First things first, don’t even *think* about throwing them in the washing machine. Trust me, I’ve been there, done that, got the disastrously shrunken T-shirt. Fake suede might be tougher than the real deal, but a washing machine is just asking for trouble. Seriously.
So, what *do* you do? Well, it depends on how bad they are. If it’s just a little dust or dirt, a good brushing is your best bet. Get yourself one of those soft-bristled brushes – like, a shoe brush, duh – and gently brush the dirt away. Brush in one direction, then another, just to make sure you get it all. This usually works if you’re like me and only spill, like, a tiny bit of coffee when you’re running late (which is, uh, basically everyday).
Now, if you’ve got some actual *stains*… well, that’s where things get interesting. I’ve heard rubbing alcohol or even vodka works wonders. Yes, you read that right, vodka. Who knew cleaning shoes could be so… festive? Just dab a little bit on a clean cloth (not too much!) and gently rub the stain. Be careful not to soak the shoe, though. You don’t want to make things worse.
Someone also mentioned diluted detergent, like a teaspoon in a cup of water. Seems reasonable enough, I guess. Use a clean sponge for that, and again, don’t go crazy with the water.
Honestly, the internet is full of different “solutions” for cleaning fake suede. You could probably spend hours scrolling through wikiHow (I think I saw something about that!), but sometimes the best way is just to experiment a little. I mean, what’s the worst that could happen? (Okay, don’t answer that. Bad things could happen. But, ya know, live a little!)
And hey, if all else fails, there’s always dry cleaning. It’s probably the safest bet, even though it’s kinda pricey. And tbh, if you’re lazy like me, you might just consider buying a new pair. Just sayin’.
Oh! And don’t forget to deodorize! Especially if you wear them without socks sometimes (don’t judge me!). Baking soda is your friend. Sprinkle some inside, let it sit overnight, then vacuum it out. Boom! Fresh shoes. Or, you know, febreze. Whatever floats your boat.
