one gray suede boot leaning on one black suede boot

2025-11-17

How to Clean Suede Boots

Our footwear’s crafted with quality leathers, suedes and other materials - make sure you protect your investment!

When your boots look their best, so will you. In this guide, we’ll reveal the most effective methods and tips on how to clean suede boots.


How to Remove Dirt from Suede Boots

Suede is a unique leather - softer than others, with a velvety finish that’s more breathable. With that said, since it’s not quite as rugged as some other leathers, your suede boots might take a bit more love and care to keep up.

To remove dirt from suede boots:

  1. Lightly brush your boots down to remove any excess mud.

  2. Take a wire brush and brush down the boot evenly, going with the natural flow of the fibers, focusing on any darker spots or marks.

If you encounter stubborn scuffs, use an eraser bar, as found in our Dry Clean Kit, and rub over the affected area to erase it.

You can also swap out the shoelaces to give your boots a fresh look. Select your favorite shoelaces from our selection. 

Top Tip: With suede, brush IN the direction of the shoes’ fibers to avoid damage.

How to Remove Water Stains From Suede Boots

Of all the elements, water stains are the most likely to affect your boots. Fortunately, it’s simple to take care of those pesky watermarks. The aim is to dampen the affected area and encourage even drying to eradicate the stain for good. 

Here’s how to clean suede boots with water stains:

  1. Dampen the area around the stain using room-temperature water.

  2. Use our Suede Restorer Brush to gently rub the moisture into the shoe, focusing on the stain itself.

  3. Leave your boots in a well-ventilated area to dry, making sure to stuff them with paper to preserve their shape.

Top Tip: Use a light hand here. Don’t rub too harshly or forcefully, or you could push the stains deeper into the suede. 

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Don’t let a stain on your new boots dampen your day.

gray suede boot with untied laces

How to Remove Salt Stains From Suede Boots

Knowing how to remove salt stains is also important when you learn how to clean suede boots. It follows the same foolproof method you’re now familiar with. These steps work on our suede boots for both men and women.

Here’s how to get stains out of suede when salt is to blame:

  1. Firstly, brush off any excess salt that may be on your Timberland boots.

  2. Mix 1 part vinegar with 2 parts water, then rub this mixture into your boot using a soft cloth.

  3. Using a fresh cloth, wipe away the vinegar residue.

  4. Leave your boots to dry overnight in a well-ventilated environment.

How to Remove Grease Stains From Suede Boots 

Grease is one of the more daunting stains to face. As you learn about cleaning suede boots, you’ll find that it just takes having the right solution at hand:

  1. If the stain is still wet, carefully blot the area with absorbent paper or tissue.

  2. Take an absorbent powder, such as talcum, and sprinkle it over the stained area.

  3. Leave your treated boots overnight; don’t rub the powder in.

Follow up by taking our Timberland Suede Brush and brushing over the area.

How to Clean Suede Boots by Protecting and Preventing Stains 

Want to take your boot care routine a step further? Use our Renewbuck™ Foaming Cleaner to eliminate any marks or blemishes. Simply apply the product evenly to your boots using a sponge applicator and scrub them clean. 

For preventative care, our Balm Proofer™ Water & Stain Repellent can protect against water and other stains. 

For an all-in-one solution, our Boot Kit contains everything you need to keep your boots gleaming for longer, including a ​​handled brush, towel, and three of our essential liquid cleaning solutions.

To keep your footwear looking fresh and lasting longer, continuing to practice how to clean suede boots goes a long way. Regularly brushing your boots to stop dirt buildup ensures the longevity of our materials. Use a restorer brush to finish them off for that new-boot look. Explore our selection of product care for more ways to protect and prevent stains. 

gray suede boot lying on a black suede boot

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