Can suede sneakers be washed in the washing machine?

Suede shoes are popular due to their comfort, stylish and elegant appearance. To ensure that suede sneakers last a long time and are pleasing to the eye, you need to know how to wash and clean them correctly. With our advice, maintaining or even restoring the velvety, color and shape of the material afterwards will not be difficult. There are several ways to wash suede. Which one to use depends on the degree and type of contamination.

Can suede sneakers be washed in a washing machine?

You can use a washing machine only in emergency cases, when the shoes are 80-90% dirty or more and it will be difficult to clean them properly by hand. Prolonged exposure to water can cause shrinkage, and exposure to chemicals (powder) has a negative effect on the materials. Not only the fabric suffers, but also the glue that holds the sole. Another aspect is that in the washing machine the product gets completely wet, which increases the already considerable drying time. And the desire to speed up the process can only do harm.

If you cannot do without this method, here are its basic rules:

• 1-2 tablespoons of powder (not bleaching!);
• duration no more than an hour;
• spin – 700 rpm;
• temperature - 40-50 degrees.

Advice

It is recommended to use washing gel instead of powder: it provides a more gentle effect.

The success of the event largely depends on the sneakers themselves.A high-quality product will withstand automatic washing; all that remains is to organize proper drying.

Rules for drying suede shoes

There is no rush to dry! What can and cannot be done after washing?

• Do not dry near a radiator or air conditioner, especially not directly on a heating device! The moisture will evaporate perfectly even at room temperature.
• It is worth using wooden (they need to be wrapped in a bag) or plastic blocks to prevent deformation and speed up the process.
• The sun's rays are also harmful and can cause color fading and shape changes. After washing, the sneakers should be placed in the shade.
• It is not recommended to use special dryers with heating elements: they can cause “waves” to appear on the sock, and due to such heating, some materials, especially suede, lose their former appearance.
• Safe drying time is one and a half to two days.

Principles of manual care

Manual cleaning methods directly depend on the type of dirt. If it's just regular street dust and dirt, regular laundry detergent will clean your suede sneakers. Dishwashing detergent can remove greasy stains. If the dirt is minimal, you can remove it with a regular sponge soaked in a soap solution. To rinse, moisten the sponge in clean water and wipe.

Advice

To make washing suede sneakers easier, it is recommended to let them sit for 3-5 minutes after soaping and before rinsing. This way the procedure will be much more effective.

If the dirt is significant, you can wet the sneakers under the shower stream before you start cleaning. The brush should have soft bristles (hard bristles can erase the texture of suede).The recommended concentration of the powder is 1-2 tablespoons per glass of water.

How to return sneakers to their original appearance?

There comes a time when simply washing your suede sneakers is not enough to keep them looking like new. Just a few simple tricks can easily update their look.

• How to return a texture?

When in contact with water, the fibers stick together, so after drying you need to use a special soft, porous sponge for suede. It perfectly smoothes and separates the fibers, making the surface velvety again.

• How to bleach soles?

A mixture of toothpaste, hydrogen peroxide and vinegar will effectively whiten and remove yellowness. The mixture should be applied with a toothbrush to a white surface and sealed tightly with cling film for 2 hours. The process can be repeated 2-3 times.

An excellent tool is an eraser for nubuck and suede. It perfectly masks darkened rubber until the first contact with water.

• How to glue the parts?

After washing, rubber often comes off, especially on the toes and heels. The resulting gap must be degreased and apply polyurethane shoe glue using a toothpick. For gluing, be sure to press down on the rubber and hold for 1-2 minutes. Heating, for example, using a lighter at a distance of 5-7 cm will increase the likelihood of success.

• How to remove washing marks?

After thorough cleaning, the glue between the sole and the base is again visible. It can be painted over with a regular marker.

Advice

Prevention is the best way to increase the lifespan of your favorite shoes. Don't forget about water-repellent protectors. One can lasts a very long time. This simple procedure, which takes a few seconds, will ensure that the suede lasts longer and remains attractive.

Preserving the beauty of suede is not so difficult.This requires timely, regular and proper care. Following the above tips for washing suede sneakers is guaranteed to increase their service life and protect them from premature wear.