Good Question: How Can I Clean Suede Shoes?

Question: How does a gal clean light-colored suede shoes? I have a pair that I like a lot, but they're dirty. They are a light beige and the dirt shows up very clearly.

No shoe repair place around here will take them, no dry cleaner (who also cleans leather/suede) will take them, and the suede cleaning kit I bought (from the Walking Store) didn't work as well as I'd like. Any recommendations of where to go or what to buy?

Answer: Well, first I would normally suggest that you take the boots to a cobbler, because suede should really be professionally cleaned. However, there are little things that you can do yourself. I, too, was recently on the hunt for some leather care products to protect my beloved pair of Marc Jacob's boots. In my search, I discovered this site called LeatherMagic.com that seems extremely knowledgeable on the subject. While I have ordered the Leather Protection Cream (it is always best to treat leather and suede as soon as you buy it in order to prevent stains), for you I would say go for the NuBuck Leather Cleaner that is specially formulated for suede. You will need to use a soft bristle brush with the cleaner so that you will not damage the nap of the suede. If the stains are really bad, I see that they also have an Ink & Stain Remover that will probably be the most effective. 

To remove scuff marks there is the home remedy method of using an art supply gum eraser. That and white vinegar can pretty much get the stains out of anything (if you don't mind a slight after-smell).

Just remember, whatever you spray or rub onto your boots, you should definitely test the product out on a very small spot first to see if there is any kind of discoloration. 

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