How to clean suede and nubuck sneakers
The particularity of sneakers is that they are rarely made of a single material.
For other cleaning tutorials, go here.
What you need to know when cleaning suede and nubuck sneakers
Suede comes from the inner side of the skin and nubuck from the outer side. Nubuck can be recognized by its short, sandy, peach-like bristles and suede by its looser, brushed bristles. Both require the same approach.
Before we jump in, let's break down a common misconception: suede/nubuck is neither fragile nor sensitive to water. It simply requires a different process than other materials.
Please note:
- Suede/nubuck will darken when wet. It will lighten up as it dries.
- When the suede has finished to dry, the texture becomes rough. The surface will require a dry brushing to recover its original softness.
How to clean suede and nubuck sneakers in 6 easy steps
1. PREPARE
2. DUST OFF
3. CLEAN THE LACES
4. CLEAN THE SOLE
5. CLEAN THE SUEDE/NUBUCK
6. DRY
1. Prepare the elements of the kit as well as a bowl of warm water and a towel if necessary. Shake the cleaner.
In addition to the Bascket products and a bowl of warm water, it is recommended that you use a towel to protect the surface on which you will be cleaning the shoes. Shake the bottle to mix the cleaner.
2. Dry-brush the shoes.
Remove excess dirt by brushing the shoe with the soft brush.
If you are dealing with mud, remove it as mush as possible. This will prevent the mud residue from getting wet and complicate the cleaning process.
Cleaning tips for suede and nubuck sneakers
Dry-brush the suede/nubuck
This step is strongly recommended for all types of materials, but particularly for suede and nubuck. Because of its texture, suede/nubuck tends to accumulate dust and dirt easily. This step will also allow your suede/nubuck to maintain its velvet-like aspect over time.
Use the suede eraser
For light stains, the suede eraser will tackle them easily. Gently rub the stain until it disappears.
3. Remove the laces and soak them in water. Rub them between your hands with a combination of water and cleaning solution.
This step is not mandatory but it is highly recommended to remove the laces to clean them thoroughly and to have access to the dirt that settles the tongue.
If they are slightly dirty, spray a liberal amount of solution directly onto the laces. Then rub them with water as if you were washing your hands. Rinse, wring out and dry the laces.
If they need more work, unscrew the spray cap and pour a small amount of solution on the laces. Rub them with water for a few seconds between your hands until foam appears. Soak them for 10 minutes in hot water. Rub them with the cleaning solution and soak them again for a few minutes. Repeat if necessary. Then rinse, wring out and dry the laces.
4. Spray the solution on the sole and leave it on for a few seconds. Dip the hard brush into the bowl of water and scrub without putting pressure. Then wipe off.
Spray the solution from a distance of 5 cm on the sole and let it work for a few seconds. Dip the brush into the bowl of water and scrub the sole in a straight motion. Don't force the movement, let the bristles of the brush do the work. Wipe with the microfiber or the towel.
If stains remain, spray more solution and leave for longer. Scrub again with hot water. If necessary, wrap the microfiber cloth around your index finger, dampen it and apply a small amount of solution. Then rub vigorously.
5. Spray the solution on the suede/nubuck and leave it on for a few seconds. Dip the soft brush into the bowl of water and scrub gently. Then wipe off.
If the water is dirty, replace it.
Spray the solution onto the leather from a distance of 5 cm and leave it on for a few seconds. Dip the soft brush into the bowl of water, make sure to shake the brush to remove excess water from the bristles and brush the suede/nubuck in a circular motion. Don't force the movement, let the bristles of the brush do the work. Blot with the microfiber or the towel.
If stains remain, spray more solution and let it sit longer. Brush again. If necessary, use the stiff brush and scrub gently in one direction only. Be careful not to damage the suede/nubuck. You can also wrap the microfiber around your index finger, dampen it and apply a small amount of solution. Then rub lightly.
Cleaning tips for suede and nubuck sneakers
Test the reaction of the suede
Test the dye's reaction to water. Dab the suede/nubuck using the microfiber with a little water. If you note that the dye is not fixed, you will need to use as little water as possible during the cleaning process.
Use as little water as possible
Using minimal liquid is key when cleaning suede/nubuck. This will allow the suede/nubuck to dry more easily and avoid spreading the dye on the rest of the shoe if it is not fixed. After soaking the brush, give it a good shake to remove as much water as you can.
Use the soft brush
Mainly recommended for nubuck. Use it in a circular motion. For stubborn stains, use the hard brush in a straight motion and in one direction only. Brush gently to prevent damaging the texture. Alternatively, use the microfiber wrapped around your finger.
Moisten both shoes
The colour of the suede/nubuck will change slightly after being dampened. Even if it is a small stain on one shoe, dampen both shoes with the microfiber cloth (do not soak them in water) to avoid colour differences after drying.
6. Blot with the microfiber or a towel. Let air dry.
Wipe clean. Place a cloth in the shoes, this will help them keep their shape while drying. Let them air dry. Avoid the dryer or heat sources such as radiators. Relace the shoes once they are dry.
Cleaning tips for suede and nubuck sneakers
Place a cloth inside the shoes while they dry
This allows the shoes to keep their original shape, while simplifying the drying process.
Restore the suede/nubuck texture after drying
After drying, the texture of the suede/nubuck becomes rough. To restore its original softness, gently brush the suede/nubuck with the hard brush in one direction and then in the other.
For nubuck, due to its very short bristles, you may need the suede eraser or the microfiber cloth to avoid scratching the material.
Small tip: to make the job easier, start brushing while the suede/nubuck is still slightly damp. Repeat when it is completely dry.
Need help?
Send an email to hello@shopbascket.com and I will come back to you as soon as possible.
