How to Clean
Suede Sambas

No. Water causes suede to stiffen, darken, and lose texture. Use a suede-specific cleaner applied with a barely-damp microfiber cloth. For water stains, use diluted white vinegar (1:1 with water).

Light brushing after every 2-3 wears. Deep cleaning only when stains appear. Over-cleaning damages the nap—maintenance is about prevention, not constant washing.

Jason Markk Suede Cleaning Kit, Reshoevn8r Suede Kit, or Crep Protect Cure Kit. All are pH-balanced and designed specifically for suede. Avoid generic shoe cleaners.

Absolutely not. Machine washing destroys suede permanently. The agitation, water, and heat ruin texture, cause shrinkage, and create irreversible stiffness. Hand cleaning only.

Mix white vinegar and water 1:1. Dampen microfiber cloth (not soaking), gently dab salt-stained areas. Let air dry completely, then brush vigorously to restore nap. Repeat if needed.

Yes. Use a suede brush with brass or nylon bristles. Brush aggressively in all directions to lift the nap. If very flat, lightly steam (hold over boiling water, don't touch), then brush immediately.

No. Regular brushes are too stiff and damage the nap. Use a brush specifically designed for suede with softer brass or nylon bristles.

Sprinkle cornstarch or talcum powder on the stain immediately. Let sit 4-6 hours to absorb oil. Brush off powder. If stain remains, use suede cleaner. Act fast—old oil stains are permanent.

After. Clean first, let dry completely (24-48 hours), then apply protector. Protector on dirty suede seals in dirt and reduces effectiveness.

No. Baby wipes contain oils, fragrances, and chemicals that stain and damage suede. Use products designed for suede only.

2-3 weeks with regular wear. Reapply after cleaning, after rain exposure, or when water no longer beads on the surface. Initial application (before first wear) should be 2-3 coats.

Stuff with paper towels or newspaper to absorb moisture and maintain shape. Change paper every hour. Let air dry at room temperature away from heat. Once dry, brush vigorously to restore nap.

No. Heat causes suede to shrink, stiffen, and crack. Air dry only, even if it takes 48 hours. Patience prevents permanent damage.

Use a suede eraser. Rub gently in circular motions over the scuff. The eraser creates suede dust—brush it away. Repeat until scuff disappears. For deep scuffs, follow with suede cleaner.

Partially. Use suede dye or color restorer sprays (match your Samba color). Apply light, even coats. This won't look factory-fresh but improves appearance. Professional suede dyeing is the best option for severe fading.

Suede is made from the inner layer of hide (softer, more delicate). Nubuck is made from the outer layer (slightly tougher, finer nap). Sambas use suede. Both clean the same way.

Not recommended. Even with protector, prolonged rain exposure causes water stains and texture damage. Save your Sambas for dry days or wear a leather/synthetic pair in wet weather.

Same as the rest: brush regularly, use eraser for scuffs, spot-clean with suede cleaner. The toe cap is usually suede overlay on Sambas—treat it like any other suede section.

Only for specific stains like ink (use sparingly on a Q-tip, dab gently). Alcohol dries out suede, so use as last resort and condition afterward with suede protector.

Brush off all loose dirt first. If stains are set in, use suede cleaner with gentle dabbing (may require multiple treatments). Old stains are harder to remove—prevention through regular cleaning is key.

For odor, yes (sprinkle inside, let sit overnight, shake out). For stains, no—baking soda is abrasive and damages the nap. Stick to suede-specific cleaners for external cleaning.

Clean completely, apply protector, insert shoe trees, store in dust bags or original box in cool, dry place away from sunlight. Check every few months and brush to prevent flat nap.

No. The white leather stripes require different care—use Jason Markk or Reshoevn8r standard cleaner (not suede formula) with soft brush. Don't let leather cleaner touch the suede sections.