How To Fix Suede Shoes That Got Wet And Dry

If your suede shoes have gotten wet and dried, you may be worried about their appearance and condition.

Suede is a delicate material that requires special care, but don’t fret! With the right techniques, you can restore your suede shoes to their former glory.

This easy-to-follow guide will provide you with step-by-step instructions on how to fix wet and dry suede shoes.

First, we’ll cover how to handle wet suede shoes to prevent further damage. Then, we’ll explore methods to dry them properly without causing any harm.

Finally, we’ll discuss techniques to restore the texture and appearance of your suede shoes after they have dried. In this article we learn how to fix wet and dry suede shoes.

By following these instructions, you’ll be able to revive your suede shoes and enjoy wearing them again. Let’s get started!

What is Suede?

Suede is a type of leather that has a soft, velvety texture. It is made from the underside of animal hides, typically from cows, goats, or sheep.

Suede is known for its luxurious feel and is commonly used in the production of shoes, jackets, and accessories.

Suede is created by sanding or buffing the inner layer of animal hides, which gives it its unique texture. Unlike smooth leather, suede does not have a glossy finish. Instead, it has a fuzzy surface that is pleasing to the touch. This texture is achieved by raising the short fibers on the surface of the leather.

Read More: How Much Do Tennis Shoes Weigh?

What Happens When Suede Gets Wet?

How to fix water damaged suede? The answer to this question is when suede or fabric gets wet, it can cause damage to the material and change its appearance. Here are the main things that happen:

The fibers in suede absorb water, causing them to swell. This can stretch and distort the fabric, making it lose its shape.
The dye in suede fabric can run or bleed when it gets wet, staining the material and leaving uneven coloration.
Mold and mildew can grow on wet suede, especially if it stays damp for a long time. This can damage the fibers and cause a musty odor.
Wet suede tends to darken in color and become stiffer. The nap of the fabric can flatten out, making it look matted.
If suede dries improperly after getting wet, it can develop permanent water marks or stains that cannot be removed.

How to Treat Wet Suede Shoes

To treat suede shoes get wet, follow these steps:

Remove excess moisture

Use a clean, dry cloth or paper towel to gently blot the wet areas of the suede shoes. Avoid rubbing, as it can damage the material.

Stuff the shoes

Fill the shoes with crumpled newspaper or paper towels to help them retain their shape and absorb moisture from the inside. Leave them to dry in a well-ventilated area, away from direct heat sources.

Brush the suede

Once the shoes are completely dry, use a suede brush or a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently brush the nap of the suede in one direction. This helps restore the texture and appearance of the suede.

Treat stains

If there are any stains remaining after the shoes have dried, you can try using a suede eraser or a suede cleaning solution specifically designed for suede shoes. Follow the instructions provided with the product and test it on a small, inconspicuous area first.

Remember, prevention is key to maintaining the condition of suede shoes.

Avoid wearing them in wet conditions and consider applying a suede protector spray to make them more resistant to water and stains.

How to Treat Water Stains on Suede OR If can suede get wet

To treat water stains on suede, or if can suede get wet you can follow these steps:

Blot the stain

Use a clean, dry cloth or paper towel to gently blot the water stain on the suede. Do not rub the stain, as it can spread and potentially damage the material.

Let it dry

Allow the suede to air-dry naturally. Avoid using direct heat sources like hair dryers or heaters, as they can cause the suede to shrink or become stiff.

Brush the suede

Once the suede is completely dry, use a suede brush or a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently brush the nap of the suede in one direction. This helps restore the texture and appearance of the suede.

Treat stubborn stains

If the water stain persists, you can try using a suede eraser or a suede cleaning solution specifically designed for water stains.

Follow the instructions provided with the product and test it on a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure it doesn’t cause any discoloration or damage.

It’s important to note that treating water stains on suede can be challenging, and there is a risk of altering the appearance of the suede.

If you’re unsure or the stain is particularly stubborn, it may be best to seek professional help from a suede cleaning specialist.

Drying Wet Suede Safely

To safely dry wet suede, follow these steps:

Remove excess moisture

Use a clean, dry cloth or paper towel to gently blot the wet areas of the suede. Avoid rubbing, as it can damage the material.

Stuff the shoes or item

If you’re drying suede shoes or a larger suede item like a jacket or bag, stuff them with crumpled newspaper or paper towels.

This helps them retain their shape and absorb moisture from the inside.

Air dry

Place the suede item in a well-ventilated area away from direct heat sources like radiators, heaters, or hair dryers. Direct heat can cause the suede to shrink, warp, or become stiff. Allow the suede to air-dry naturally.

Brush the suede

Once the suede is completely dry, use a suede brush or a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently brush the nap of the suede in one direction. This helps restore the texture and appearance of the suede.

It’s important to note that drying suede can take time, so be patient and avoid rushing the process with heat.

Also, avoid exposing wet suede to sunlight, as it can cause fading or discoloration. If the suede item is heavily soaked or the water damage is extensive, it may be best to seek professional help from a suede cleaning specialist.

In this blog post, we learn how to fix wet and dry suede shoes.

Related To: How To Fix Bald Spots On Suede Shoes?

Preventing Water Damage to Suede Shoes

If suede getting wet on your shoes, then to prevent water damage, consider the following tips:

Apply a suede protector spray

Before wearing your suede shoes, apply a suede protector spray specifically designed for suede materials.

This spray creates a protective barrier that helps repel water and stains. Follow the instructions on the spray bottle for best results.

Avoid wearing suede in wet conditions

Suede is not inherently waterproof, so it’s best to avoid wearing suede shoes in rainy or wet conditions. If you know you’ll be encountering water, choose a different type of footwear that is more suitable for those conditions.

Be cautious around water

If your suede shoes do come into contact with water, try to minimize the exposure and take immediate action to dry them properly. Avoid walking through puddles or stepping in deep water.

Use a suede brush regularly

Regularly brushing your suede shoes with a suede brush helps to maintain the nap and texture of the material.

This can also help prevent water stains from setting in by keeping the suede in good condition.

Store suede shoes properly

When not in use, store your suede shoes in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture.

Consider using shoe trees or stuffing them with acid-free tissue paper to help maintain their shape and absorb any excess moisture.

By following these preventive measures, you can help protect your suede shoes from water damage and prolong their lifespan.

Conclusion

In conclusion, if your suede shoes have gotten wet and dry, it is important to take immediate action to minimize damage. Start by allowing the shoes to air dry naturally at room temperature, avoiding direct heat sources. Once dry, gently brush the nap in one direction to restore texture and remove dirt or stains. If water stains persist, try brushing the stained area in different directions or using a suede eraser. Revive the nap by brushing it in various directions. In this blog post, we learn how to fix wet and dry suede shoes.

Frequently Asked Questions

To fix wet dry suede, start by allowing it to air dry naturally at room temperature. Avoid using direct heat or a hairdryer, as it can damage the suede. Stuff the item with newspaper or paper towels to help absorb moisture. Once the suede is completely dry, gently brush the nap in one direction using a soft-bristled suede brush or a clean toothbrush. This will restore its texture and remove any dried dirt or stains. If there are remaining stains, use a suede eraser or a white pencil eraser to gently rub the stained area. For stubborn stains, consider using a suede cleaner designed for suede materials.

Water can potentially damage suede if not properly treated. Suede is a type of leather with a napped finish, and water can cause it to become discolored, stiff, or develop water stains. However, if you take prompt action and follow the appropriate steps to dry and clean wet suede, you can minimize the potential damage. It’s important to let the suede air dry naturally and avoid using direct heat sources, as they can cause the suede to shrink or become distorted.

To reverse water damage on suede, start by allowing the suede to air dry naturally at room temperature. Avoid using direct heat, as it can cause the suede to shrink or become distorted. Once the suede is dry, gently brush the nap in one direction using a soft-bristled suede brush or a clean toothbrush to restore its texture and remove any dried dirt or stains. If water stains remain, try brushing the stained area in different directions to even out the appearance.

Author

Hi, I’m Mr. Tiger! CEO of specialshoes.net and have 30 years of experience in the Sports Shoe industry. This scientific and vast experience equipped me with the knowledge and understanding to assist you in finding the perfect pair of shoes for your specific sports and individual needs. I always stay up-to-date with the latest trends and advancements in sports footwear technology, ensuring that my recommendations are always relevant and reliable. Thanks for visiting my site. I hope you enjoy the resources.