Suede and Nubuck care guide
Introduction:
This guide explains in a few simple steps how to clean up your suede shoes. We use only the best quality product made by Saphir, that way we get the best results and avoid having the lovely material on your suede and nubuck shoes affected negatively. In this guide we mostly talk about suede shoes, but please note that the treatment for nubuck shoes is exactly the same.
- Remove stains, use a suede eraser to lift dirt and marks.
- Wash suede safely, with a mild shampoo to even out colour and clean deeply.
- Let air dry, then brush to bring back the nap.
- Protect, finish with a natural spray (no silicone) for lasting protection.
Introduction:
This guide explains in a few simple steps how to clean up your suede shoes. We use only the best quality product made by Saphir, that way we get the best results and avoid having the lovely material on your suede and nubuck shoes affected negatively. In this guide we mostly talk about suede shoes, but please note that the treatment for nubuck shoes is exactly the same.
- Remove stains, use a suede eraser to lift dirt and marks.
- Wash suede safely, with a mild shampoo to even out colour and clean deeply.
- Let air dry, then brush to bring back the nap.
- Protect, finish with a natural spray (no silicone) for lasting protection.
Want to keep your suede and nubuck shoes looking fresh? Our Suede & Nubuck Care Set includes exactly the products featured in our Suede & Nubuck Care Guide, so you can clean, revive, and protect them step by step. You’ll get:
- Saphir Médaille d’Or Gommadin (gently removes marks and shiny spots)
- Saphir Médaille d’Or Omninettoyant (deep cleans and refreshes colour)
- The Shoe Care Shop Natural Protector Spray (protects against water and dirt)
- The Shoe Care Shop suede brush
- The Shoe Care Shop cleaning cloth
Follow the 3 steps from the guide and keep your shoes soft, and clean, ready for everyday wear.
Before/after
Suede may look delicate, but it’s easy to care for.
A simple routine is all it takes to keep your shoes looking their best.
After
Before
Stain removal and built up dirt
Suede shoes are easily cleaned with Saphir Médaille d'Or Gommadin, a sandstone that won’t harm or damage the suede. It will, however, remove grease and other stains. By gently rubbing the suede with the Gommadin block, it will detach stains and sticky substances from the suede. That way, the ‘eraser’ will remove soiling, stains, grease, and watermarks from your shoes while restoring the leather’s original texture. If you have a stain on your suede shoes, all you need to do is rub it with the Gommadin until the stain slowly disappears.
Tip!
Brush your suede and nubuck shoes often to remove any dust and debris. We recommend a crêpe brush or boar hair brush for this step.
Products for this step
Washing suede shoes
Eventhough people often think suede shouldn't get wet, the best way to clean your suede shoes is to wash them. We recommend using Saphir Médaille d'Or Omninettoyant– a special shampoo for suede, nubuck, crepe and textiles that will remove stains and refresh the original colour without affecting the suede material.
We use the bottle lid to dose the amount of cleaner. It is not an exact science, but we use about 2 lidfuls in an average-sized glass of water (200-300ml). Afterwards, rub the mixture royally into the leather with the included brush. When you are done washing the shoes, you need to rinse them off with water. Use a small brush or your hands to remove soap residues. Brush until the suede doesn’t foam anymore. Afterwards, leave your shoes to dry completely. Put some shoe trees in the shoes to maintain their shape. Don’t try to quicken the process by putting your shoes on top of the radiator or other source of heat, since that can damage and dry out the suede. When they are dry, use a crêpe brush to restore the natural look of the suede and brush the hairs of the suede in the same direction for a nice, smooth look.
Tip!
Saphir Médaille d'Or Omninettoyant is a true all-round cleaner, safe for almost any leather or material. Gentle yet highly effective, it removes dirt while reviving the soft, rich look and feel of your shoes. It even comes with a small cleaning brush! If you are planning to clean a lot of shoes we recommend upgrading to a larger cleaning brush.
Products for this step
Protect and waterproof
Use a spray based on natural ingrediënts to waterproof your suede shoes. A good universal waterproofing spray we recommend is Saphir Médaille d'Or Natural Protector spray. This spray is waterbased and therefore suitable for almost any material. Try to stay away from nano or silicone based sprays because they will dry out and therefore damage the leather in the long run. Apply the spray evenly, holding the can approx 15 cm from the shoes while applying to get an even spread over the entire shoe. Don’t forget the area where the sole meets the upper, as this is an area most exposed to water and dirt. Let the spray settle on the shoes for about 30 minutes. If you have never treated the shoes before, we recommend spraying them twice.
Tip!
Saphir Médaille d’Or Natural Protector Spray coats your shoes with an invisible, breathable barrier that repels water, dirt, and stains, all without altering the look or color of the leather. The formula is water-based, solvent- and gas-free, making it safer for both your shoes and the environment.
Products for this step
You might also be interested in these guides
Suede and nubuck guide
Freshen up your suede and nubuck shoes with this quick and easy maintenance guide.
Advanced shoe shine guide
Want to lift your shoe shine to the next level? Be sure to give our advanced shoe shine guide a read.
Sneaker cleaning
Make your sneakers as good as new with this sneaker cleaning guide.
Shoe Trees
Keep your shoes in shape with a pair of well made wooden shoe trees.