Always use a spray
By treating your suede shoes with a spray right after purchase, a protective layer forms that repels dirt and grease. This makes a considerable difference if you later try to remove a stain. Especially with these autumn and upcoming winter months, this is important.
Use shoe trees
It sounds old-fashioned, but to keep the shape of your shoes nice, you use shoe trees, and preferably of untreated wood. These prevent shoes from deforming and absorb odour and moisture. On top of that, it also looks very neat.
Brushing
Brush your shoes with a soft brush after you've worn them. Small stains you can easily polish out with a simple piece of pencil eraser. It saves you heavy brushing, because the longer the stain stays on, the more stubborn it is to remove.
Keep your shoes dry
Should your shoes have gotten wet after all, which is quite possible in a country like the Netherlands, then wrap them in kitchen paper and place them with shoe trees in a dry spot. Don't put them too close to the heating, because then the leather can crack. Stubborn stains you can erase the next day.
The Shoemaker
Don't you have time yourself (read: can't be bothered) for a big clean-up, or is the damage too great: leave it to an expert and take your shoes to a cobbler. He can bring your shoes completely back to life with steam.
