Cleaning fans have been sharing a genius hack for removing stains from suede shoes, and all you need is a £1.60 product that is most commonly used on your hair
Cleaning suede shoes doesn’t have to be a nightmare with this clever trick. If you own a pair of suede boots, sandals, or other footwear, you’ll know that stepping out in them comes with its risks. You can’t wear them when it’s raining as the material is highly prone to water damage, and scuffs and scratches are all too visible.
Water can even cause irreversible damage to your shoes, making the material stiff and brittle. They are also susceptible to staining from oil and grease, which can permanently discolour the suede. But if you’ve got shoes on your shoe rack that you’re too afraid to wear, fear not.
Cleaning enthusiasts have discovered a brilliant way of getting stains out of suede, and all you need is a £1.60 product that’s most commonly used in your hair. The hack has been shared on both Facebook and TikTok by cleaning buffs, and was most recently posted in a group for fans of home hack queen Mrs Hinch.
A woman in the online group sought advice on removing marks from a pair of bright pink suede heels covered in dark scuffs and scratches.
One person suggested she try nothing other than dry shampoo. They shared a link to a TikTok video by a woman named Ruth that was posted in 2024, in which she tried spraying dry shampoo on a dark stain on her suede sandals.
In the video, Ruth applied the shampoo directly on the stain until the shoe’s surface turned white. She then let it sit for five minutes before gently removing the powdery shampoo using a suede brush, revealing a spotless shoe underneath.
She penned: “Cannot believe how well this worked! Spray the area with dry shampoo, leave it for five minutes, and brush it off – [it comes out] like new!”
Dry shampoo can be purchased from most chemists and supermarkets. Branded products often cost around £4 for an aerosol can, but you can also buy some own-brand products for much cheaper, with some as low as £1.60.
At the time of writing, only one other comment on the Facebook post about the suede heels has been made. In it, the person suggested holding the shoe over the steam from the kettle as it boils and then using a special suede brush to scrub the stains away gently.
Before trying any hacks on your footwear, make sure to assess the risks first. We recommend doing a patch test before spraying any products over your shoes.
How to keep suede shoes clean
If dry shampoo isn’t your thing, you can use other natural methods to clean your suede shoes. To follow the steps below, you will need a suede brush, a suede cleaning block, some white vinegar, a soft cloth, and clean paper towels.
- Stuff the shoes with paper towels or a shoe form to help maintain their shape during cleaning
- Use a suede brush to gently remove dirt, dust, and debris
- Use the rubber side of a suede brush or suede cleaning block to gently rub scuff marks in a circular motion
- For tough stains, gently blot the area with a soft cloth dipped in white vinegar and allow the spot to dry completely before brushing to restore its texture
- Consider applying a suede protector spray to keep your shoes from damage