Sneakers are rarely made of a single material, so it's essential to understand the care your shoes require. For a comprehensive series of cleaning tutorials, click here .
What you need to know when cleaning suede and nubuck sneakers:
Suede comes from the inside of the hide and nubuck comes from the outside. Nubuck is recognizable by its short, sandy, peach-colored hairs, and suede by its more loosely brushed hairs. Both require the same approach.
Before we continue, let's clear up a common misconception: suede/nubuck can't be wet at all. However, we do recommend treating it dry as much as possible, provided the material isn't too dirty.
If they're too dirty for dry cleaning , always test an inconspicuous area first to see how the material reacts to water. The color of suede/nubuck can bleed. There are many types of sneakers, with varying materials and quality. Not all sneakers react the same to water. So, you should treat them with more care than other materials.
Important to know:
- Suede/nubuck darkens when wet and lightens as it dries.
- After drying, the suede becomes rougher in texture. The surface needs a dry brushing to restore its original softness. Although people often think this will damage the material, it can be easily done with a stiff brush. Do the cleaning yourself with a soft brush.
How to clean suede and nubuck sneakers in 7 easy steps
- Preparation
- Brush dry
- Clean the lace
- Clean sole
- Clean suede/nubuck
- Let it dry
- Protect
1. Preparation: make sure you use the right products.
When cleaning suede and nubuck sneakers, it's crucial to use the right products. Avoid household products like green soap or dish soap, as these are less effective and can cause damage. Instead, choose specially formulated sneaker care products. , such as that of First Amsterdam.
We also recommend using shoe trees to make cleaning easier and prevent the shoe from becoming misshapen. For minor stains, we recommend a suede and nubuck eraser.
2. Brush dry: brush loose dirt from the sneaker
A good brush is essential for effectively removing loose dirt before wetting the shoe. We recommend always removing loose dirt with a soft brush, such as our premium brush , especially for suede and nubuck.
If there's mud on the shoe , make sure to remove as much of it as possible to avoid brushing it into the material.
3. Clean the laces: remove the laces and clean them separately
Are your laces very dirty? Remove them from the shoe and soak them in a bowl of water containing a suitable sneaker cleaner, such as the specially developed cleaning formula from First Amsterdam. If they are very dirty or stained, apply a few more drops to the laces and rub them between your hands until they lather.
TIP: Run wet laces through a microfiber cloth to dry them faster and remove dirt.
Are your laces less dirty? Then you can also leave them in the shoe and clean them with a soft brush, a little water, and the cleaning formula.
TIP : Do not use a hard brush for this, as there is a good chance that the laces will fluff up if they come into contact with these hard bristles.
4. Clean the sole: Clean the sole properly
Use a stiff brush and a good cleaning product to clean the soles, eliminating stubborn dirt. Don't apply too much pressure and let the bristles do the work.
If stains remain, add some cleaning solution to a microfiber cloth and rub it on the stain with your index finger to remove it.
5. Clean suede/nubuck: then clean the shoe thoroughly
Does the suede/nubuck have some small stains? Try treating it dry with a suede and nubuck eraser first. Rub it lightly over the stain to remove it. If this doesn't work, continue with the steps below.
Dip the premium brush in the container with water, shake it well and Apply a few drops of the solution to the brush, then wipe over the shoes in a circular motion. Dab off with the microfiber cloth. Repeat until you achieve the desired result.
Is the water very dirty? It's best to replace the water and repeat step 4, but NOTE: use the soft brush this time. This brush has soft bristles, which prevents you from damaging the suede/nubuck while cleaning.
6. Let dry: Let your shoes dry properly
After cleaning, dry the sneakers with a microfiber cloth. Then let them air naturally for best results. It's best to leave the shoe trees in the shoes.
Keep the shoes away from heat sources such as the sun or a heater. This can cause the shoes to deform and/or discolor.
7. Protect: Use a water and dirt repellent spray to protect your sneakers.
Use a good water and dirt repellent spray to protect your shoes from unwanted stains and wear. Extend the life of your sneakers and keep them looking fresh!
