Suede shoes are unique both in appearance and care. Moreover, they are more prone to mold, bald spots, and fading. But, these are not issues if you take the proper steps to care for them. In this article, we’ve compiled DIY-friendly methods to help you care for your suede shoes and extend their lives.
In This Post
How to Remove Mold from Suede Shoes
Suede is not a waterproof material. Hence, its maintenance, such as removing mold, requires extra care. Here is a step-by-step guide you can follow to remove mold from your suede shoe.
Step One: Preparation
Set your workstation in an exposed area like the backyard and place your suede shoe on the surface. It must be an area with a lot of sunshine because mold dies naturally under the sun.
Step Two: Protect Yourself
Afterward, protect your mouth and nostrils with a mask. Also, wear rubber gloves as well.
Step Three: Shoe Brushing
To remove dried and loose mold from your shoe, lightly brush it with your suede brush.
Step Four: Apply Shoe Cleaner
Lightly apply petroleum jelly or suede cleaner across the affected shoe part. Leave it to penetrate for about 5-10 minutes.
Step Five: Apply Alcohol-Water Mixture
Make a mixture of rubbing alcohol and water of the same proportion, and apply it to your shoe. First, test its reaction on a small part of the shoe.
Step Six: Air-Drying
Alcohol-water solution has helped clear off mold and spores on your shoes. Finally, air-dry it for a few minutes and feel good wearing your shoes.
How to Fix Bald Spots on Your Suede Shoes
Method One: Ironing
Cover the affected part with a cloth. After that, press the shoe with a hot stream holed iron for about 5 minutes. Now remove the fabric and observe a noticeable improvement in the bald spot.
Method Two: Sandpapering
Apply a befitting color of shoe polish over the affected area. After, apply not-too-hard sandpaper. Carefully do this, so you don’t create more bald spots. Lastly, use the correct color of polish to cover any effect from the sandpaper application.
Can You Dye a Suede Shoe?
Dying is only appropriate on leather shoes. Shoe polish is applied to smooth leather to make it shine. Suede fabric, on the other hand, has a napped and matty texture. That texture automatically spoils without repair after applying dye and shoe polish.
Can You Wash Suede Shoes in a Washing Machine?
One of the greatest mistakes you can make in keeping your shoes is to clean them with a washing machine. Suede fabrics, as well as leather, are never for devices. The result is total damage.
Can You Wear Suede Shoes During Summer?
During the summer months, suede shoes are ideal. They provide you with your desired smartness without locking up your feet as leather shoes do.
Conclusion
You can follow the above guide to care for and rock your suede shoe. Dyeing and cleaning with a washing machine are a big no if you intend to use your shoes for long.