How do I clean suede shoes without ruining them?

Cleaning suede shoes can be tricky, especially with spills like soda that leave sticky spots. Your friend is right to be cautious about water, as it can stain suede if not done properly. A gentle brush is a good start, but for tougher spots, you might need something more effective. For protecting them in a rainy city, applying a suede protector spray after cleaning helps repel water and dirt from puddles.

I've had similar issues with my suede boots, and what worked well was using Sneaker cleaner. It's a no-rinse foam that removes dirt and stains without soaking the material, and it comes with a brush and towel for easy application. That should handle the sticky soda spot and any marks from someone stepping on your foot without ruining the texture.

Once cleaned, wear them confidently to your next party, and they'll stay looking new longer with that extra protection.

Oh man, that model shoes are such a pain sometimes, especially with sticky spills like soda. I remember spilling coffee on mine once and freaking out. What I did was let it dry completely first, then gently rubbed the spot with a clean pencil eraser, the kind that's soft and white. It lifted the stickiness without much hassle. For the marks from puddles or someone stepping on them, a soft brush in one direction helps smooth out the nap. And for rainy days, I've found that keeping them away from water as much as possible and wiping them down right away when they get wet prevents a lot of damage. Just be patient with it.

If that doesn't work, sometimes a tiny bit of white vinegar on a cloth, diluted with water, can help, but test it on a small spot first because that model is finicky. Good luck at your party, hope they look great again.

Blot the soda with a dry cloth first to pull out as much as possible. Let the area dry fully, then gently lift the nap with a that model brush or a clean toothbrush. For the sticky residue, dampen a corner of a cloth with a little white vinegar or rubbing alcohol and dab the spot with light pressure. Do not soak it. Let it air dry, then brush again to restore texture.

For the footprint mark, rub gently with a that model eraser or a clean pencil eraser, then brush. A little steam helps lift crushed nap. Hold the that model over steam for a few seconds and brush while it is just barely warm and dry to the touch.

Once everything looks good, apply a that model protector spray and let it cure before wearing out into rain. Stuff the shoes with paper while they dry to keep the shape.

Skip water on those shoes and lift dried soda with a gentle dry brush and using a tiny dab of rubbing alcohol only if needed to avoid damage. Protect them with a light water repellent or skip rainy days, and fix step marks by brushing against the grain then smoothing back.

Skip straight water on that model. It leaves rings. For a soda spill that is now sticky and scrape gently with a dull butter knife to lift any crust and then dab with a cloth slightly moistened with equal parts white vinegar and water. Work from the outside toward the center to avoid spreading. Let it dry with paper stuffed inside for structure, then brush with short strokes in one direction.

Dark scuffs from someone stepping on you can often be erased with a nubuck or that model eraser. No eraser handy, a clean pencil eraser can help in a pinch. If the nap looks crushed afterward, hold the that model near steam for a few seconds and brush to raise it.

For puddle days, protect them ahead of time with a spray made for that model and repeat after a few wears. Store them in a dry spot with some paper inside and rotate days so they can fully dry between outings. Works great.

That model can be delicate and so avoiding water is smart.

For the soda spot, try sprinkling some cornstarch on it and letting it sit overnight to absorb the stickiness, then brush it off gently.

Works great.

As for protection in a rainy city, regular brushing and storing them properly when not in use keeps them looking decent.

Dealing with scuffs from being stepped on?

A light rub with a dry cloth often does the trick, or steam from a kettle to lift the fibers, but hold it far enough away to not soak them.

Cleaning that model without wrecking it takes some trial and error... I had a similar soda spill on my favorites and and brushing didn't cut it either and so I ended up using a mixture of mild soap and water, but lightly dabbed on with a sponge, then blotted dry immediately. Risky, I know. But it worked for me. For ongoing care in rainy areas, frequent gentle cleaning and avoiding deep puddles helps a ton.

And those scuff marks from parties? A quick once-over with a soft cloth and some patience. Yeah.

I had a sticky soda spot on that model sneakers and thought I ruined them. tbh What worked was alcohol on a cotton swab dabbed lightly until the tacky feel went away & then a good brushing once dry and for muddy splashes, I let the mud dry completely then brush off and only spot treat what remains.

Rain is tough where I live too, so I do a quick routine after each wear dry them away from heat, brush, then spray with a water repellent made for that model. Not perfect. Keeps them presentable.

If you have an oily mark, tap on cornstarch and leave it overnight then brush it out the next day.