Cleaning your suede sandals primarily involves using the correct brushing technique to remove dirt and restore the nap.
To effectively clean your suede sandals, the key is gentle brushing using the right tools. This method helps lift away surface dirt and refresh the texture of the suede.
Here's what you'll need and how to do it:
Essential Tools
According to cleaning recommendations, you should use a brush or a gentle abrasive tool:
- Suede Brush: This is the ideal tool specifically designed for suede.
- Alternatives: If you don't have a suede brush, a fingernail brush, toothbrush, or anything with soft bristles will suffice.
- Gentle Abrasive: A nail file can also work, as long as you operate gently.
Brushing Technique
Once you have your tool ready, follow these steps:
- Ensure the sandals are dry. Attempting to clean wet suede can cause stains to set.
- Choose your brush (suede brush, soft-bristle brush, or nail file).
- Begin brushing the affected area.
- While brushing, try to follow the grain of the suede. Look at how the fibers naturally lay and brush in that direction.
- Apply a gentle amount of pressure. Avoid pressing too hard, as this can damage the suede fibers.
- For stubborn spots, you might need to brush back and forth gently or use the edge of a nail file very carefully.
- Brush the entire surface to restore the uniform texture and appearance of the suede nap.
This brushing method is effective for removing dried dirt, dust, and scuff marks by lifting the fibers and dislodging particles.
