Combat boots made of suede leather are a popular footwear choice for their rugged, durable construction and stylish look. However, suede is a delicate material that requires proper care and cleaning methods to maintain its appearance and extend its lifespan. Learning how to effectively clean suede combat boots is key to keeping them looking fresh.

Supplies Needed

Cleaning suede combat boots starts with gathering the proper supplies. Here is what you’ll need:

• Suede brush – A wire bristle brush specifically designed for suede. The bristles are stiff enough to remove dirt and debris, but gentle enough not to damage the suede.
• Suede eraser – A cleaning block made of rubber or plastic that helps remove stubborn scuff marks.
• Suede cleaner – A mild soap or foaming solution made for suede and nubuck leather. Avoid regular shoe cleaners.
• Soft cloth – A microfiber cloth or an old t-shirt works well.
• Protective spray (optional) – A protective coating to repel water and stains after cleaning.

Remove Loose Dirt and Debris

Before washing suede combat boots, you’ll want to brush off any dried mud or loose particulates. Here are the steps:

• First, wipe the boots with a dry cloth to remove any surface-level dust and dirt.
• Using a suede brush, gently brush the uppers, sides, eyelets, laces, and soles. Brush in different directions to lift dirt trapped deep in the suede fibers.
• Pay close attention to seams, stitching, and any decorative perforations where debris often collects.
• When finished brushing, use the dry cloth to wipe away any dirt and dust stirred up by the brush.

Regularly using a suede brush helps lift dirt before it becomes ingrained in the leather. It also restores the nap, keeping the suede fibers soft and smooth.

Spot Clean With a Suede Eraser

For stubborn marks like scuffs, oil stains, and mud spatters that remain after brushing, use a suede eraser. Here’s how to spot clean:

• Gently rub the suede eraser back and forth over any dirty spots to lift dirt from the surface.
• Don’t aggressively scrub, as this can damage the suede fibers.
• As the eraser collects dirt, fold it over to reveal a clean side.
• When finished, wipe away any eraser crumbs with a dry cloth.
• Allow the suede to fully dry before wearing or further cleaning.

Suede erasers effectively clean small areas of concentrated grime. But for an all-over deep clean, a more thorough washing is required.

Wash With Suede Cleaner

For a thorough cleaning, a suede-specific soap or foaming solution is recommended. Here are the steps:

Mix the Solution

• Follow the product directions to dilute the suede cleaner as directed. Many cleaners must be diluted for safe use.
• Some cleaners require mixing with warm water, while foam cleaners may only need activating by shaking the bottle.

Apply the Cleaner

• Before applying cleaner to the entire boot, spot test a small hidden area like the tongue or heel to ensure the cleaner won’t discolor the suede.
• If using a wash solution, dip a clean cloth in the mix and wring out any excess.
• For foam cleaners, spray the foam directly onto the boots. Apply a light, even coating over all surfaces of the boots.
• Gently scrub and agitate the solution into the suede with the cloth or a suede brush.

Rinse Thoroughly

• When the cleaner has fully penetrated the suede, rinse boots under running water, changing the angle to rinse both sides.
• Stuff boots with paper towels to help absorb excess water from inside.
• Blot wet suede gently with a fresh dry cloth, pressing to soak up any remaining moisture. Don’t rub vigorously.
• Allow boots to air dry fully before wearing, away from direct heat or sunlight.
• When dry, use a suede brush to restore the nap.

Proper rinsing prevents soap residue buildup that can discolor suede over time. Repeat washing if any sticky cleaner remains.

Waterproof Spray Treatment

As a final step after cleaning and drying, use a protective spray to make suede combat boots more resistant to future dirt and stains:

• Holding the can 6-8 inches from the suede, apply a light misting of spray in a well-ventilated area.
• Gently brush the spray over all surfaces using a suede brush to evenly distribute the coating.
• Let the spray fully dry as directed on the product instructions before wearing.
• Reapply waterproofer whenever the protective coating appears to wear off and suede looks dry.

Suede protector spray provides a barrier against moisture, salt stains, and dust without compromising the look and feel of the suede.

Handy Tips for Ongoing Care

With regular upkeep and prompt spot cleaning, suede combat boots will retain their appeal season after season. Follow these care tips:

• Wipe boots with a dry cloth after each wear once they cool and dirt has a chance to settle in the fibers.
• Use shoe trees between wears to absorb moisture and maintain shape.
• Brush suede uppers before and after wearing to revive nap.
• Spot clean stains immediately with suede eraser. Don’t let them set in.
• When wet, stuff with paper towels and allow to fully air dry away from direct heat.
• Reapply protective spray as often as needed to repel water and stains.
• Consider professional cleaning if suede is heavily soiled all over.

With the proper supplies and techniques, you can keep your treasured suede combat boots looking fabulous for years to come. Don’t be intimidated by suede’s delicate reputation – a little patience and regular care is all it takes.

How to Remove Salt Stains from Suede Combat Boots

Salt stains are a common problem for suede footwear worn in winter weather. The salt and chemicals used on sidewalks and roads can leave unsightly white marks on boots and shoes. Don’t worry – with a little time and effort, you can remove unsightly salt stains from suede combat boots using everyday household items.

What You’ll Need

• White vinegar
• Warm water
• Soft-bristled toothbrush or suede brush
• Dry microfiber cloth
• Suede eraser block
• Suede protector spray

Step 1: Mix a Vinegar Solution

• Fill a small bowl with equal parts warm water and white vinegar. The vinegar helps dissolve salt crystals.
• For more stubborn stains, use a higher concentration of vinegar. But avoid submerging entirely in full-strength vinegar as this can discolor suede.

Step 2: Lightly Scrub Stained Areas

• Dip the toothbrush in the vinegar solution and gently scrub stained areas of the boots.
• Take care not to overly saturate or vigorously brush suede, which can cause damage.
• Stubborn salt stains may require concentrating on small areas at a time with repeated light scrubbing.

Step 3: Blot with a Dry Cloth

• Once vinegar solution has been worked into stains, blot excess moisture by pressing firmly on stains with a dry microfiber cloth or paper towel.
• Change to a fresh area of the drying cloth as needed to absorb moisture.
• Take care not to roughly rub suede which can disturb nap and cause discoloration. Blotting is better than rubbing.

Step 4: Allow Boots to Fully Dry

• After blotting, allow boots to air dry completely.
• Stuffing paper towels or newspaper inside boots will help absorb moisture.
• Dry away from direct heat sources.
• Make sure boots are fully dry before wearing or applying protector spray.

Step 5: Apply Suede Protector Spray

• Once boots are dry, refresh water resistance with a suede protector spray.
• Lightly coat all surfaces with spray according to product directions.
• Let the spray fully dry before wearing boots.

The vinegar soak helps dissolve salt crystals, while gentle brushing lifts staining from suede fibers. With this effective approach, your trusty combat boots will be ready to wear in no time.

How to Soften Stiff Suede Combat Boots

Brand new suede combat boots can feel uncomfortably rigid and stiff out of the box. Fortunately, there are simple tricks to soften up stiff boots quickly:

Use Leather Conditioner

• Apply a small amount of leather conditioner to a clean cloth.
• Gently rub the conditioner in a circular motion to work into the suede fibers.
• Concentrate on areas that feel especially stiff like the toe box and ankles.
• Allow the conditioner to soak in 10 minutes before buffing with a clean dry cloth.
• Avoid over-saturating suede with conditioner which can darken the color.

Leather conditioners provide oils that nourish suede fibers. As the conditioner penetrates, the fibers become more flexible.

Use Heat from a Hair Dryer

• Stuff boots with socks or paper to help them hold shape.
• Using a hair dryer on a low or cool setting, wave heat over the suede uppers of the boots.
• Slowly move the dryer back and forth to warm all areas for 2-3 minutes.
• Be cautious not to hold heat too close or long to avoid damage.
• The light warmth will relax the fibers just enough to increase softness.

Heat modifies the stiff structure of the suede fibers. But go slowly and avoid high heat to prevent shrinking or drying out the suede.

Wear Them

• After applying conditioner and heat, wear the stiff boots around the house for short periods.
• Start with just wearing for an hour at a time, removing occasionally to allow feet to rest.
• The warmth and bend of your feet will naturally soften and start conforming the boots.

Simply breaking in the boots by wearing will increase flexibility over time. Just take it slowly at first to avoid painful blisters.

Use Boot Stretchers

• Boot stretchers or shoe trees with a boot attachment can stretch tight areas.
• With boots off, insert stretcher and turn dial or screws to apply light outward pressure in stiff spots.
• Keep stretcher in 8 hours or overnight, then remove.

Applying targeted stretch and tension encourages the suede to become more pliable. Don’t over-stretch to avoid damaging seams.

With a little patience and the right techniques, those stiff new combat boots will soon soften up for all-day wearable comfort.

How Often Should You Clean Suede Combat Boots?

Knowing when to clean suede combat boots is important to keeping them looking fresh. Follow these tips on cleaning frequency:

When They’re Dirty

• Clean boots whenever dirt, stains, or salt deposits build up and are visible on the suede uppers.
• Don’t allow dirt to become deeply embedded in the suede fibers over time.
• Spot clean small stains right away with a suede eraser.

Letting suede get overly dirty between cleanings can lead to neglected stains becoming permanent.

After Extended Wear

• Thoroughly clean boots after wearing them heavily for an extended period of as a week or more.
• Sweat and body oils will transfer to the boots and dirt will accumulate.
• Heavy wear rubs debris into the suede that needs lifting out.

Cleaning after a period of heavy wear revives the suede and restores the nap.

Every Few Months

• Aim to do a thorough cleaningevery 2-3 months with suede cleaner and brushing.
• For boots worn occasionally or in good weather, a light brushing may tide them over.
• But boots worn routinely or in wet/snowy weather need a deeper clean.

Even with light wear, suede still benefits from a good cleaning every quarter to look its best.

Before Storing For Season

• Clean boots at the end of a season before putting them away for several months.
• Remove all dirt, salt stains, and waterproof coatings.
• Brush suede uppers thoroughly before storing.

Deep clean boots before storage so any lingering dirt doesn???t become permanently embedded in the suede over time.

When Suede Looks Dry

• Noticeable dryness, a lack of nap, and faded color are signs suede is due for a cleaning.
• Dirt accumulation exacerbates dryness.
• Cleaning removes grime and refreshes the oiled fibers.

Proper cleaning restores the oily composition of suede and reverses dryness before it becomes cracked and damaged.

Following these tips will keep your valued combat boots looking fresher longer!

Tips for Cleaning Suede Combat Boots Properly

Cleaning suede combat boots can seem daunting. But following some best practices will keep them looking sharp:

Use Suede-Specific Products

• Suede cleaners, brushes, erasers and protective sprays are specially designed to be gentle on suede leather.
• Avoid regular shoe cleaners and conditioners that can discolor, over-saturate, and damage suede.

Avoid Soaking Suede

• Lightly dampen suede when cleaning instead of over-saturating.
• Never submerge suede entirely under water as it will become misshapen and ruined.

Work in Sections

• When washing, concentrate on cleaning one section of the boot at a time.
• This prevents the suede from becoming overly wet as you work.

Stuff Boots While Drying

• Stuffing paper towels inside boots absorbs moisture faster than air drying alone.
• Rotate paper as needed to absorb maximum moisture.

Always Brush Nap

• Before and after cleaning, use a suede brush to lift dirt and revive the nap.
• Brushing before cleaning prevents grinding in grime when washing.

Spot Clean ASAP

• Immediately spot clean any spills or stains with a suede eraser before they have a chance to set in.

Protect from Moisture

• Spray suede protectant regularly to guard against water and salt stains during wet weather.

With the proper specialized products and techniques, you can master the art of cleaning suede combat boots.

How to Remove Grease and Oil Stains from Suede Combat Boots

Grease and oil stains are especially tricky when it comes to suede footwear. The oily residue soaks into the porous suede fibers, leaving unsightly dark marks. But removing grease and oil from suede combat boots is possible using common household ingredients.

Step 1: Blot Excess Grease

• Immediately after exposure to oil or grease, blot excess residue from the suede with an absorbent clean cloth.
• Press gently without smearing or grinding in the stain.
• This lifts away what’s still on the surface before it penetrates deeper.

Step 2: Sprinkle on Cornstarch

• Liberally sprinkle cornstarch over the greasy stained area. The cornstarch will work to absorb oily residue.
• Allow the cornstarch to sit for several hours or even overnight.
• The longer it has to work, the more oil it will draw out.

Step 3: Brush Off Cornstarch

• Once cornstarch has had time to absorb oils, use a suede brush to gently whisk it away.
• A clean toothbrush also works well for this detail work.
• Brushing helps loosen any remaining residue from the suede fibers.

Step 4: Use Suede Eraser

• For any hint of stain remaining after the cornstarch, use a suede eraser block.
• Rub gently over the stain to lift it without damaging the suede nap.

Step 5: Use Suede Cleaner

• If any subtle staining persists, use a small amount of suede cleaner worked into the area with a suede brush.
• This will remove the final traces of grease residue from the suede fibers.

With a little time and elbow grease, you can banish even the most stubborn oil stains from suede combat boots.

How to Remove Ink Stains from Suede Combat Boots

Ink stains are notoriously challenging to remove from porous materials like suede. However, removing ink from suede combat boots is possible with the right stain removal techniques.

Step 1: Blot Fresh Stains

• For fresh ink stains, immediately blot with a clean absorbent cloth to soak up excess.
• Avoid rubbing or pressing hard as this can push ink deeper into suede fibers.
• Lifting fresh ink right away prevents permanent setting.

Step 2: Use Rubbing Alcohol

• Dab rubbing alcohol onto ink stains using a cotton ball or cloth.
• Concentrate on one small area of the stain at a time.
• As ink transfers to the cotton, switch to a clean section to prevent spreading.
• Avoid over-saturating the suede leather with liquids.

Step 3: Rinse with Vinegar

• After alcohol, dab the stain with a vinegar-dampened cloth to neutralize any remaining ink acidity.
• 50/50 vinegar and water solution works best.
• Blot area with clean water dampened cloth after to remove vinegar.

Step 4: Use Suede Eraser

• Once ink is lifted from the surface, gently rub a suede eraser block over any residual shadow staining.
• This helps scrub out the last traces trapped in the suede nap without damage.

With prompt action and the right stain removal methods, you can save ink-stained suede combat boots.

How to Stretch Tight Suede Combat Boots

Brand new suede combat boots can often feel uncomfortably snug and