4 ways to clean suede or velor shoes without a brush

Suede shoes are very impressive. However, any dirt on it, be it stains, dust or salt stains, looks no less impressive. You can extend the life of your favorite shoes only by providing them with proper care. To do this, it is not at all necessary to regularly spend money on dry cleaning. You can restore your shoes to their proper form at home using the simplest means at hand.

Features of the material

Suede and velor are nothing more than polished leather. Suede is a more expensive material, as it is made from selected raw materials using the fat tanning method. As a result of this process, the material becomes not only soft and acquires a structure pleasant to the touch, but also waterproof. Shoes made from high-quality suede can even be washed. In this case, the properties of the material will not deteriorate.

Velor is a leather surface that has been sanded on the bakhtarma side. The second name for this material is “chrome suede”. Even leather with defects on the front surface is used as raw material for velor, which is why the cost of the material is lower. At the same time, velor retains high aesthetics, but the material does not have such properties as dirt and moisture resistance.

After the purchase

In order for shoes to retain their original appearance for as long as possible, you must begin caring for them immediately after purchasing them. Before leaving for the first time you must:

1. Wipe suede or velor with a flannel cloth.
2. Treat the surface of the shoes with a special water-repellent spray or impregnation.
3. Allow the product to dry.
4. Repeat the processing procedure 2 more times.

The product guarantees reliable protection for your favorite boots or ankle boots, even if the weather forecast is unfavorable. Moisture and dirt will not be able to absorb into the fiber structure. Due to impregnation, they will roll off the surface of the material. At the same time, the shoes will remain “breathable” and will be comfortable to wear.

Shoe cleaning products

An incorrectly selected suede brush can damage the structure of the material or, conversely, fail to cope with its task. In addition, this care item is not always at hand. If this is not available, you can use available home remedies, which, as a rule, can be found in any home.

Steam

Despite the water-resistant properties of suede, it should only be washed as a last resort. You can get rid of minor stains using steam. In addition, wet steam will help smooth out folds and creases and disguise small abrasions.

You can use a pan of water or a boiling kettle as a source of moist air. Having a steam generator or iron with a steam function will simplify the task. It is enough to hold the shoes over the steam jet for a short time, then carefully wipe the treated area with a clean napkin and apply a water-repellent spray.

Vinegar

Salt stains are a headache for any city dweller. The anti-slip agent leaves whitish “laces” on shoes that are very visible to the eye. Salt not only spoils the appearance of your favorite shoes, but also significantly shortens their service life.

This problem is solved using ordinary table vinegar. First you need to remove the salt crystals from the surface of the shoes.This can be done by using a regular eraser, which is found in every schoolchild's pencil case. Then use a cotton pad with a small amount of 9% vinegar to gently wipe off the stain. The remaining vinegar essence is washed off the suede with a damp cloth.

Talc

You can get rid of grease stains using talc. You can buy it at any pharmacy. At home, potato starch is often used as a replacement. Both of these products are excellent at absorbing fat.

The contaminated area is treated with talcum powder, after which the shoes are left for 2-3 hours. After time, the powder is carefully cleaned off and the treated area is wiped with a slightly damp cloth. This method is ideal for light-colored shoes.

Milk

Another cleaning method that can be used to restore light suede or velor shoes is milk.

The algorithm of actions is simple:

1. Dilute 5 grams of baking soda in 200 ml of milk.
2. Soak a cotton pad in the solution and gently wipe off all dirt.
3. Use a slightly damp cloth to remove any remaining product from the surface of the material.

For severe stains, you can use vinegar.

To make suede and velor shoes last longer, you need to remember a few simple rules for their operation:

• wear mainly in dry weather;
• After each use, it is advisable to at least lightly clean;
• regularly treat with special impregnation;
• dry only naturally (without heaters or radiators).

If possible, you should purchase a foam stain remover and a special eraser along with your shoes, which is suitable for both suede and velor with nubuck.

Proper care will allow shoes to last for several seasons, while maintaining a beautiful and aesthetic appearance.