How do you clean Nike Air Force suede?

To clean Nike Air Force 1 suede based on the provided information, you should start by gently brushing away dirt and debris using a dry brush.

Cleaning suede requires a delicate touch to avoid damaging the nap (the soft, raised surface). The initial step involves removing loose dirt and surface particles before attempting any deeper cleaning, which the reference specifically addresses.

## Step-by-Step Suede Cleaning

Follow these steps for cleaning your Nike Air Force 1 suede, utilizing the technique mentioned in the reference:

1.  **Prepare the Shoes:** Ensure the shoes are dry before you begin. Wet suede is much harder to clean and more susceptible to damage.
2.  **Gather Your Tools:** You will need either a dedicated **suede brush** or a clean, dry **toothbrush**. If neither is available, a **clean cloth** can be used, though a brush is often more effective for lifting dirt from the nap.
3.  **Gently Brush the Surface:** Using your chosen brush or cloth, gently brush the entire suede surface of the shoe. The goal is to lift away any loose dirt, dust, or debris that is sitting on top of the suede fibers.
    *   Brush in multiple directions initially to dislodge particles trapped in the nap.
    *   Once the initial debris is removed, you can often brush in a single direction to help restore the uniform look of the suede nap.

## What to Avoid When Cleaning Suede

Based on the reference, it is crucial to avoid certain cleaning methods:

*   **Avoid Soap:** Do not use soap on your suede shoes.
*   **Avoid Water:** Do not use water directly on the suede.

Using **soap or water** on suede can potentially stain, mark, or permanently damage the material, making the mess worse rather than better.

## Quick Cleaning Summary

Here's a simple breakdown of the method:

| Action        | Tool                       | Result                             | Avoid            | Potential Issue          |
| :------------ | :------------------------- | :--------------------------------- | :--------------- | :----------------------- |
| Brush Dirt    | Suede Brush / Toothbrush   | Removes surface dirt & debris      |                  |                          |
| Wipe Dirt     | Clean, Dry Cloth (if no brush) | Removes surface dirt & debris      |                  | Less effective than brush|
|               |                            |                                    | **Soap**         | Staining / Damage        |
|               |                            |                                    | **Water**        | Staining / Damage        |

By focusing on dry methods like brushing, you can effectively clean loose dirt from your Nike Air Force 1 suede while preserving the material's texture and appearance, specifically avoiding the pitfalls of using soap and water as warned in the reference.