'The $6 hack I use to clean my shoes and sneakers.'

You know that sinking feeling when you look down at your favourite suede heels after a night out and discover they're covered in mysterious marks and scuffs? I do. 

And if you're anything like me, you've probably resigned yourself to either living with the stains or kissing those precious shoes goodbye.

Well, I'm here to share the $6 beauty hack that's saved my suede shoes from the donation pile. 

In fact, I've had these inordinately comfy shoes re-soled twice and they're still kicking. And the solution is probably sitting in your bathroom cabinet right now.

Micellar water. Yes, the same stuff you use to remove your makeup.

Let me set the scene. 

Triggered by this grime. Image: Cassandra Green

Last month, I wore my gorgeous beige suede, point-toe kitten heels for a girls' night out. Between the restaurant, the country-themed bar (hello, Jolene's Sydney!), and the inevitable dancing, my poor shoes lived a life that night. 

Like any good girls night, we ended up in a dive singing 'Gimme! Gimme! Gimme!' at the top of our lungs, and I believe this is where most of the damage was done. My shoes copped a beating. 

The next morning, I discovered mysterious marks all over them – likely a combination of spilled drinks, city grime, and whatever else lurks on nightclub floors (best not to think about it too deeply).

I was devastated. These weren't just any shoes – they were my "I feel like a boss in these" shoes.

In desperation, I turned to the internet, where I discovered people were using micellar water to clean suede. 

Skeptical but with nothing to lose, I grabbed my Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water (the one with the pink cap that costs about $6 at Chemist Warehouse) and a few Q-tips.

I dabbed a Q-tip into the solution and gently worked it over one of the stains. To my absolute shock, the mark started to dissolve before my eyes. Thirty minutes later, my heels looked almost new again.

Granted, there's some scuffs you'll never get out. But the overall look was much cleaner. 

Ummmm!! So clean! Image: Cassandra Green

Why does micellar water work on suede?

According to my research, micellar water contains tiny micelles – oil molecules that attract dirt and grime like little magnets. These micelles collect the dirt without soaking the material, which is crucial for delicate suede.

Unlike harsh cleaners that can damage suede's distinctive texture, micellar water is gentle yet effective. 

The micelles grab onto dirt particles and lift them away from the surface without saturating the material or leaving water marks – which is typically suede's worst enemy.

How to clean your suede shoes with micellar water.

Will be wearing these for years to come. Image: Cassandra Green

Gather supplies: You'll need micellar water (any brand works, but the basic formulations without added oils are best), some Q-tips or cotton pads, and a soft, clean cloth.

Test first: This is crucial! Find an inconspicuous spot on your shoe (like the inner heel area) and do a patch test to ensure the micellar water doesn't affect the colour or texture of your suede.

Spot clean: Dip a Q-tip in micellar water – it should be damp but not dripping. Gently dab at the stained area using light pressure. For larger areas, use a cotton pad.

Let dry naturally: Once you've treated all the stains, allow your shoes to air dry completely. Don't apply heat or place them in direct sunlight.

Brush gently: After they're dry, use a suede brush or a clean toothbrush to restore the nap (the fuzzy texture of suede).

This hack works particularly well on fresh stains, but I've had success with older marks too. And the best part? There's no rinsing required, which means you're not saturating your precious suede with water.

While I can't guarantee this will work on every type of stain (oil marks can be particularly stubborn), it's certainly worth trying before you resign yourself to permanently stained shoes or expensive professional cleaning.

Your shoes – and your wallet – will thank you.

Feature image: Cassandra Green