Micellar water, a staple in many people's makeup bags, can help remove light stains from suede, according to footwear expert Julian Nelson. The tip was reported by the Mirror.
Nelson said micellar water is normally used to remove makeup but can also come in handy for lifting some light stains from suede.
Why Suede Is Tricky to Clean
Suede is a soft leather with a napped, brushed finish that is prone to marking and easily damaged by excess moisture. Autumn weather makes suede shoes and clothing especially vulnerable to dirt and rain stains, since the material does not tolerate getting wet.
Nelson cautioned against overdoing it when cleaning suede. He advised testing any product on a small, hidden area first, and warned against scrubbing hard or using too much liquid, since too much moisture can leave an even bigger mark.
Steps Before Using Micellar Water
Nelson recommends a few simple steps before reaching for micellar water. First, dry dirt should be brushed off using a dedicated suede brush or a soft dry brush, such as an old toothbrush. If the shoes are muddy, the mud should be left to dry first, otherwise cleaning could push the dirt deeper into the material.
Micellar water should then be applied to a small, hidden area, such as near the back of the shoe or on the inside of the heel, to check how the material reacts and make any colour change less noticeable. A cotton pad or soft cloth should be used to gently dab at the stain, with as little pressure as possible.
Finally, the shoes should be left to dry naturally before being worn again.
Not a Fix for Every Stain
Nelson said the method does not work for every type of stain. Grease, oil and deep-set dirt are better left to professional cleaners.
Separately, another expert has previously named five types of stains that should not be treated with hot water, explaining that while many people believe heat helps kill germs and lift dirt, hot water can actually make some stains worse. Other experts have also advised on cleaning dirty shoes in a washing machine, recommending the use of a neutral pH detergent for such washes.
