materials
- Baby powder or cornstarch (for oil stains)
- Commercial glue remover (optional for synthetic suede)
Instructions
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The Spruce / Ana-Maria Stanciu
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.
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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.
The Spruce / Ana-Maria Stanciu
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Try a Pencil Eraser
Rub remaining stains gently with a pencil eraser or art gum eraser.
The Spruce / Ana-Maria Stanciu
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Use an Emery File if Necessary
Carefully scrub with an emery nail file to remove extremely stubborn stains.
The Spruce / Ana-Maria Stanciu
Removing Oily Stains From Suede
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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.
The Spruce / Ana-Maria Stanciu
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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.
The Spruce / Ana-Maria Stanciu
Removing Liquid Stains From Suede
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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.
The Spruce / Ana-Maria Stanciu
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Allow the Stain To Dry
Allow the suede to air dry away from direct heat or light.
The Spruce / Ana-Maria Stanciu
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Use the Powder Method
If traces of the stain remain after air drying, follow the steps recommended above for removing a dry stain.
The Spruce / Ana-Maria Stanciu
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.
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Dampen the Area
Dampen the sticker or tape and surrounding area lightly with a wet paper towel.
The Spruce / Ana-Maria Stanciu
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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.
The Spruce / Ana-Maria Stanciu
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Allow the Spot To Air-Dry
Allow the area to dry slowly and completely away from direct light or heat.
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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.
The Spruce / Ana-Maria Stanciu
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Use an Emery File if Necessary
Rub the area gently with an emery board nail file as a last resort for stubborn stickiness.
The Spruce / Ana-Maria Stanciu
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.
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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.
The Spruce / Ana-Maria Stanciu
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Try a Commercial Glue Remover
Follow the product instructions for a commercial glue remover, which is generally safe to use on synthetic suede fabrics.
The Spruce / Ana-Maria Stanciu
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.