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
2.2. Be careful around the suede
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
2.4. Alternative with 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
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.