Suede has a magic all of its own. Soft to the touch, rich in colour, and effortlessly stylish – it’s the kind of material that elevates your trainers from everyday to premium. But suede is also a little… particular. It needs a gentler approach to stay looking and feeling its best. Here, we’ll walk you step-by-step through how to clean suede trainers (and shoes) safely, restore their texture, and help them stay looking fresh for longer – so you can keep moving in style.    ## What to Know Before Cleaning Suede    A little prep goes a long way. Suede is delicate, so the right approach will protect the fibres (known as the nap) and prevent damage.    - Let dirt or mud dry completely before you try to remove it – suede doesn’t like being worked on while wet. - Never soak suede or put it in the washing machine – water can stain and warp the material. - Remove the laces to make cleaning easier and avoid marks. - Insert a shoe tree (or stuff with paper towels) to help them keep their shape. - Test first – if you’re using a cleaner, try it on a small hidden area.    ## Essential Tools for Cleaning Suede    Having the right kit on hand makes cleaning safer and more effective:    - Suede brush – for lifting dirt and reviving the nap. - Suede eraser – removes scuffs and light marks. - Soft toothbrush – useful for getting into seams and edges. - White vinegar or rubbing alcohol – for tougher stains. - Talcum powder – absorbs oil stains. - Paper towels or a microfiber cloth – for blotting and gentle cleaning. - Suede protector spray – your shield against future marks.    ## Step-by-Step: How to Clean Suede Trainers    **Step 1 – Dry and Brush** Let any mud dry naturally. Once dry, use your suede brush (or toothbrush in a pinch) to gently brush away surface dirt. Always brush in one direction to lift the nap without fraying it.    **Step 2 – Remove Scuffs and Light Marks** Light scuffs can be erased with a suede eraser or clean white rubber. Apply gentle pressure, then brush again to restore that soft, velvety finish.    **Step 3 – Target Stains (Water, Oil, Other)** - Water stains: Lightly dampen the entire area to avoid tide marks, then let it dry naturally before brushing. - Oil stains: Sprinkle with talcum powder, leave overnight, then brush off. - Other stains: Dab (don’t rub) with a cloth lightly moistened with white vinegar or rubbing alcohol, then let dry.    **Step 4 – Air Dry and Finish** Let your trainers dry away from direct heat or sunlight. Keep them in shape with a shoe tree or paper stuffing. Once dry, reapply your suede protector spray for extra defence.    ## Can You Put Suede Trainers in the Washing Machine?    In short: no. Machine washing can cause colour bleeding, shrinkage, and a roughened, misshapen nap. At FitFlop, we recommend always cleaning suede by hand, following the gentle steps above.    ## Tips for Keeping Suede Shoes Looking New    - Protect first – spray with suede protector before your first wear. - Brush regularly to lift the nap and prevent dirt from setting in. - Avoid water and oils, including perfumes and lotions. - Rotate your footwear – give suede time to breathe between wears. - Store smart – keep them away from heat and direct light.    ## Explore FitFlop’s Suede Collection    Discover the latest women’s and men’s suede shoes designed with our signature biomechanical comfort – so you can feel as good as you look.    - [Women’s Suede Shoes](https://www.fitflop.com/uk/en/shop/womens-suede-shoes-uk) - [Men’s Suede Shoes](https://www.fitflop.com/uk/en/shop/mens-view-all-uk?&@materialGroup=suede) - [Women’s Suede Boots](https://www.fitflop.com/uk/en/shop/womens-suede-boots-uk) - [Women’s Suede Trainers](https://www.fitflop.com/uk/en/shop/womens-suede-sneakers-uk)