How To Clean Microfiber Boots

Galaxy is a mother of three with thirty years of experience in making money go further.

Save Money by Cleaning Your Own Suede

Suede is one of those materials you either love or hate. It's soft and warm to the touch, but it can be a devil to clean once it gets grubby. If you have suede boots or shoes, you know they can get dirty quite often.

A professional dry cleaner may be your best bet at getting out dirt and stains, but if that's not an option for whatever reason, you can have a go at cleaning it yourself. It's not as scary as it sounds as long as you know the right way to go about it. You need to act quickly because dirt and stains are far easier to remove before they settle in.

If the suede you want to clean is a piece of furniture, remove the cover first if it's possible. I know a lot of furniture manufactured today comes with removable covers, which I think is a great idea. If you don't have those and have to clean the item without moving it, then put down a dust sheet or tarp to protect your floor. Cleaning suede can be a messy business.

What You'll Need

Eraser: The one at the top of a pencil is fine.
Paper Towels
White Vinegar
Small Soft Brush
Small Fluffy Hand Towel
Small Sponge

How to Clean Faux Suede Shoes

If the mark you want to clean is already dry, first brush the suede with a soft brush to bring up the pile and expose the dirt.
Rub an eraser over the stain. Don't rub too hard, as this can destroy the fabric's nap and ruin the look of the suede forever.
Take an almost dry sponge and rub the affected area to remove even more surface dirt. Then, leave it to dry. If the stain is still wet, blot as much of the dirt away with paper towels, sponge a little water over the stain, leave it to dry, and then try the eraser method.
Finally, give the item a good brush.
As a last resort, use a minimal amount of white vinegar on a small fluffy towel and rub the stain in a circular motion. Only do this for a short time, and keep checking the material as you are cleaning. If it starts to discolor, stop using the vinegar.
If the item you cleaned is a pair of shoes and they are in any way damp, stuff them with something to help keep their shape as they dry. Never leave a suede item in direct sunlight, as suede is very prone to fading. If you leave it out as it dries, you will find uneven patches appear that will never go away.

Have You Ever Considered Faux Suede?

Sometimes, the suede or leather items you have really need to be cleaned by a professional. This can be very expensive. Many faux suede and leather goods on the market look and feel just like the real thing. They clean well and very cheaply, and you can use ordinary tap water and a little mild detergent to do so. Perhaps you can consider switching to items made from this material: It could save you money while saving the animals' hides.

This article is accurate and true to the best of the author's knowledge. Content is for informational or entertainment purposes only and does not substitute for personal counsel or professional advice in business, financial, legal, or technical matters.

Questions & Answers

Question: Can water and soap clean faux suede?