THE suede is a delicate and elegant material, often used for making shoes. Its softness and suppleness are highly valued, but suede also tends to stain easily. To avoid damaging your shoes and restore their shine, find out how to use baking soda to clean them.
The importance of preliminary dusting
To avoid further incrustation of dirt during cleaning, it is essential to dust your suede shoes thoroughly before using baking soda. To do this, use a soft toothbrush or a special suede brush. Gently brush the surface of your shoes to remove dust and superficial dirt.
The choice of brush for good dusting
- The soft toothbrush: it allows you to brush hard-to-reach areas with precision.
- The special suede brush: designed for this material, it is ideal for brushing effectively without risking damaging the surface of the suede.
How to clean localized stains with baking soda?
If your suede shoes have localized spots, you can use baking soda to remove them. Here is the procedure to follow :
- Mix a tablespoon of baking soda with a little water to make a paste.
- Apply this paste to the stains using a toothbrush or clean cloth.
- Leave on for about 30 minutes, then scrub gently with the toothbrush to loosen the dirt.
- Wipe off excess paste with a damp cloth and let your shoes air dry.
This method should only be used for localized stains so as not to alter the color of the suede. For an overall cleaning of your shoes, it is better to use another technique.
Why is baking soda effective against stains?
Baking soda is a natural product that has many cleaning and deodorizing properties. It acts as a mild abrasive, allowing stains to be removed without damaging the surface of the suede. In addition, it absorbs bad odors and neutralizes acids, which can be useful for treating specific stains such as those left by vinegar or wine, for example.
Cleaning suede shoes with a mixture of baking soda and starch
For an overall cleaning of your suede shoes, you can prepare a solution based on baking soda and starch. This method will make it possible to restore shine to the colors of your suede, without risk of damaging it. Here’s how:
- Mix two tablespoons of baking soda with one tablespoon of cornstarch (cornflour type).
- Add a few drops of water to get a thick paste.
- Spread this paste all over your suede shoes using a toothbrush or clean cloth.
- Leave on for about 30 minutes, then scrub gently with the toothbrush to loosen the dirt.
- Wipe off excess paste with a damp cloth and let your shoes air dry.
What is the role of starch in this mixture?
Corn starch has an absorbent action, which helps to remove grease and impurities embedded in the suede. Combined with baking soda, it forms a paste that acts as a mild abrasive to thoroughly clean the surface of your shoes without damaging them.
A few tips for preserving your suede shoes
In order to extend the life of your suede shoes and prevent them from staining too quickly, here are some tips to follow:
- Avoid wearing your suede shoes in the rain or on wet floors, as water can damage the material.
- Remember to waterproof your shoes as soon as they are purchased with a specific product for suede. Repeat this operation regularly to maintain good protection.
- Regularly brush your suede shoes with a special brush to remove dust and prevent stubborn stains.
- Store your shoes away from light and humidity, if possible in their original box or in a breathable fabric bag.
By taking care of your suede and using baking soda to clean your shoes, you can maintain their original appearance and extend their life.
