Easy Way To Clean Your Suede Sneakers In 15-Minutes Or Less
A Cleaning Routine For Busy People
If you’re anything like me, juggling work, personal commitments, and everything in between, you know how tough it can be to make time for sneaker maintenance. But let’s face it—keeping your sneakers looking fresh doesn’t have to be a time-consuming task. With the right tools and a simple process, you can get it done in 15 minutes or less.
In this article (and the video below), I’m breaking down my go-to sneaker cleaning routine that helps me stay on top of my collection—even on the busiest days.
Watch The Video
Why A Simple Cleaning Routine Matters
Whether you're a sneaker collector or just want to extend the life of your favorite everyday kicks, regular maintenance goes a long way. Dirt and grime build up over time, especially on materials like suede and mesh. Instead of waiting until your shoes look worn out, a quick touch-up every few wears can keep them looking brand new.
What You’ll Need
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Retail Price: $10.00
These pre-moistened wipes are ideal for quick spot cleans on leather, midsoles, and rubber. One side is textured for tougher grime, while the smooth side handles surface dirt with ease.
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Retail Price: $15.00
This kit includes a soft horsehair brush and an eraser designed specifically for delicate materials like suede and nubuck. It’s perfect for targeting stains and restoring texture without damaging the surface.
How to Use Crep Protect Wipes (And What to Avoid)
Crep Protect Ultimate Sneaker Cleaning Wipes are one of the easiest tools to use for quick, on-the-go touch-ups. Each individually wrapped wipe features two sides: a smooth side for light surface dirt and a textured side for scrubbing tougher spots like scuffed midsoles.
To use them:
Tear open a single packet and unfold the wipe.
Start with the smooth side to gently clean leather, rubber, or plastic areas.
Flip to the textured side for areas with more stubborn dirt or stains—great for midsoles and heel tabs.
Wipe in a circular motion and toss the used wipe when done.
Pro Tip: These wipes are not recommended for delicate materials like suede or nubuck. Because they contain moisture, they can damage the texture and appearance of those materials over time. For suede or nubuck, stick with dry cleaning methods like the Jason Markk Suede Kit, which is specifically designed for those surfaces.
How To Use The Jason Mark Suede Cleaning Kit
The Jason Markk Suede Cleaning Kit is a must-have for anyone with suede or nubuck sneakers. It comes with two tools: a suede eraser for removing stains and marks, and a soft horsehair brush to restore the natural texture of the material. This kit is dry-clean only, making it ideal for materials that don’t react well to moisture. Unlike wet wipes or liquid solutions, the Jason Markk kit helps you preserve the look and feel of premium sneaker materials without causing damage.
To use it:
Start by gently rubbing the suede eraser over the affected area to lift out dirt, scuffs, or oil marks.
Once the mark is removed, use the horsehair brush to lightly brush the nap in one direction, reviving the soft, textured feel of the suede or nubuck.
Pro Tip: The suede eraser isn’t just for suede—it also works surprisingly well on light scuffs on midsoles, especially on foam or rubber surfaces. Just use a light touch and follow up with a quick wipe to clean off any eraser residue.
