Faded color in your sneakers?

Don't worry, in most cases you can just remove it. Watch this video and read the explanation below to learn how to do this.

Avoid these common mistakes

Before you begin...

Don't use too much water

Mesh and suede are delicate materials. A common mistake is getting the shoe too wet.

This will actually draw the color further out of the suede and make the stain larger. So always use as little water as possible.

No household products

It seems like a quick fix, but regular cleaning products are often too harsh for sneakers.

They damage the materials and sometimes even leave new stains. Always use a special sneaker cleaner.

Do not make the suede too wet

Suede reacts poorly to water. If you get this material too wet, you run a high risk of the color bleeding even more.

Therefore, keep mesh and suede strictly separate in your cleaning method.

Dry on the heater or in the sun

It may seem faster, but heat can deform or discolour shoes.

It may take a little longer, but drying at room temperature always gives the best results.

Article: How to remove suede discoloration from white mesh sneakers in 5 simple steps

How to remove suede discoloration from white mesh sneakers in 5 simple steps

Sneakers are often an investment you want to enjoy for a long time, especially lightweight sneakers with suede. But there's one major drawback: if they get wet (from rain or cleaning), the suede can bleed. The result? Dark stains in the crisp white mesh.

Good news : you don't have to throw away your sneakers. With the right products and a few clever steps, you can get the mesh white again and keep the suede looking beautiful.

How to remove discoloration from your sneakers in 5 easy steps

Preparation
Cleaning the mesh
Treating suede
Drying
Protect

1. Prepare

Always place shoe trees in your sneakers before you start. This not only makes cleaning easier but also ensures the shoes retain their shape while drying. Also, use the right products. In this case, we're using the Suede bundle . It contains:

Our sneaker shampoo
Soft brush, suitable for delicate materials (such as mesh)
Microfiber cloth
Suede brush
Suede gum

2. Clean the mesh

Remove discoloration from mesh in 6 important steps.

2.1. Prepare the brush

Lightly dampen the soft brush with water. Shake it well and then pat it dry with a cloth to remove as little moisture as possible. Then add a few drops of cleaning solution to the brush.

2.2. Be careful around the suede

Be very careful and avoid the outer surface of the suede. This is where most discoloration occurs, as the color easily transfers to the mesh. Brush only the mesh and keep the suede as dry as possible.

If foam or moisture does get on the suede, pat it dry immediately with the microfiber cloth. The less moisture in the suede, the less chance there is of the color bleeding again.

2.3. Cleaning the mesh

Gently brush in small circles over the mesh. You'll see the foam loosen the dirt and discoloration. Then gently dab it away with the microfiber cloth.

2.4. Alternative with microfiber cloth

If you find it difficult to work the brush along the suede, use only a microfiber cloth.

Slightly dampen the cloth, apply a small amount of solution, and rub in small circles over the discoloration. Be careful not to over-wet the cloth, or the suede will bleed again.

2.5. Allow to dry thoroughly

If the mesh gets too wet during cleaning, pause for a moment and let the shoes dry thoroughly before continuing. This drying process shouldn't take ten minutes, but several hours. Only when the material is completely dry can you continue.

2.6. Repeat for best results

Repeat these steps until the discoloration is completely gone and you are satisfied with the result.

3. Treating suede

Has the suede itself become dirty or dull? Then grab a suede brush or suede eraser. Brush gently in the direction of the grain and remove small stains with the eraser. If dry brushing and erasing don't achieve the desired result, you should carefully clean the suede with a wet cloth.
When cleaning suede with water, it's important to use a small amount of water. Dip the brush in the water and shake it well. Then pat it dry. Put a few drops of the solution on the brush and work it in circular motions over the suede. Pat dry with a clean microfiber cloth.

Don't rub. The cloth should absorb the moisture without damaging the material. Rubbing can also cause color shifts.

4. Drying

Then let the shoes dry at room temperature in a well-ventilated area. Don't place them on a radiator or in direct sunlight, as this can cause them to discolor again.

Want to dry faster? Use a specially designed shoe dryer, such as the Mister Dry Pro® .

5. Protect

Once the sneakers are completely dry, treat them with a water and dirt repellent spray . This prevents the suede from staining again and prevents dirt or moisture from quickly seeping into the mesh. A simple step that will keep your sneakers looking great for much longer. It's important to reapply the spray every three to four weeks.

Conclusion

Faded suede doesn't have to spell the end for your favorite sneakers. With the right approach, you can restore the white mesh and keep the suede looking beautiful. It's important to use the right products: a sneaker cleaner, a soft brush, a microfiber cloth, and a suede brush or suede eraser.
This not only makes cleaning your sneakers a lot easier, but you'll also see real results. And with shoe trees and a protective spray, you'll keep them looking good for longer.