How To Clean Suede New Balance Shoes – Explore the Best Technique

How to Clean suede New Balance shoes can be a bit tricky, as suede is a delicate material that can be easily damaged by water and harsh cleaning products. However, with the right techniques and tools, it is possible to keep your suede shoes looking like new.

Here are some steps on how to clean suede New Balance shoes:

Brush Away Dirt and Debris – Use a soft-bristled brush or suede eraser to remove any dirt or debris from the surface of the shoe.

Spot Clean Stains – Use a suede cleaning solution or a mixture of water and white vinegar to spot clean any stains on the shoe. Apply the solution with a soft cloth, being careful not to saturate the suede.

Dry the Shoe – Let the shoe dry naturally, away from heat sources. Avoid using a hair dryer or any other direct heat source, as this can damage the suede.

Revive the Nap – Once the shoe is dry, use a soft-bristled brush or a suede eraser to revive the nap of the suede. This will help to restore the shoe’s original texture and appearance.

Protect the Suede – Apply a suede protector spray to the shoe to help repel water and stains. This will help to keep your shoes looking like new for longer.

It’s important to note that these steps are for general cleaning, if there is a specific stain or problem with the shoe it’s better to consult with a professional cleaner or the manufacturer’s guidelines.

Manage the Materials First

Managing the materials first is an important step in the cleaning process, as it helps to ensure that the cleaning process is as efficient and effective as possible. This can include:

Identifying the Materials

Before cleaning, it is important to identify the materials used in the shoe, as different materials will require different cleaning methods. Suede shoes, for example, will require a different cleaning method than leather shoes.

Removing Any Dirt or Debris

Before cleaning, use a soft-bristled brush or a damp cloth to remove any dirt or debris from the surface of the shoe. This will help to prevent any dirt or debris from getting embedded deeper into the material during the cleaning process.

Testing the Cleaning Solution

Before using any cleaning solutions on the shoe, it is important to test the solution on a small, inconspicuous area of the shoe to ensure that it does not cause any damage or discoloration.

Protecting the Materials

After cleaning, it is important to protect the materials by applying a protectant or sealant that will help to repel water and stains.

By managing the materials first, you will be better equipped to clean your shoes effectively and safely, helping to prolong the life of your shoes.

Take the Laces Out and Start the Process

Taking the laces out of the shoes before starting the cleaning process can be an effective way to ensure that the entire shoe is thoroughly cleaned. Here are some steps to follow:

Remove the Laces

Carefully remove the laces from the shoes and set them aside.

Brush the Inside of the Shoe

Use a soft-bristled brush or a damp cloth to brush the inside of the shoe, removing any dirt or debris.

Clean the Sole

Use a damp cloth or a cleaning solution specifically for the sole of the shoe to clean the sole.

Clean the Upper

Use a cleaning solution or a mixture of water and mild detergent to clean the upper of the shoe. Use a soft cloth or brush to gently scrub the shoe, paying close attention to any stains or marks.

Dry the Shoe

Stuff the shoe with newspaper or a towel to help it hold its shape and allow it to dry naturally.

Clean the Laces

Clean the laces separately, use a damp cloth or a cleaning solution to wipe down the laces.

Re-lace the Shoes

Once the shoes are dry and the laces are clean, re-lace the shoes and tie them properly.

By taking the laces out before starting the cleaning process, you will be able to clean the entire shoe more effectively, including the inside of the shoe, the laces and the sole.

Strike the Shoes Against Each Other to Drive the Dirt

Striking the shoes against each other is a technique that can be used to drive out dirt and debris from the shoes. Here are the steps to follow:

Brush the Shoes

Use a soft-bristled brush or a suede eraser to remove any loose dirt or debris from the surface of the shoes.

Hold the Shoes by the Heel

Hold one shoe by the heel in each hand, with the toes pointing towards each other.

Strike the Shoes Together

Gently strike the toes of the shoes together, making sure to hold the shoes securely by the heel.

Rotate the Shoes

Rotate the shoes and repeat the striking process, making sure to cover all areas of the shoes.

Brush the Shoes Again

Use the soft-bristled brush or suede eraser to brush the shoes again, to remove any remaining dirt or debris.

Clean the Shoes

Use a cleaning solution or a mixture of water and mild detergent to clean the shoes, paying special attention to any stains or marks.

Dry the Shoes

Stuff the shoes with newspaper or a towel to help them hold their shape and allow them to dry naturally.

This technique can be useful for removing dirt and debris from shoes, but it’s not recommended for all materials, specially for suede shoes, and should be done with caution as it could cause damage to the shoes if done too aggressively.

Pour Some Water Drops on the Selected Portions

Pouring water drops on specific portions of a shoe can be an effective way to clean certain areas of the shoe that are particularly dirty or stained. Here are some steps to follow:

Identify the Areas

Identify the areas of the shoe that require cleaning, such as stains or scuffs.

Brush the Shoe

Use a soft-bristled brush or a suede eraser to remove any loose dirt or debris from the surface of the shoe.

Apply Water Drops

Using a dropper or a small cup, apply a few drops of water to the areas of the shoe that require cleaning.

Gently Rub the Areas

Using a soft cloth or a suede brush, gently rub the areas of the shoe where the water drops were applied to help lift the dirt and stains.

Blot the Areas

Use a clean, dry cloth to blot the areas of the shoe to remove any excess water.

Allow the Shoes to Dry

Stuff the shoes with newspaper or a towel to help them hold their shape and allow them to dry naturally.

It’s important to note that, this method is not suitable for all materials, specially for suede shoes, as water can damage suede and cause discoloration.

Additionally, it’s important to use small amount of water and not to saturate the shoe, and to make sure the shoe is completely dry before using it again.

Brush the Mid and Out Soles with a Bit Pressure

Brushing the midsole and outsole of a shoe with a bit of pressure can be an effective way to clean these areas and remove dirt and debris. Here are some steps to follow:

Brush the Shoe

Use a soft-bristled brush or a damp cloth to remove any loose dirt or debris from the surface of the shoe.

Focus on the Midsole and Outsole

Hold the shoe securely, and use a stiff-bristled brush or a toothbrush to focus on cleaning the midsole and outsole of the shoe. Apply a moderate amount of pressure while brushing these areas, to help remove dirt and debris that may be ground into the grooves of the sole.

Clean the Soles

Use a cleaning solution or a mixture of water and mild detergent to clean the soles of the shoe, paying special attention to any stains or marks.

Dry the Shoe

Stuff the shoe with newspaper or a towel to help it hold its shape and allow it to dry naturally.

It’s important to note that, this method is not suitable for all materials, specially for suede shoes, as it could cause damage to the shoes if done too aggressively.

Additionally, it’s important to use appropriate cleaning solution, and to make sure the shoe is completely dry before using it again.

Dry the Shoes Well

Drying shoes thoroughly after cleaning is an important step in the process to ensure that the shoes are not only clean but also in good condition. Here are some steps to follow to dry shoes properly:

Stuff the shoes: Stuff the shoes with newspaper or a towel to help them hold their shape and absorb any excess moisture.

Allow Them to Dry Naturally

Place the shoes in a well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight or heat sources, to allow them to dry naturally. This can take several hours or even a day, depending on the humidity and temperature.

Check the Shoes

Check the shoes periodically to make sure they are drying evenly, and to remove any excess moisture or newspaper/towels.

Repeat the Process if Needed

If the shoes are still damp after the first round of drying, repeat the process until they are completely dry.

Condition the Suede

Once the shoes are dry, you can use a suede conditioner to help restore the nap and protect the suede.

Store them Properly

Once the shoes are completely dry and conditioned, store them in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight.

It’s important to note that, Improper drying can lead to mold, odors, and damage to the shoes, specially for suede shoes, so it’s important to dry them properly to ensure they are in good condition.

Conclusion on How To Clean Suede New Balance Shoes

Cleaning suede New Balance shoes can be a bit tricky, but with the right methods and materials, it can be done effectively.

When cleaning suede shoes, it’s important to use a soft-bristled brush or a suede eraser to remove any loose dirt or debris from the surface of the shoe.

Also, avoid using water, as it can damage the suede and cause discoloration. Instead, use a suede cleaner or a mixture of baking soda and corn starch to clean the shoes.

Place the shoes in a well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight or heat sources, to allow them to dry naturally. Once the shoes are dry, you can use a suede conditioner to help restore the nap and protect the suede.

Following these guidelines can help you clean your suede shoes effectively and keep them in good condition.