Three Methods for Keeping Your Suede Boots in Good Condition

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   Permit the suede to air out. Suede shoes, in contrast to those made from materials like rubber or plastic, should not be stored in airtight plastic containers. The boots should be kept in cotton pillowcases while they are being stored away. The cotton will allow air to circulate and prevent dust from settling into the boots. [2]

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   Keep the boots in a dry, cool spot. When not in use, protect your suede boots from the sun by keeping them in a cool, dark place. Mildew can form after prolonged exposure to damp conditions, and overexposure to light has the same effect. Put them in a linen closet or another cool, dry place. [3]

   • If you want to keep your boots in good condition, you shouldn't keep them in a warm, damp location like a bathroom, garage, or basement.

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   Before storing the boots for the season, have them cleaned by a professional. Getting the suede boots cleaned is a good idea even if you've been taking good care of them. Doing so will get rid of any dust or dirt that you may have missed before putting them away and keep them from getting moldy or mildewed. See if a local dry cleaner will clean your boots by visiting or calling ahead. [4]

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   Invest in a suede-care spray Leather should be treated with a protector designed for suede that is resistant to water and stains. If you spray suede with a protective spray, you can keep water from damaging the material and altering the color or texture. [5] It's sold at many different retail outlets, including Target and Wal-Mart in addition to online marketplaces like Amazon. [6]

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   Clean the boot thoroughly. The boot must be clean before the spray can be used. It is best to do this as soon as possible after buying or receiving the boots, and certainly before wearing them. This way, you can avoid the hassle of cleaning them before exposure to the elements.

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   Don't forget to put a seal on the suede! Keep the spray bottle at a distance of six to eight inches from the sole of the boot. A fine mist should emerge from the bottle. Cover the entire surface of the boot in the protective spray and spray it thoroughly. Lightly spray the boot, as applying too much spray may alter the boot's texture or color.

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   If it's raining, you shouldn't wear the boots. The waterproof spray should keep the boots safe from snow and rain. On days when the rain is particularly heavy, however, you should forego the boots. It's best to let them air dry if they get wet, far from any heat sources. Then, once they're dry, brush them thoroughly with a suede brush. [7]

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   Keep dozing off Buy a suede brush designed specifically for brushing out the nap. The nap is the suede's surface. It will remove light scratches and help the shoes keep their plush feel. To keep your suede shoes in pristine condition at a low cost, you may want to invest in a suede brush. [8]

   • Retailers like Target and department stores like Macy's carry suede brushes.
   • Stuff the shoes with crumpled newspapers before you brush them. Because of this, the shoe is more likely to keep its form.
   • The nap should be brushed softly in the direction of the fibers. If you run your fingers or hands along the surface, you'll be able to tell in which direction the fibers are going based on how the fibers lay. Brush in that direction once this is established.

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   Have some cornmeal or talcum powder on hand. You should always carry some cornmeal or talcum in your purse if you plan on wearing boots. You could use something like a Tupperware mini-cup or a zip-top bag for this. If any liquid gets spilled on the boots, wipe it up with a dry cloth and then cover the affected area with the meal or talcum powder. You can use a suede brush to gently dust off the dried powder after letting the product sit out for a full night.

   • Put a clean towel and an extra pair of shoes in a bag or the trunk of your car if you'll be out of town for a while. In this way, if you happen to spill something on your shoes, you won't be stuck wearing soiled footwear.

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   Remove stains If a stain cannot be treated immediately and the stain has dried, use a suede brush to scrub away the stain, but do not apply too much pressure. Use white vinegar and a clean cotton towel to remove tough stains. To avoid spreading the mess, moisten the towel with the vinegar and blot the stain without applying too much pressure to the area. If the stain is stubborn, you may need to repeat the process with a fresh section of towel until it is gone. [9]

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   Don't use water to clean the boots. Suede's texture and color are both susceptible to alterations when exposed to water. Go to a dry cleaner if talcum powder or cornmeal don't remove the stain from the boots before they set. Take them to a dry cleaner or shoe repair shop in your area. [10]

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