Home Garden

How to Clean the Scuff Off of Suede

Suede is a soft leather that has had the surface rubbed to create a velvetlike nap. You can find suede used for shoes, clothing, upholstery and accessories. The nap of suede can easily be scuffed from simple use, causing the leather to appear aged and worn. Removing scuffs on your suede items is easy and will have the surface looking new again.

Things You'll Need

  • Kneadable eraser
  • Emery board or nail file
  • Toothbrush
  • Tea kettle
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Remove dirt and dried mud from the suede surface using a kneadable eraser, emery board or nail file. If the dirt is damp, wait until it has thoroughly dried before removing.

    • 2

      Use a clean, dry toothbrush or suede brush to rapidly scrub the scuffed area of the suede. This will raise the nap of the suede to match the surrounding nap, alleviating the scuff.

    • 3

      Hold the scuffed area a few inches above the steam from a tea kettle to loosen and lift extremely matted down suede nap from a scuff. Allow the steamed area to dry, then scrub with a toothbrush.