Colorful suede shoes are fun, but they can be frustrating to keep pristine. Bright suede shows scuffs, dirt, and dark marks almost instantly — one trip and your favorite heels can look worn. If, like me, you reach for colorful suede time and again, you’ll want a simple, effective way to refresh them without buying specialty products.
I tested a few home remedies one weekend and found a reliable two-step routine using items most people already have on hand. It’s quick, gentle, and doesn’t risk altering the color when you test it first. Below I’ll explain the supplies and step-by-step directions that worked for me, and toward the end I’ve rounded up a selection of favorite colorful pairs to inspire your next shoe purchase.
How To Clean Colorful Suede
Total Time: About 10–20 minutes per shoe, depending on how much cleaning is needed.
Supplies
Toothbrush
White pencil eraser (non-abrasive)
Washcloth, rag, or paper towel
Directions
Note: Always test these tools on an inconspicuous area first, such as the underside of the heel, to make sure the color won’t come off. I tested them on several shoes and had no color loss, but testing is the safest approach.
1. Begin by using the toothbrush to loosen and remove surface dirt. Use gentle circular motions across the suede to lift debris. Work slowly over scuffed areas and then wipe away loosened dirt with your rag or paper towel.
2. For stubborn dark marks or scuffs, rub the white pencil eraser directly on the affected spots, similar to erasing pencil marks. The eraser helps break up embedded dirt without wetting the suede. After erasing, brush the area again with the toothbrush to remove eraser residue and any remaining particles. Repeat eraser and brushing cycles as needed until the mark fades.
These two simple tools — a soft toothbrush and a white pencil eraser — removed most of the visible dirt and scuffs from my colorful suede shoes. I tried a vinegar solution on one pair, but it didn’t improve things and I worried it might leave a discoloration, so I stuck with the dry brushing and erasing method.
If you want to keep your suede looking its best between cleanings, brush it gently after each wear to prevent dirt from setting in. For particularly delicate or vintage suede, consider professional cleaning if stains are extensive or if you feel unsure about treating them yourself.
Here are a few colorful styles I’ve been loving lately — bright heels, sandals, and playful flats that are worth the effort to maintain. Shoe shopping never hurt anybody!
No. 1 Orange Heels | No. 2 Color Block Sandals
No. 3 Blue Heeled Mules | No. 4 Blue Heeled Loafer
No. 5 Pink D’Orsay Sandals | No. 6 Mint Platforms
No. 7 Purple Flat Sandals | No. 8 Pink Heels
No. 9 Lilac Platform Sandals | No. 10 Aqua Sandals
No. 11 Pink Suede Sandals | No. 12 Neon Pointed Flats
No. 13 Mint Mules | No. 14 Coral Heeled Sandals
No. 15 Yellow Heels
(I bought a few of these last year; some styles come in and out of stock, so if you spot a pair you like, keep an eye on availability.)
Photos by Kelly Mindell
If you snag any of those fun pairs, this simple toothbrush-and-eraser trick will help you keep them bright and wearable. Happy cleaning!
p.s. Love baking too? Try this tutorial on how to frost a birthday cake for another weekend project.