Sometimes your suede shoes need more than a quick brush-down. Maybe they've been through a muddy weekend, picked up some stubborn stains, or just look a bit tired after months of wear. That's when a proper deep clean makes all the difference, it's like hitting the reset button. Here's how to do it right.
What You'll Need
- Saphir Omni'Nettoyant, a dedicated suede and nubuck cleaner
- Saphir Gommadin Eraser, for any remaining stubborn stains after cleaning
- Saphir Suede Renovator, restores color and nourishes the leather
- Saphir Super Invulner, waterproofing protection to finish
- A brass suede brush, for initial dirt removal (use gently on nubuck)
- A crepe brush, for restoring the nap after cleaning
- A basin or bowl of water and a small cup
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Remove the Laces
Take out your laces so you have full access to the shoe surface. If they're looking a bit worn, now's the perfect excuse to pick up a fresh pair while your shoes are getting their spa treatment.
2. Brush with a Brass Brush
Using a brass suede brush, work over the entire shoe to loosen embedded dirt and lift the fibers. If you're working with nubuck, keep the pressure very light, nubuck is finer than suede and more easily scratched by metal bristles.
3. Deep Clean with Omni'Nettoyant
Pour a small amount of Omni'Nettoyant into a cup. Dip your brush into the cleaner and scrub the shoe over a basin, you'll see the dirt lift out as you work. Rinse and repeat until the water runs clear. This is a proper wash, so don't be afraid to be thorough.
Important: Always clean both shoes completely in the same session, even if only one looks dirty. This ensures they dry to the same color and avoids an obvious mismatch.
Let them dry naturally, away from direct sunlight or any heat source, heat can warp the leather and cause uneven fading.
4. Address Remaining Stains with Gommadin
Once the shoes are fully dry, check for any stubborn marks that survived the wash. The Gommadin eraser works brilliantly on these, rub gently over the stain until it lifts. Think of it as spot treatment after the main clean.
5. Restore the Nap with a Crepe Brush
Take your crepe brush and work it back and forth across the suede. The crepe material is naturally slightly sticky, which helps it grab and lift particles while raising the fibers back to their original texture. This step is what makes the shoes look properly renewed.
6. Spray Suede Renovator
From about 25 cm away, apply an even coat of Suede Renovator. This brings back the depth of color that deep cleaning can sometimes wash out, while nourishing the leather with almond oil. Let it dry for about 10 minutes.
7. Protect with Super Invulner
Finish with a coat of Super Invulner to seal in the work you've done and protect against future moisture and stains. Your shoes are now back to their best.
Pro Tips
- Only reach for the Omni'Nettoyant when your shoes are genuinely dirty, for everyday scuffs, the routine care guide is all you need.
- The crepe brush is naturally tacky, which is what makes it so effective at lifting dust particles and restoring the nap, it's not a defect, it's a feature.
- If the color looks slightly uneven after drying, the Suede Renovator will even everything out beautifully.
While you're caring for your shoes, why not treat them to a fresh pair of laces? Browse our full collection to find the perfect match.