Best Suede Cleaners For Shoes 2024

Suede can add a touch of elegance and sophistication to any outfit, but maintaining its pristine appearance can be a challenge. That's where owning the best suede cleaner for shoes comes in and is your ally in preserving your favourite footwear.

In this guide, we've delved into the world of shoe cleaning to uncover the best solutions for cleaning suede based on products renowned for their effectiveness, ease of use, and ability to breathe new life into your sneakers. We've also taken price into account to some degree because, let's face it, nobody wants to be breaking the back on a cleaning product.

With that being said, whether you're after an all-inclusive shoe cleaning kit, like the highly rated Jason Markk Shoe Cleaning Essentials, or a specialised product, like the Kiwi Suede & Nubuck Stain Eraser designed to tackle tough stains, our recommendations cover it all.

So, for dealing with unsightly stains, scuffs, or simply looking to refresh your suede collection, our list has you covered. Say goodbye to suede woes and hello to impeccable, suede-ccessful shoe care!

Best suede cleaners for shoes

1. Angelus Easy Cleaner Kit - best general cleaner for suede
2. Kiwi Suede & Nubuck Stain Eraser - a great choice for quick touchups
3. Bickmore Suede & Nubuck Cleaner - an excellent sprayable solution
4. Jason Markk Shoe Cleaning Essentials - a top natural formula
5. Shoe MGK Cleaner Kit - best budget kit

Credit: Angelus

1. Angelus Easy Cleaner Kit

Best suede cleaner for shoes

Angelus Easy Cleaner has previously been featured in our list of the best leather cleaners for shoes, as it is suitable for many different fabrics, including suede.

In the kit, you get Angelus' Easy Cleaner solution plus a soft-bristled brush and a microfibre towel, thus giving you everything you need to keep your shoes clean and ready to wear every day.

Angelus also boasts its formula is gentle and non-toxic, meaning you shouldn't have to worry about staining your suede sneakers at all during the cleaning process.

All in all, this cleaning kit looks to be a standout option to consider, not just for suede shoes, but for cleaning your entire sneaker collection.

Read More: Best places to buy sneakers

Credit: Kiwi

2. Kiwi Suede & Nubuck Stain Eraser

Best eraser suede cleaner for shoes

For those seeking a quick and effective method to banish stubborn stains from their suede sneakers, the Kiwi Suede & Nubuck Stain Eraser is a great solution to consider.

Made by Kiwi, this tool is designed to restore the pristine look of both your cherished suede shoes and other suede items like bags, boots, and jackets with regular and delicate napped finishes.

Using this eraser is a breeze: simply glide it over the unsightly stains marring your suede, and then gently brush away any lingering residue. The result? Your shoes will emerge free from any blemishes, making this eraser an ideal choice for promptly dealing with persistent marks on high-quality suede sneakers.

Ultimately, when you require a swift and dependable remedy to maintain the impeccable appearance of your suede footwear, the Kiwi Suede & Nubuck Stain Eraser stands out as the perfect choice.

Read More: Best sneaker protector sprays

Credit: Bickmore

3. Bickmore Suede & Nubuck Cleaner

Best suede cleaner spray for shoes

The Bickmore Suede & Nubuck Cleaner spray has been specially crafted to effortlessly remove oil and water stains from suede, nubuck, and roughout leather. It prides itself on a residue-free formula that not only cleans but also nourishes and softens your sneakers. This added feature helps extend the longevity of your suede and nubuck possessions, making it an excellent choice for maintaining your sneaker collection.

Furthermore, with its generous 8 oz. bottle, you'll have an ample supply of this formula to ensure your suede shoes and other suede items remain in impeccable condition throughout their entire lifespan.

So, be sure to explore this product if you're seeking a convenient and effective spray for your suede sneaker collection.

Read More: Best shoe crease protectors

Credit: Jason Markk

4. Jason Markk Shoe Cleaning Essentials

Best natural suede cleaner for shoes

The Jason Markk Shoe Cleaning Essentials kit is a highly valuable resource for efficiently cleaning a wide range of sneaker types, even those made from suede.

The cleaning solution is particularly great as it boasts an impressive 98.3% natural composition, which not only makes it environmentally friendly but also biodegradable. This means you can use it with confidence on sneakers of any colour and material, especially suede, knowing that it's gentle and safe.

In addition to the eco-friendly cleaning solution, the kit features a soft-bristled brush designed to delicately but effectively tackle stubborn stains, ensuring that your sneakers receive a thorough and impeccable cleaning.

As a result, we wholeheartedly recommend these cleaning essentials as an essential addition to your collection, helping you maintain a pristine and flawless sneaker collection with ease.

Read More: Best suede protectors for shoes

Credit: Shoe MGK

5. Shoe MGK Cleaner Kit

Best budget suede cleaner for shoes

The Shoe MGK Cleaner Kit offers an inexpensive solution for keeping your suede sneakers in pristine condition. With its effective cleaner and conditioner solution and soft-bristle brush, this kit definitely has all the tools you need to clean your entire collection.

Shoe MGK takes pride in its cleaning formula, which is capable of tackling tough stains like grass, oil, grease, and even paint. The concentrated, all-natural ingredients ensure that only a few drops are needed to achieve clean suede sneakers. This means that the 4 oz. bottle will last a considerable amount of time, making it a cost-effective choice.

Considering all these factors, we believe that the Shoe MGK Cleaner Kit is a worthwhile option for those seeking an inexpensive and long-lasting solution to keep their suede sneakers in top shape.

Read More: Best leather shoe conditioners

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

There are usually a ton of questions that emerge when trying to figure out what the best suede cleaners are. Don't worry though, because we've answered some of the most commonly asked questions right here.

How do you use a cleaner to make suede shoes look like new?

Cleaning suede shoes can be a straightforward process with the right tools. One common method is to mix suede cleaners with water or spray them directly on the shoes, then use a brush or cloth with soft bristles to gently remove any stains. It's important to follow the grain of the suede while brushing for optimal results.

Another effective option is to use a suede eraser. Simply rub the dry block on the stain and then use a soft-bristled brush to remove any remaining debris before wiping the shoe clean.

However, it's important to read and follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully for the best results.

Can you use baking soda on suede shoes to clean them?

No, we'd not recommend using baking soda on suede shoes as it can damage the delicate suede material. Baking soda is an abrasive substance and can alter the texture and colour of suede.

Instead, it is better to use a suede brush or a soft cloth to gently remove any surface dirt or stains, even for your best white sneakers. For stubborn stains, you can use a suede eraser or take the shoes to a professional cleaner who specialises in suede.

That said, baking soda can absorb grease, odours, and clean stains when rubbed in. So, if you've got nothing but baking soda around to clean your suede shoes, then you may be safe to use it on a one-off occasion. However, avoid baking soda to clean your shoes as much as possible would be our general takeaway.

What should you not use on suede shoes?

To begin with, it's important to steer clear of using too much water when cleaning suede shoes as it can cause staining and harm the material. Similarly, harsh chemicals, particularly bleach or ammonia-based cleaners, and abrasive tools like brushes or cloths should be avoided to prevent scratching and damaging the suede. Instead, opt for specialised suede brushes or erasers specifically designed for cleaning suede, or consider seeking the assistance of a professional cleaner for your suede shoes.

Furthermore, it's crucial to refrain from using washing machines or dryers to clean suede shoes. These methods can result in excessive soaking of the shoes and the intense heat may even cause the adhesives and fabric to melt.

If there are specific stains on your suede shoes you're struggling to deal with, however, you can lightly dab a clean cloth with white vinegar and gently blot the stained area. However, it's essential to do a spot test in an inconspicuous area first to ensure that the vinegar doesn't cause any discoloration.

How often should you clean suede shoes?

How often you clean your suede shoes depends on how much you wear them and the accumulation of dirt and stains. As a general guideline, aim to clean suede shoes every one to two months to uphold their appearance and prevent dirt and stains from building up.

However, if your suede shoes come into contact with dirt or moisture, it's crucial to clean them promptly to avoid stain setting. Utilise a suede brush for dirt removal and texture restoration, and a suede eraser for more stubborn stains.

Maintaining suede shoes' longevity involves applying a suede protector spray regularly. This safeguards against water and contributes to prolonged shoe life. Overall, consistent cleaning and protection efforts will help maintain the pristine look of your suede shoes over the years.

Can suede shoe cleaner be used on other types of shoes?

Suede shoe cleaners are primarily designed and formulated for cleaning and maintaining suede shoes. However, they may also be suitable for cleaning certain other types of shoes, depending on the material.

For example, suede shoe cleaners can often be used on nubuck leather, which has a similar texture to suede, as well as normal leather, which is usually fairly robust and can withstand most cleaning solutions. However, it's always important to check the label or instructions to ensure the cleaner is compatible with the materials you're looking to use it on.

With that in mind, there are some materials where a suede cleaner will most likely be damaging. These materials might include patent leather, for example, which is incredibly shiny and can sometimes require a specialised solution, and delicate fabrics.

Our main takeaway is always to read the manufacturer's instructions and test the cleaner on a small, discreet area before applying it to the entire shoe.

Is it safe to use suede cleaner on coloured suede shoes?

In general, it is safe to use suede cleaner on coloured suede shoes, providing it's a relatively clear solution that won't dye or stain the material.

To ensure this, make sure you always read and follow the instructions provided by the suede cleaner manufacturer. Some suede cleaners are formulated specifically for use on certain colours or types of suede, so the label will indicate if it is safe for coloured suede shoes.

Before applying the suede cleaner to the entire shoe, we'd recommend you perform a spot test on a small, inconspicuous area to check for any adverse reactions. This is crucial, especially if you are using a new or unfamiliar product. Only gently apply the solution and do not overuse it as this can potentially lead to the fading of the colour or alteration of the original appearance.

By following these guidelines and using a suede cleaner that is safe for coloured suede, you can effectively clean and maintain the appearance of your shoes without causing any harm to the colour or material.

Is suede cleaner effective for removing odours from suede shoes?

Yes, a suede cleaner can be effective in removing odours from suede shoes. Suede cleaner not only helps to clean the surface of the shoes but also penetrates the material to remove dirt, oils, and other substances that can contribute to unpleasant smells.

However, it's important to note that if the odour is caused by excessive moisture or mould, additional steps may be necessary, such as allowing the shoes to dry thoroughly or using specialised products designed to remove them.

Also, a suede cleaner can only be used on the outside of your shoes. For bad odours inside, we'd recommend checking out some of the best sneaker deodorisers instead.

Do you need to apply a protective spray after using suede cleaner?

Yes, we'd highly recommend you apply a protective spray after using a suede cleaner. Suede cleaner is designed to clean the surface of suede, but it may not provide long-term protection against stains and spills.

Applying a protective spray can help create a barrier on the suede, making it more resistant to liquid and dirt penetration. This can help maintain the cleanliness and appearance of your suede items over time. However, it's important to read the instructions provided with the specific suede cleaner and protective spray you are using, as different products may have different recommendations.