This is how you clean suede and nubuck sneakers
Sneakers are rarely made of a single material, so it's essential to understand what care your shoes need. 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, peachy hairs, and suede by its looser brushed hairs. Both require the same approach.
Before we go any further, let’s clear up a common misconception: it’s not that you can’t get suede/nubuck wet at all. However, we do recommend treating it dry as much as possible, if the material isn’t too dirty.
If they are too dirty for dry cleaning , always test on an inconspicuous part how the material reacts to contact with water. The color of suede/nubuck may run. There are many types of sneakers, with different materials and quality. Not all sneakers react the same to water. So you treat it more carefully 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 that this damages the material, this can simply be 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 is crucial to use the right products. Avoid household products such as green soap or dishwashing liquid, as these are less effective and can cause damage. Instead, opt for specially developed sneaker care products , such as that of First Amsterdam.
We also recommend using shoe trees to make cleaning easier and to prevent the shoe from deforming. For small stains we recommend a suede and nubuck eraser.
2. Brush dry: brush loose dirt from the sneaker
A good brush is essential to effectively remove loose dirt before wetting the shoe. We recommend always removing loose dirt with a soft brush, such as our premium brush . Especially with suede and nubuck.
Is there mud on the shoe ? Make sure to remove as much of it as possible to avoid brushing it into the material.
3. Clean laces: remove the laces and clean them separately
Are your laces very dirty? Remove the laces from the shoe and immerse the laces in a bowl of water containing a suitable sneaker cleaning agent, such as the specially developed cleaning formula from First Amsterdam. If there is a lot of dirt or stains, apply a few extra drops to the laces and rub them between your hands until they foam up.
TIP: Run wet laces through a microfiber cloth to dry them faster and wipe out dirt.
Are your laces less dirty? Then you can also leave the laces in the shoe and brush them clean 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 become fluffy if they come into contact with these hard bristles.
4. Clean the sole: clean the sole properly
Use a hard brush and a good detergent to clean the soles, where stubborn dirt doesn't stand a chance. Don't apply too much pressure and let the bristles do the work.
If there are stains left, add some of the cleaning solution to a microfiber cloth and rub it with your index finger on the stain 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.
Is the water very dirty? Then replace the water and repeat the steps in step 4 but PLEASE NOTE: now use the soft brush. 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 the best result. Preferably leave the shoe trees in the shoe.
Keep the shoes away from heat sources such as the sun or a heater. This can cause the shoes to deform and/or discolour.
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 their fresh look!
