How to care for suede shoes at home and the best remedies
Suede shoes are beautiful, warm and stylish, but they require a lot of maintenance, especially in winter. The fleece material is prone to dust accumulation, moisture penetrates the porous material and deforms the suede, reagents leave unsightly stains. However, with proper cleaning and regular handling, suede shoes or boots will stay attractive and last a long time.
Hardware Features
Suede is a natural material obtained from the skins of small ruminants by means of suede, i.e. fat tanning. Such boots and boots look expensive and sophisticated, the foot feels warm and comfortable, and the leather "breathes" due to the breathability of the material. The popularity of suede is due to its characteristics such as softness, ductility, velvetiness and fineness.
Candy
High-quality natural suede is very soft and pleasant to the touch, which is why it is used for sewing jackets, dresses, gloves, accessories and shoes. Soft shoes do not cause discomfort to wear.
Viscosity
As a result of processing, suede acquires such a property as ductility. The advantage of this feature is that even a slightly tight boot stretches and sits on the leg, taking on a comfortable shape. A negative consequence of ductility is the irreversible deformation of the material if it is mishandled.
Velvety
Velvety natural suede on both sides - front and back. The presence of lint adds complexity to the maintenance of the material: dust and dirt accumulate between the villi, the velvety surface can harden, crumble or glaze and lose its appearance. If you run your hand over the pile, it changes direction - this is the difference between natural and artificial suede.
Subtlety
The material is thin and light, but despite this, it retains heat well. Thanks to this, it is not cold in winter boots made of natural suede. At the same time, in the summer, a leg in lightweight breathable thin suede sneakers will not be hot. Shoes and sandals look great, the thinness of the material allows you to create interesting models of shoes with an unusual decor.
How to choose a quality product
When choosing shoes, shoes or boots, first of all, attention should be paid to the appearance: the surface should not have scratches and mechanical damage, traces of glue and protruding threads. The color must be uniform and not leave traces on the fingers. To choose really high-quality suede shoes, you should pay attention to the following nuances:
- The natural suede will heat up after a short contact with the palm, the artificial material will remain cold.
- The heap will change direction, and therefore shade, if you run your hand over it.
- The villi should not fall out.
- Natural materials cannot be cheap.
- Quality suede has leather smell, no chemicals.
- If you press down on the surface of the toe or heel and release, the material will spring back to its original shape.
- For boots and winter boots, the insulation should be of uniform thickness.
- The sole should not only be glued, but also sewn.
- When choosing boots, they check the operation of the zipper, which in good shoes does not reach the bottom of the sole at the bottom, but has an internal valve.
- If you have seams, you should carefully examine how they fit and if there are traces of glue.
The funds that will be needed
To care for suede boots and shoes, you need your own shoe cosmetics; smooth leather creams cannot be used. It is better to purchase the necessary tools, tools and accessories together with the purchase of shoes, so it will be possible to choose the shade of colored paints that best suits the chosen model.
Water repellent spray
Suede shoes are afraid of moisture, so it is very important to protect them with a special product from water and dirt before going out. On new boots or shoes, a water-repellent spray is applied three times, then the procedure is repeated once before each use. The general rules for using an aerosol are as follows:
- The spray is applied only to the cleaned material.
- The distance between the spray can and the boots should be about 30 centimeters.
- Before treatment, care should be taken to protect the floor or any other surface on which the agent will be sprayed.
- The treatment is carried out in a ventilated area.
Impregnation
The porous surface of suede absorbs water, so such shoes must be impregnated with special agents. Impregnations penetrate deep into the material and protect it from the harmful effects of atmospheric phenomena for as long as possible. For suede, it is better to use products with a fluorocarbon resin: they form a kind of epoxy coating on the surface.
foam cleaner
A foam cleaner can help dry clean your suede boots. Aerosol packaging allows you to quickly and evenly spray the composition on the surface, after which the product is distributed using a flannel napkin and left to act literally for a minute.
The foam is cleaned at the same time as the dirt, and the coat thus treated remains thoroughly cleansed, while retaining its structure and color.
Repair paint
Suede shoes come in a wide variety of shades, ranging from standard black and brown winter boots to vibrant exotic shoes and sandals. But during operation, the color fades and fades. Special paints for suede, available in a convenient spray can, will help to refresh it.
To restore the color of suede shoes or boots, you need to do the following:
- Choose a special suede paint of a suitable shade in the store.
- Clean and dry shoes.
- Lift the pile with a rubber brush or a special eraser.
- Spray paint evenly from a spray can.
Tensioner
Suede shoes are soft and able to adapt to the shape of the foot, but there are situations where you need to slightly reshape the model or soften the material.This can happen if areas of the suede have hardened during use, the selected pair is a bit too small or due to individual characteristics of the foot structure, such as a protruding bone. The stretcher is sprayed inside the shoe, the shoe is put on and walked for several hours, after which it takes the desired shape.
Tools required
Special tools are required for processing suede, since the woolen material requires special care. It is better to buy accessories in a specialized store, giving preference to expensive and well-known brands, so there will be less risk of damage to delicate suede, while ensuring high-quality cleaning.
hard brush
Regular shoe or clothes brushes are not very good for suede, they can crush the velvet and cause it to shine. It is better to purchase special brushes on which stiff bristles are combined with metal fibers.
It is convenient to have double-sided brushes made of various materials available, allowing you to remove dirt from hard-to-reach places, brush off dust and even out the pile.
Gum
It is recommended to process the velvety material with the help of special erasers for suede shoes, which are sold in shoe stores. The device removes different types of dirt and raises the pile. In case of urgent need, you can use an ordinary stationery eraser, but for constant use you need to have at your disposal a tool specially designed for shoes.
Crepe brush
The tool is intended for cleaning and lifting the hair of suede shoes. It is only used on pre-dried suede.Typically, these brushes combine natural bristles, metal “bristles” and rubber inserts made in the shape of a labyrinth. Every detail is used depending on the material the shoes are made of, its condition and the degree of pollution.
How to take good care of yourself at home
The main rule for caring for suede shoes is evenness, otherwise the woolen material may lose its beauty and softness. Shoes must be cleaned and dried after each use, and the rules of use must be observed.
Treatment with nano-spray or special aerosol
Nanosprays and special protective sprays are developed on the basis of modern technologies. Their principle of operation is based on the fact that after processing the thinnest film forms on the material, which can protect it from moisture and stains. The applied water repellent does not impede air circulation.
Special rubber brushes
Natural rubber is a soft material that won't damage delicate suede. You can buy a separate rubber brush, as well as double-sided or combined inserts. The tool is used to remove scuffs and grease, lift the pile and restore the velvety feel of suede.
Wear shoes in good weather
Even with proper care, suede boots and shoes should not be used as casual shoes. It is particularly recommended to refrain from operating in the following weather conditions:
- Rain or drizzle. Suede does not like moisture.
- Dirt and slush. It is difficult to clean a fluffy material from soggy earth and dust.
- Snowy winter. Reagents used to treat sidewalks settle on snow-covered shoes and can leave stubborn white marks.
Prevent mild burnout in summer
Vivid colors may fade and fade in direct sunlight. Refresh the color using special spray dyes of a suitable shade. It must be remembered that only cleaned and dried shoes are painted.
Use a foam cleanser
The foam cleaner will remove dirt on dark, light and colored suede without losing the luminosity of the shade and damaging the structure of the material. It is recommended to use the product outdoors or in a well ventilated area as the smell is usually harsh.
After treatment with a cleansing foam, you need to wait until the shoes are completely dry and smooth the hair with a brush.
Storage rules
In order for suede shoes to last more than one season, it is important to store them properly. It is recommended to consider the following points:
- Before being sent for long-term storage, the boots should be cleaned and dried.
- Each pair is placed in a separate box.
- Do not store suede shoes in a plastic bag: mold can form.
- To maintain the shape, special pads or crumpled paper are placed inside the shoes.
- It is best not to fold the top of the boots, as this can cause creases.
- Keep away from batteries and heating devices.
Some courtship characteristics
The general rules for caring for suede boots, boots, shoes and sandals are the same: after each use you need to clean, dry, treat with protective agents. Shades vary by season and shoe type.
In winter
In winter, it is especially important to treat the boots with a water repellent that will protect the delicate material from wet snow, dirt and road chemicals. New shoes are coated three times, then pre-applied before each outing. After use, the shoes are dried away from the batteries, cleaned and the pile is straightened.
artificial material
For both artificial and natural suede, it is imperative to use water-repellent products before going out. After returning, the boots are dried away from the battery and cleaned with a brush. Even if there is no visible dirt, the hairs will lift the nap and give the shoe a neat look.
Shoes
Shoes worn in the summer, most often shoes and sandals, suffer the most from dust. Each time after the street, the shoes should be cleaned by brushing the dust with a soft cloth. After drying the shoes naturally, they are cleaned with a brush, the hair is raised and treated with a protective agent.
Boots
To prolong the life of your suede boots, be sure to clean and dry your shoes after each use. Moisture from the inside of the shoe can be removed with crumpled paper, this will also protect it from deformation when drying.
Boots
In soft suede boots, the foot is cozy and comfortable. Plus, the material will add sophistication and elegance to any look. But when choosing and when operating such shoes, it is necessary to take into account a number of nuances:
- It is better to buy suede winter boots if the main way of getting around is by car, or to use such shoes when going out.
- Do not wear suede boots in rain or sleet.
- On black and brown boots, white salt stains from reagents are especially noticeable, which can be removed with a cloth soaked in vinegar.
- Bootlegs should not be bent during storage.
Autumn
In autumn, as in spring, the main task is to protect suede from moisture, which it cannot tolerate. Dry the boots thoroughly after each wear. If they have not yet dried, it is better to put on another pair. Always use water repellents before use.
Caring for suede shoes is not as difficult as it seems to many. The basic requirements are to do it regularly and to use the appropriate means specially designed for the material. Spending 5-10 minutes for your favorite boots or boots after each use can significantly extend their lifespan and maintain their stylish appearance for a long time.