Search "how to clean suede shoes"
and you'll see the same advice repeated everywhere:
"use bicarbonate soda"
Bicarbonate soda has always been incorrectly recommended for cleaning shoes of any kind. It’s cheap, accessible, and widely promoted online as a miracle fix for stains and odors. However this household staple does a lot of damage and we've seen it first hand multiple times.
Can You Use Bicarbanote Soda on Suede?
No.
Bicarbonate soda (baking soda) should not be used on suede shoes under any circumstances. While it may absorb odours or lift very light surface dirt, it actively damages the structure of suede.
This isn’t opinion — it’s down to chemistry and material science.
The Unique Structure of Suede
Suede isn’t just another type of leather it’s fundamentally different in both structure and characteristics.
Unlike full-grain leather, which uses the outer layer of the hide, suede is made from the underside. This gives it that soft, velvety texture known as the nap. The fibers in suede are looser, more porous, and far more delicate than traditional leather.
What Happens When You Use Bicarbonate Soda
Bicarbonate soda (also known as baking soda) seems harmless. It’s often described as “gentle” or “natural.” However we've seen first hand the damage it does to suede and also mesh/suede shoes and shoes with dye.
Bicarbonate soda has an alkaline pH, typically around ph8–9 when dissolved in water. Suede, on the other hand, is best maintained in a slightly acidic to neutral pH environment.
This imbalance is where the problems begin:
1. It Strips Natural Oils
Suede relies on natural oils within its fibers to maintain softness and flexibility. When exposed to an alkaline substance like bicarbonate soda, these oils are broken down and removed.
The result?
- Dry, brittle fibers
- Loss of softness
- A rough, uneven texture
Once these oils are stripped, they’re not easily restored.
2. It Permanently Alters the Texture
Because suede fibers are so fine and open, they react quickly to chemical changes. When bicarbonate soda is applied and mixed with water, it can cause the fibres to clump together and turn slimy. (This usually occurs when we clean the shoes, after the DIY fix.
Instead of a soft, consistent nap, you’re left with:
- Flattened, shiny patches,
- slimy or stiff areas when dry
- An overall uneven finish and yellowing.
In many cases, this change is permanent.
3. It Causes Dyes to Run
Suede is typically dyed using processes that are sensitive to pH levels. Introducing an alkaline substance disrupts that balance.
This can lead to:
- Colour bleeding
- yellowing
- Patchy or discoloured areas
Even small amounts of bicarbonate soda can trigger dye instability—especially on darker or more saturated suede.
Why DIY Hacks Fall Short
The problem with most DIY cleaning advice is that it treats all materials the same. What works on rubber, canvas, or synthetic fabrics doesn’t translate to suede.
Suede requires:
- Controlled moisture
- pH-balanced solutions
- Gentle mechanical cleaning
Bicarbonate soda offers none of these.
The Better Approach
If you want to clean suede properly without damaging it, you need to use products specifically designed for the material.
At Sneaker Pharm, we formulate our cleaning solutions to:
- Maintain a safe pH balance
- Preserve natural oils
- Lift dirt without disrupting the nap
Paired with the right brush and technique, this ensures your suede stays soft, clean, and consistent. Our laboratory designed product can be found here: SP CLEANING SOLUTION
Final Thoughts
Bicarbonate soda might seem like a quick fix, but on suede, it’s a shortcut to permanent damage.
The texture changes. The dyes run. The material loses its softness.
If you’re serious about keeping your sneakers in top condition, it’s worth skipping the DIY hacks and using products that are built for the job.
Ignore the Tik-Toks and instagram posts about using bicarbonate soda - its more harm than good.