Why Suede and Washing Machines Are a Bad Idea
Let’s be real: putting suede shoes in the washing machine is like inviting a bull to a china shop. Suede is a delicate material that suffers from water like it just lost its best friend. The sensation? Water stains, texture changes, and stiffness that can turn your stylish footwear into a cracking, stiff disaster. According to BootBuddy and Whirlpool, machine washing suede boots isn’t just risky—it’s a direct route to ruining them.
Suede loves to stay dry. Water causes irreversible effects such as dark stains and a change in softness. Tossing them in the washer can also wreck your washing machine, as the shoes’ stiff soles and delicate structure fight with the tumbling and spinning.
So, as tempting as it might be to grab your suede shoes and hit the “start” button, let’s explore why it’s not worth the gamble, and what you should do instead.
The Do’s and Don’ts of Cleaning Suede Shoes
Do: Remove Laces and Insoles
First things first, take off the laces and insoles. These bad boys can usually withstand a gentle soak in warm water with mild detergent. Let them soak separately to avoid risking your suede’s health.
Do: Brush Off Dirt Gently
Use a suede brush or a very soft-bristled toothbrush to sweep away dried mud or loose dirt. The key here is to brush in the direction of the suede’s nap—the short fibers that give it that cozy texture. Brushing against the grain can rough up the surface and leave your shoes looking worse for wear.
Do: Spot Clean With Care
Got a stubborn stain? Use a suede-specific cleaner or a foam cleaner designed for delicate suede material. If you’re feeling adventurous (or prefer natural remedies), dab gently with white vinegar or rubbing alcohol on a soft cloth. Apply sparingly; possible overdosing can leave a new stain or damage.
Don’t: Saturate Suede With Water
Avoid soaking suede like it’s part of a science experiment. Water can leave dark spots and harden the supple leather. If you must use a damp cloth, blot carefully, never rub, and aim for minimal moisture.
Don’t: Use a Dryer
Throwing suede shoes in the dryer? Cue dramatic pause. Bad idea. Heat kills the texture and can shrink your shoes faster than you can say “ouch.” Instead, air dry them naturally, away from any heat sources like radiators or direct sunlight.
Do: Use a Suede Protectant Spray
Once squeaky clean, keep your suede shoes protected with a waterproofing spray designed for suede. This helps repel future dirt and moisture, adding a defensive layer against your next unexpected splash of adventure.
Step-by-Step Cleaning Guide for Suede Shoes
Ready to get those suede shoes back in fighting form? Follow this simple process to keep them looking fresh without a washing machine catastrophe:
- Start by removing laces and insoles, soaking them gently in warm water with mild detergent.
- Brush your shoes thoroughly with a suede brush, focusing on removing dirt while following the grain.
- Spot clean stains using a suede cleaner, or try gently dabbing with white vinegar or rubbing alcohol on a microfiber cloth.
- Blot any damp areas; do not soak. Let the shoes air dry completely, away from direct heat or sunlight.
- After drying, brush the suede again to restore its nap and texture.
- Finally, apply a suede protector spray to shield your shoes from dirt and water damage moving forward.
If you’re curious about washing machines, there is a detailed discussion on the risks and alternatives to cleaning suede shoes using machines.
Are There Any Exceptions to the Machine Washing Ban?
Some might ask, “But can’t special machines or sneaker cleaning systems handle suede?” The short answer is: usually not without risk. While there are niche professional cleaners with special equipment, home washing machines are typically too harsh.
Videos demonstrating attempts to machine wash suede shoes often end with disappointing results—shoes that come out stiff, stained, or misshapen. This sneaker cleaning YouTube demo and another washing machine experiment gone wrong reinforce that manual cleaning remains the safer bet.
Tools and Products to Make Cleaning Easier
So you want to treat your suede shoes like royalty? Here’s some gear that’ll help keep that soft nap looking top-notch:
- Suede brush: Essential for dirt removal and restoring texture. It’s made with soft rubber or nylon bristles designed specifically for suede’s fabric.
- Suede eraser: Like a magic wand for scuffs and stains, this little tool gently rubs away blemishes without damaging Nike’s favorite fabric.
- Suede cleaner or foam: Specially formulated for delicate materials, available online or in shoe stores.
- Protectant spray: Think of this as a raincoat for your shoes. It repels water and grime to avoid future damage.
You can check out quality suede cleaning kits and sprays here for India and here globally (including the USA).
Quick Tips for Suede Shoe Care
- Always test: Try any cleaner on a hidden patch before full application.
- Storage matters: Keep your suede in a cool, dry place to avoid mildew or stains.
- Don’t rush drying: Patience is a virtue—natural air drying preserves shape and softness.
- Brush regularly: Frequent brushing keeps the nap fluffy and dirt-free.
- Use shoe trees: These keep your shoes’ shape intact and help absorb moisture.
Conclusion: Keep Calm and Skip the Washing Machine
The verdict is clear: don’t even think about tossing your suede shoes into the washing machine. The risk of damage simply outweighs any convenience. Instead, take a gentle, manual approach to cleaning that respects suede’s delicate nature. Armed with the right tools and a little TLC, your suede shoes will stay looking suave for seasons to come.
If you want to dive deeper into cleaning suede gloves, gazelles, or even other delicate items like stuffed toys, our website has plenty of resources waiting for you.
Keep your kicks fresh, your style sharp, and remember: some things just CAN’T be rushed or rotated through a washing machine.