How To Clean Suede Trainers: A Step-by-Step Guide To Keep Them Looking Fresh

So you just got a fresh pair of suede trainers, and now they’re already starting to look a little rough around the edges — that’s totally normal, especially with suede being the delicate material that it is. The good news? Cleaning them doesn’t have to be a big deal. Whether they’ve picked up a few scuffs on the sidewalk or just need a bit of a refresh, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about how to clean suede trainers without messing them up.

If you're rocking a pair of Reebok suede trainers or any other style made from that soft, velvety material, you know they look great — but also how easily they can get dirty. Suede soaks up moisture like a sponge and can be a bit of a magnet for dust, grime, and all sorts of little marks that make your shoes look less than perfect. But don’t worry, with the right tools and a little patience, you can bring them back to life without breaking a sweat.

There’s a reason people keep coming back to suede trainers — they’re stylish, versatile, and can go with just about anything in your closet. But let’s be real, keeping them in good shape takes a bit of effort. That’s why we’re breaking down the best cleaning techniques, from brushing out dirt to using a suede eraser and even some household tricks. By the end of this post, you’ll feel confident about taking care of your favorite kicks — so they’ll keep looking sharp for way longer.

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Table of Contents

• Why Suede Needs Special Care
• What You’ll Need to Clean Suede Trainers
• Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Suede Trainers
• How to Remove Tough Stains from Suede
• Maintaining Your Suede Trainers After Cleaning
• FAQ: People Also Ask

Why Suede Needs Special Care

Suede is a type of leather that’s been sanded on the inside to create that soft, fuzzy texture. Unlike smooth leather, it doesn’t have a protective top layer, which makes it super sensitive to water, dirt, and oils. So if you’ve ever stepped in a puddle or dropped a bit of coffee on your trainers, you know how quickly things can go from bad to worse.

That’s why it’s super important to use the right cleaning methods and products. Regular soap or water can actually make things worse by leaving behind water spots or making the material stiff and damaged. Suede needs gentle care — and a few specific tools — to keep it looking its best.

Another thing to keep in mind is that suede doesn’t bounce back easily once it gets stained or soaked. That’s why acting fast when something spills or splatters on your shoes makes a big difference. Prevention is key too — more on that later — but the main takeaway is: treat your suede trainers with a little extra love, and they’ll last you way longer.

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What You’ll Need to Clean Suede Trainers

Before you dive into cleaning, make sure you’ve got the right tools on hand. Trying to use random stuff from around the house might actually hurt your shoes more than help. Here’s a list of what you’ll need to do the job right:

• Suede brush – For gently lifting dirt and restoring the nap of the fabric
• Suede eraser or block – Perfect for removing scuffs and deeper marks
• Soft cloth or microfiber towel – For wiping and applying cleaning products
• White vinegar or rubbing alcohol – Useful for tackling stains (more on that later)
• Cornstarch or talcum powder – Great for oil stain removal
• Suede protector spray – A must-have for keeping your trainers looking fresh in the future
• Shoe trees or rolled-up newspaper – Helps maintain shape while drying

If you’re cleaning a specific brand like Adidas or Reebok, double-check if there are any care instructions on the tag or box. Some brands might recommend certain products or discourage others, so it’s always good to be sure. And if you’re not sure where to get these supplies, most shoe stores or online retailers carry complete suede cleaning kits that include everything you need in one neat little package.

Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Suede Trainers

Alright, let’s get into the actual cleaning process. It’s not rocket science, but it does require a bit of care and attention. Here’s how to do it the right way:

1. Remove laces and insoles – Start by taking out the laces and insoles so you can clean every part of the shoe thoroughly.
2. Brush off loose dirt – Use a suede brush to gently remove any dust or dirt on the surface. Brush in one direction to avoid damaging the nap.
3. Erase scuffs and marks – Grab a suede eraser and work it over any scuff marks or stubborn spots. You’ll start to see the marks disappear right away.
4. Tackle stains with household items – For oil stains, sprinkle a bit of cornstarch or talcum powder on the affected area and let it sit overnight. For water or coffee stains, dab a little white vinegar or rubbing alcohol on the spot with a soft cloth.
5. Brush again to restore texture – Once everything’s dry, use the suede brush again to fluff up the fabric and bring back that soft, fresh look.
6. Apply a suede protector – Finish things off by spraying a suede protector all over your trainers. This creates a barrier against future stains and water damage.

It’s a good idea to clean your trainers as soon as they start looking a bit dull or dirty. The longer you wait, the harder it’ll be to get those stains out. And always let them air dry — never put suede near a heater or in direct sunlight, or you might end up with stiff, faded spots.

How to Remove Tough Stains from Suede

So you’ve got a stubborn stain that won’t come out no matter how much you brush or erase — now what? Don’t panic. There are a few more aggressive methods you can try without wrecking your trainers.

For grease or oil stains, like from food or hand lotion, cornstarch is your best friend. Sprinkle a generous amount over the stain and let it sit for a few hours or even overnight. The powder will soak up the oil, and when you brush it off, the stain should come with it.

If you’re dealing with water stains, you can try a mix of white vinegar and water (1:1 ratio). Dab a bit onto a cloth and gently rub the spot. Let it dry and then brush the area to restore the texture.

For ink stains, rubbing alcohol can work wonders. Apply a small amount to a cotton ball and dab the spot lightly. Be careful not to rub too hard or you might spread the ink further.

And if all else fails? You can always take your trainers to a professional shoe cleaner. It might cost a bit more, but it’s better than risking damage by trying something that might not work.

Maintaining Your Suede Trainers After Cleaning

Cleaning your trainers once isn’t enough — you’ve got to keep them looking good moving forward. Here are a few easy ways to make sure your suede stays fresh:

• Use a suede protector spray regularly – This creates a barrier that helps repel water and stains. You can find sprays at most shoe stores or online.
• Avoid wearing suede in wet or muddy conditions – Suede doesn’t handle water well, so if it’s raining or the sidewalks are a mess, maybe save the suede shoes for another day.
• Brush your trainers every few days – Just a quick once-over with a suede brush helps keep the texture soft and free from dirt buildup.
• Store them properly – Use shoe trees or stuff them with newspaper to keep their shape and absorb any moisture inside the shoe.

Think of suede like a delicate fabric — it’s not indestructible, but with a little care, it can last a long time. And if you’re someone who wears their trainers every day, you might want to do a light clean once a week and a deeper clean once a month, depending on how much wear and tear they get.

FAQ: People Also Ask

Can I use water to clean suede trainers?

Technically, yes, but you’ve got to be super careful. Water can leave behind marks or cause the suede to stiffen up if not dried properly. If you do use it, go for a light misting rather than soaking the shoes, and always use a soft cloth to blot — not rub.

How do I remove salt stains from suede trainers?

Salt stains are super common in the winter, especially if you live somewhere with snowy sidewalks. A good trick is to mix equal parts white vinegar and water, then gently dab the salt spots with a soft cloth. Let them dry and brush the area to restore the texture.

Can I put suede trainers in the washing machine?

Short answer? No, probably not a great idea. Suede can get ruined in the washing machine — the agitation and water can cause shrinking, staining, or texture changes. If you really need to wash them, stick to hand-cleaning methods or use a professional cleaner.

Want to learn more about keeping your trainers in top shape? Learn more about how to care for different types of shoe materials and keep your whole collection looking sharp.