Cleaning Suede Shoes: Secrets to Keeping Them Like New

Suede shoes represent one of the highest expressions of artisanal elegance. Soft, velvety, and effortlessly sophisticated , they exude a timeless allure, yet require special care to maintain their perfect condition over time.

In the Maestri Ciccone workshop, we treat each pair as a small masterpiece, and the care of the suede is one of the phases that best reflects our philosophy: respect for the material, manual expertise, and products designed for professional results even at home.

In this article we share our direct experience and the fundamental steps for cleaning and reviving suede shoes using Ciccone products , the same ones we use every day in our laboratory.

Suede: the material that expresses elegance and craftsmanship

Suede is made from the inner layer of cowhide or goatskin, delicately sanded to give it its characteristic velvety texture. It's a premium material , prized for its softness and ability to adapt naturally to the foot.

Unlike smooth leathers, suede has a natural porosity that allows it to "breathe," but also makes it more susceptible to stains and moisture. In our profession, we consider it a "living" leather : it changes with light, reacts to time, and tells the story of its wearer. Precisely because of this nature, suede must be respected and cared for methodically, to maintain its original beauty.

How to clean suede shoes step by step

In our workshop, cleaning suede is a small ceremony involving precise movements, the right tools, and quality products. Here's the process we also recommend for home use.

• Daily brushing. The first step, simple but essential, is brushing. A daily brushing with a brass-bristled brush helps remove dust and revive the suede's coat.
  
  This is something we recommend doing often, as it keeps the material elastic and shiny, preventing the accumulation of dirt.

• Revive the color. Over time, suede may lose some of its tone, but this is completely natural. To revive it, we use our Suede Cleaner , available in various colors or in a neutral version.
  
  All it takes is a uniform spray from about twenty centimetres away, followed by a short wait and a light brushing: the colour returns in full, the pile stands up and the shoe regains its original appearance.

• Protect your shoe. The final touch is protection . Ciccone Acquashoes spray creates an invisible barrier against water, rain, and stains.
  
  We recommend applying it once a week: a simple gesture that makes a difference, especially in the cold and humid months.

• When the dirt is more stubborn. When you find a really dirty shoe, for example one covered in mud, the first rule is to wait. The mud should be allowed to dry completely so that it can be removed without spreading it over the entire shoe.
  
  Once dry, brush carefully and then apply Ciccone Shampoo for leather and suede shoes , our professional spray cleaner that produces a soft, deep foam.
  
  Spray it from about twenty centimeters, let it sit for a few seconds, and then work the surface with the brush included in the Ciccone Shoe Cleaning Kit . This shampoo is also effective on soles, and in just a few steps, restores softness and uniformity to the leather.

Mistakes to avoid when caring for suede

Experience has taught us that even small errors can compromise the quality of the material.

Here's what to avoid:

• use excess water: suede tends to absorb it, leaving streaks and stiffness;
• apply direct heat : hair dryers and radiators can alter the leather;
• Do not use non-specific detergents: only products designed for suede preserve color and softness.

By following a few precautions, the shoe will remain as good as new even after years.

Trust the professionals: when laboratory intervention is needed

Not all stains can be removed at home. If you have salt stains, oil stains, or persistent marks, it's best to contact a specialized store.

At Maestri Ciccone we personally take care of the repair and refurbishment of shoes , we wash and regenerate even the most delicate leathers, restoring each model to its original splendor.

It's a service we offer to those who wish to preserve their shoes over time, respecting the artisanal tradition that distinguishes us.

The art of preserving beauty

Caring for your suede shoes means respecting craftsmanship and appreciating a unique material.

With a few simple steps and the right tools, you can prolong the life of a shoe and keep its natural elegance intact.

In our online shop and in our stores, you'll find all the products we use in the laboratory, from Ciccone Shampoo to Camoscinator, to Acquashoes spray and complete suede care kits, so you can get the same results we guarantee every day at home.