Can you wash suede sneakers in the washing machine?

Can you wash suede sneakers in the washing machine? All shoes get dirty sooner or later and require cleaning. While fabric shoes are easy to wash, delicate materials like suede are quite difficult to clean. In the best case, improper washing can result in discoloration of suede sneakers, or, in the worst case, unraveling seams. Now's the time to find out whether suede sneakers can be machine washed or whether dry cleaning is the best option. Let's explore all the nuances and recommendations.

Will the washing machine ruin suede shoes?

Natural and artificial suede are delicate materials and therefore require special care. Soft, velvety leather doesn't like water, so manufacturers recommend not even getting shoes made from it wet.It's logical that machine washing is prohibited for suede items, as prolonged exposure to a full, rotating drum will lead to disastrous consequences. Sneakers, which are specifically designed to be more durable at the factory, are an exception, but it's best not to risk it even with sneakers—the risk of a fatal outcome is high.

The fact is that when suede is in water for a long time:

loses its original softness;
fades due to pigment leaching;
loses its villi.

It is not recommended to wash natural and artificial suede in water; it is better to choose dry cleaning.

The worse the quality of the suede, the more damage machine washing will cause. Low-quality leather will fall apart after the first cycle, while expensive leather will last a little longer. Either way, there will be consequences: after the second or third wash, the seams will start to come apart, the soles will fall off, and the appearance will deteriorate. Therefore, it's not recommended to machine wash suede sneakers—it's better to clean them by hand.

Would you dare to machine wash it?

Machine washing suede sneakers is possible, but at your own risk. Expensive, high-quality leather will last a couple of cycles, while Chinese knockoffs are likely to fall apart after just one wash. This is especially true if the shoes have glued-on patches or cracks or holes in the fabric or sole.

If you decide to take a risk, then washing is carried out in the following sequence:

prepare shoes by removing laces and insoles;
clean the sneakers from debris by tapping the soles, using a knitting needle and a toothbrush;
wrap the sneakers in white cloth napkins and place them in a special laundry bag;
add a few color-catching wipes to the drum;
pour gel for suede shoes into the powder container;
select the fastest program (the delicate mode is not suitable, as it takes a long time and requires a large volume of water, which is harmful to suede);
adjust the cycle settings (turn off the spin, set 20-30 degrees, do not use extra rinse).

Suede sneakers are washed on the fastest program without spinning, re-rinsing, or hot water.

As soon as the washing cycle is complete, remove the sneakers immediately, stuff them with white paper, and wrap the outside in a dry terry towel. This will ensure the water leaves the leather faster and does less damage. Place the wrapped sneakers in a ventilated area, away from direct ultraviolet light and heating devices.

We wash it in the traditional way

If you don't want to risk your sneakers, it's best to skip the washing machine and opt for hand washing. Prepare your shoes by removing the insoles and laces, then brush off any dirt that's stuck to the soles. You can also brush off dust from suede using a special brush.

The algorithm is as follows:

fill the basin with water heated to a temperature no higher than 30 degrees;
dissolve detergent in water and lather;
place the sneakers in the solution and soak for 20 minutes;
rinse quickly;
wipe off stains with a damp soft cloth;
blot with napkins and dry.

Don't apply detergent directly to the shoes—it's too harsh for sensitive suede. If stains persist after soaking, steaming is recommended. To do this, boil water and hold the steam over the shoes until they're soaked. Then, brush away any dirt with a soft brush and let them dry.

Let's clean without getting it wet

Ideally, it is better to avoid wet cleaning of suede sneakers altogether and opt for dry cleaning. If the stains are minor and local, they can be removed without detergents or soaking. It is enough to assess the nature of the contamination and choose the appropriate method for its removal.

Scrub the dry stain with a soft rubber brush.
Treat the affected area with talc or baby powder (to remove grease).
Go over the surface of the sneaker with an eraser or fine-grained sandpaper (this will give it a velvety, soft feel).
Rub the bald spot or greasy areas with dried rye bread.
Cover with coffee grounds (for brown suede).
Rub with a matchbox (to remove dried soil).