An important question: can suede sneakers be washed in a washing machine or by hand?

New suede sneakers look stylish. However, over time they lose their former attractiveness.

To return them to their original appearance and remove dirt, you can use a washing machine or clean the sneakers by hand.

They need to be cleaned correctly so as not to damage either sports shoes or household appliances. We'll tell you in this article how to properly wash suede sneakers.

What happens if you wash suede?

It is not always possible to wash suede shoes in an automatic washing machine. There are a number of restrictions, including:

1. The presence of buckles, locks, fur inserts and other decorative elements on shoes.
2. The presence of parts that are fixed with glue.
3. Presence of defects or loose seams. During intensive washing they will become even more noticeable.
4. A very hard sole or frame of a shoe. Hard elements can damage the washing machine drum.

Contact with water may cause sneakers to lose color and shape. In addition, suede often becomes rough after washing. Therefore, it is not recommended to process a new pair in a machine.

As for manual cleaning, preference should be given to dry methods.. Water should only be used in extreme cases, for example, in the presence of persistent contaminants.

What to do with light-colored shoes?

Light-colored shoes need to be cleaned especially carefully. Full washing is contraindicated for her.

To remove dirt from sneakers, you can use the following methods:

1. Steaming. This method is suitable for combating stubborn stains. Place a pan of water on the fire and bring it to a boil. The contaminated area is kept over steam for about 5 minutes.

   The stain is removed using a white rubber eraser. If you don’t have it at home, you can use a stale crust of white bread.

2. A solution of milk and soda (take 0.5 tbsp of powder per 100 ml). Wipe the suede with the prepared mixture and leave for 5 minutes. Then the contaminated area is blotted with a sponge soaked in clean water.
3. Corn starch. It works great on greasy stains on light suede shoes. Sprinkle it on the contaminated area and leave for 3 hours. The starch is then removed with a soft bristle brush.

Features of cleaning in the washing machine

Most manufacturers do not recommend washing suede shoes in a washing machine.

The choice of detergent matters. Do not put dry powder into the washing machine. Preference is given to gels or liquid concentrates. You need to choose products that are suitable for washing delicate fabrics.

Be sure to take into account the color of the suede. It is not recommended to soak dyed sneakers or wash them with products intended for white items.

If this cleaning method is the only possible one, you must follow some rules:

1. Remove the laces from the sneakers and remove the insoles.
2. Remove all visible dirt: stones, dust, leaves. To do this, clean them with a dry brush.The sole can be washed under running cool water.
3. The selected cleaning agent is poured into the washing machine compartment.
4. Set the toggle switch to the “sports shoes” or “delicate” (“gentle”) washing mode. It contains parameters that are optimal for cleaning sneakers.

   If the washing machine does not have this function, then the setting is carried out manually. The water temperature should not exceed 30 degrees. The spin is turned off. This will minimize the risk of shoe deformation. The less time it is in contact with water, the better.

5. After finishing washing, the sneakers are removed from the machine and dried in the fresh air. It is recommended to stuff shoes tightly with light-colored, non-dying paper. This will prevent the product from becoming deformed.

Manually: which is correct?

Handwash suede sneakers are considered the most gentle. It allows you to carefully remove even the most difficult dirt from shoes.

Step-by-step algorithm of actions:

• dissolve the selected detergent in warm water;
• moisten a piece of gauze in the resulting solution and squeeze it out;
• apply the composition to the contaminated area - it should become wet;
• leave the product on the sneakers for a few minutes;
• after the specified time, rub the stain with a soft brush until it completely disappears;
• remove the soap solution with a clean damp sponge;
• After processing is completed, the sneakers are dried naturally.

Products that can be used to hand wash suede sneakers:

1. Laundry soap. In order for it to dissolve better, it is grated.
2. Dishwashing liquid, such as MIF or Feri. It is applied to the contaminated area and left for 5 minutes. Then remove with a damp sponge.
3. Liquid stain removers, such as Vanish. The gel is applied to the stain and left for about 15 minutes, after which it is removed with a sponge soaked in cool water.

The less suede comes into contact with water, the better.

Dry cleaning from dirt

Dry cleaning can remove simple stains on suede sneakers. This is the most gentle method of removing dirt from shoes. Most often it is used when processing light suede.

There are several dry cleaning methods:

1. Cleaning brush suede and nubuck shoes. It can be used to remove simple stains. They are easy enough to wipe clean. Movements should be light.
2. Rubber eraser. Using this stationery, you can remove particles of dirt and dust adhering to your sneakers.

   Use an eraser to gently rub the stain until it completely disappears. You need to choose a white, not a colored elastic band that has not been used before.

3. Talcum powder or baby powder. Powder products are used to remove greasy stains that have recently been acquired. Apply talcum powder to the stain, leave it on the shoe for half an hour, and then brush it off with a brush. To completely remove dirt, you can use a damp cloth.
4. Laundry soap. Rub it dry onto the stain. There is no need to pre-wet it. The soap is left on the shoes for 15 minutes, after which it is rolled off using a rubber brush. All dirt will be removed along with it.

This video will show you how to clean suede sneakers quickly and efficiently:

Washing bag

Sneaker washing bag It is a mesh that is secured with laces or a zipper. There are shock-absorbing inserts inside. They guarantee additional protection for shoes and the rotating elements of the washing machine.

Mode of application:

• pour the selected detergent into the washing machine compartment;
• place the sneakers in the net;
• run a wash cycle without spinning and drying;
• After cleaning is completed, the pair is taken out of the bag and dried in the fresh air.

To wash white suede sneakers, it is better to use bags made of light fabric.

How to dry?

Suede sneakers need to be dried correctly. If basic recommendations are not followed, the shoes will become stiff and lose their attractive appearance..

The best thing dry shoes in the fresh air, although this process cannot be called quick. It may take from 2 to 4 days.

To reduce drying time, you can put a crumpled piece of paper inside the sneaker. A few hours later he is removed. It will absorb excess moisture, allowing the shoes to dry faster.

Tips to speed up the drying process sneaker:

1. Leave shoes in a room with good ventilation and low humidity.
2. Take the couple out onto the balcony. However, you need to find a place for it that is protected from direct sunlight.
3. Use a hairdryer. This method is used only in extreme cases. The device is turned on at minimum power and the sneakers are blown with it, keeping them at a distance of at least 20 cm. You cannot expose one place to a jet of hot air for too long.

It is recommended to dry the insoles separately.Lace up your sneakers only after all the moisture has evaporated from them.

When should you go to dry cleaning?

Natural suede shoes are expensive. If your sneakers are new but very dirty, you can take them to the dry cleaner. Specialists will expose the pair to professional detergents, thoroughly remove all stains and dry it thoroughly.

Criteria for quality work:

• no stains;
• softness and even color of suede, without scuffs;
• removal of unpleasant odor.

For classic cleaning of sneakers you will have to pay about 1,500 rubles. For this price the client will be provided with the following range of services:

• removal of stubborn dirt, salt deposits, oil stains, dust and dirt;
• washing insoles and laces;
• removal of pellets;
• shoe deodorization;
• combing suede and covering it with special compounds;
• restoration of the shape of sneakers.

You can also use the shoe restoration service at the dry cleaner.. Its cost starts from 2500 rubles.

The craftsmen will not only remove stubborn dirt, but also paint the pair in any color, restore damaged elements and carry out other work.

Important Tips

To remove dirt from suede sneakers as carefully as possible, The following recommendations should be taken into account:

1. You should resort to treating shoes with water or washing them in an automatic machine only in extreme cases.
2. You should not wear wet sneakers; you must wait until they are completely dry. A lot of dust will stick to wet shoes, which will be difficult to clean.
3. To dry your sneakers, use only white paper. Colored newspaper can stain shoes, leaving unsightly streaks on them.
4. To remove dust from suede, you must use special brushes. They are sold in hardware stores and shoe departments.
5. Suede does not tolerate rough handling.

Conclusion

Suede sneakers require careful wearing and cleaning. You can deal with minor stains on your own using improvised means. If the stains are complex, then their removal should be entrusted to professionals.