Can you wash real suede?
Jessica Wood
Updated on January 18, 2026
Suede is soft and luxurious but unfortunately it's quite porous so that makes it a stain magnet. It's not washable so you either need to get an item professionally cleaned or try a few of these methods to get the job done yourself.
What happens if you machine wash suede?
Suede jackets can be washed in the washing machine, but doing so may lead to discoloration and stiffening of suede. Most experts recommend that you avoid putting suede items in the washing machine because the results are going to be completely unexpected.How do you clean real suede?
Rub the suede all over with a white cloth dampened with vinegar or alcohol, then let it dry completely. After it's dry, fluff up the fabric one last time using the brush. And voila, your suede will look clean, lustrous, and fabulous!Can suede go in the washing machine?
Do not put fabrics like leather or suede in the washing machine, ever. Do not use warm or hot water cycles – this can warp the shoes, damage the fabric, and cause colors to run. Do not use a powder detergent – these can get caught in your shoes and not dissolve properly.Will washing suede shoes ruin them?
Is it OK to wash suede shoes? It is okay to wash suede shoes — as long as you do so in a safe, suede-protecting way. Avoid using water to clean your suede shoes. Instead, use a clean cloth, a suede cleaning brick, and vinegar to make your suede shoes look once again like new.Quit RUINING Suede Shoes Jackets & Boots | ULTIMATE Guide To Cleaning Suede Leather
Does water ruin suede?
Know that water will not ruin your suede shoes if you take your time letting them dry. Do not wipe, rub, or scrub your suede vigorously. When the soft, delicate hairs get wet they will tense up and become brittle, making them easy to rip off.How do you wash suede in the washing machine?
If you choose to wash suede in the washing machine, use a front-loading machine if possible.
- Top-loading washing machines can twist or wring clothing.
- Select the gentle or hand wash cycle.
- Use a mild detergent in cool water.
- Remove the item before the spin cycle and use the towel method to remove water.
- Hang to dry.
Does suede shrink when wet?
Luckily, whether you bought a pair of shoes that are just slightly too large or your favorite pair of shoes are stretched due to wear, you can shrink them to get a better fit. To shrink leather, suede, and canvas shoes, you can wet the fabric and apply heat to make the material shrink.Can I clean suede with water?
Although it might sound counterintuitive, adding water can help remove water stains on suede shoes. Use a spray bottle to lightly spritz water across the surface. Gently brush the surface using a suede brush or toothbrush. Blot up any excess water with a clean cloth or paper towels, then let dry completely.Is suede fabric washable?
Suede is soft and luxurious but unfortunately it's quite porous so that makes it a stain magnet. It's not washable so you either need to get an item professionally cleaned or try a few of these methods to get the job done yourself.What's the difference between suede and leather?
Leather and suede are both animal hides, but they look and feel different. Leather is defined by its smooth texture, while suede's surface can be more accurately described as soft—this is because leather is the outer-facing side of the hide, while suede is the inner-facing side.Can you clean suede with dish soap?
With a cloth or brush, dust away any dried dirt or grime. Make a solution of warm water and dish soap , dampen a cloth with the soapy water to wipe down the shoes. Use another cloth dampened with just water to remove the soap from the shoes.How do you make suede soft again?
To restore your suede shoes at home, gently brush them with a suede brush using a back and forth motion, which will clean and restore the nap. You can use a soft-bristle toothbrush if you don't have a suede brush. If your shoes have stains, try dabbing them with white vinegar. Let the vinegar dry, then brush the area.Is washable suede real suede?
Washable suede can come in one of two types — real suede and synthetic suede. Real suede can be made washable if it is treated with an enzyme and then washed. Faux suede is not made from animals at all, but is a manufactured microfiber fabric.How long does suede take to dry?
It will take up to 24 hours. Pro tip will be to place a folded paper or cloth underneath the shoe for better results.How do you care for suede?
How to store suede shoes
- Always keep them out of direct sunlight to avoid fading.
- Keep them away from heat such as radiators.
- Allow them to air dry if they get wet and insert shoe trees to maintain their shape.
- Store them away in quality shoe bags when out of use.