Cleaning suede shoes with a toothbrush may seem like an impossible task, as a toothbrush isn’t made specifically for cleaning shoes.
If you own suede shoes, you definitely will agree that cleaning them is somewhat challenging. Unlike leather shoes that can be wiped clean within seconds, suede shoes are difficult to clean.
The reason why you may be finding it difficult to clean your suede shoe is probably that you don’t know the right way to clean them. It could also be that you have been using the wrong cleaning product.
Talking about cleaning products, most people have the notion that they need a high-end brush and some expensive cleaning products to clean their suede shoes. But that is far from the truth, as you can use your old bamboo toothbrush and a few other cheap products to remove dirt and stains.
In this article, we will be looking at how to clean a suede shoe with a toothbrush.
Materials you will need to clean a suede shoe with a toothbrush
Below are some materials you will need to clean your suede shoe.
- A plastic or bamboo toothbrush
- An eraser
If you can get your hands you the above items you will be able to make your dirty suede shoes become as good as new.
How to clean a suede shoe with a toothbrush
Below are the steps on how to clean your suede shoe within a few minutes.
Step 1- Use a toothbrush to remove dirt
If you don’t have a dedicated suede brush, you should use your old toothbrush or a nail brush as an alternative. Toothbrushes are perfect for removing dust and dirt as they are easy to use and can clean hard-to-reach areas.
To ensure that you get the best result you should brush with the grain. This means that you should brush toward the direction the suede is facing.
If you are having trouble removing stubborn marks, then you should increase the intensity at which you are brushing the shoe.
Cleaning a suede shoe when the dirt is still wet
If the dirt on your suede shoe is wet, you should not use a brush to remove it. Doing this is only going to make things worse, as the dirt particles will enter deeper into the suede. A better course of action is to use a cloth to wipe the dirt off and allow it dry. When the shoe is dried, you can use a brush to remove the remaining dirt.
Step 2 Removing marks from your suede shoes
To make your suede shoe look great, you have to remove the marks on it. A simple way to do this is to use suede rubber. There are different versions of it on the market. Opt for the pencil case model, as it is easy to use. If already have one, you should ensure that it is dirt free and doesn’t contain any stains before using it.
Removing scuff marks with suede rubber is a very straightforward process. All you need to do is to place the rubber on the affected area and move it back and forth until the excess particles clear. If the mark is still visible after doing this, don’t force it. Going too hard can cause serious damage to your shoe.
How to remove tough stains from your suede shoe
To remove tough stains that didn’t budge even after using a toothbrush, you should follow the steps below.
Here are some things you will need to clean suede shoes with a toothbrush and vinegar.
- Toothbrush
- Vinegar and a soft cloth
- Suede rubber
Using Vinegar
Vinegar is perfect for removing tough stains as it has acidic components that can break down and remove stains.
Below is how to use Vinegar.
- Use a toothbrush to remove dirt on the shoe.
- Dampen a soft cloth with vinegar. Be careful so that you don’t soak the fabric.
- Use the cloth to massage the stained area.
- Repeat the process until the stain is out.
Don’t worry about the smell of vinegar lingering on your shoe. Just like alcohol, Vinegar evaporates.
Why you should invest in a suede protector
Let’s face it, cleaning a suede shoe isn’t fun. It requires a measure of effort on your part.
Well, it may interest you to know that there is a way for you to prevent dirt from staining your shoe in the first place.
Suede protectors are a must-have for people with suede shoes, as they can increase the durability of the shoe and can repel water, oil, and dirt.
Final note
Suede shoes stand out from the crowd because they have a unique texture and appearance. To keep your suede shoes in great shape, you have to clean them regularly. Applying the tips discussed in this article will help ensure that your suede shoes are always clean. As mentioned above cleaning suede shoes with a toothbrush is a straightforward process. All you need is a toothbrush and a suede eraser.