Keeping your shoes clean is important for maintaining their appearance and extending their lifespan. Different types of shoes require different cleaning methods. Here is a guide on how to properly clean five common types of shoes.
Leather Shoes
Leather shoes should be cleaned regularly to keep the material supple and prevent drying and cracking. Here are some tips for cleaning leather shoes:
Materials Needed
- Leather cleaner or mild soap
- Soft brush or old toothbrush
- Soft cloth
- Leather conditioner
Cleaning Steps
- Remove laces and inserts. Take out any removable insoles, laces, etc. to clean the shoes fully.
- Wipe down. Use a damp soft cloth to wipe away any dirt or debris on the outside of the shoes. Be gentle.
- Make a cleaning solution. Dilute leather cleaner or mild soap in warm water. Use a minimal amount of cleaner.
- Apply cleaner and brush. Dip the soft brush in the solution and gently scrub the outside of the shoes in circular motions. Get into crevices and seams.
- Rinse. Wipe shoes with a clean damp cloth to remove all soap residue.
- Dry. Wipe shoes with a dry soft cotton cloth. Stuff with paper to help them retain shape as they dry.
- Condition. Once fully dried, apply a small amount of leather conditioner. Buff with a clean cloth.
- Replace inserts and laces. Put back any removable inserts, laces, etc.
Cleaning Tips
- Spot clean stains as soon as possible.
- Avoid machine washing or drying leather shoes.
- Use a leather protectant spray to guard against water and salt stains during winter.
- Consider professional cleaning for tough stains or heavily soiled shoes.
Canvas Shoes
Canvas shoes like Converse Chuck Taylors can be washed more vigorously than leather. Follow these steps for cleaning canvas sneakers:
Materials Needed
- Mild detergent
- Toothbrush
- Washcloth
- Bucket
- Stuffing (paper towels or rags)
- Whitener (optional)
Cleaning Steps
- Remove laces and inserts. Take out any removable inserts, laces, etc.
- Brush loose dirt. Use a dry brush to remove any dried mud or loose debris stuck to the canvas.
- Make a solution. Mix a small amount of mild detergent with warm water in a bucket.
- Scrub. Dip the toothbrush in the solution and scrub the entire outside of the shoes. Get into crevices.
- Rinse. Dip a washcloth in the bucket and wipe shoes to rinse off all soap.
- Dry. Stuff shoes with paper towels or rags to absorb moisture and retain shape as they dry.
- Whiten (optional). For dingy canvas, apply a whitening solution with a toothbrush and rinse.
- Replace laces and inserts. Put back any removable pieces after shoes are fully dry.
Cleaning Tips
- Machine washing is okay but avoid high heat drying. Air dry canvas shoes.
- Use whitener sparingly as high concentrations can damage the canvas.
- Spot clean stains immediately with a damp cloth.
- Wash canvas shoes regularly to prevent dirt buildup.
Running Shoes
Running shoes should be cleaned regularly to eliminate odors and maintain performance. Here is how to clean running shoes:
Materials Needed
- Mild detergent
- Toothbrush
- Washcloth
- Bucket
- Baking soda
- Old towel
Cleaning Steps
- Remove inserts. Take out the removable insoles and laces.
- Mix solution. Make a cleaning solution of mild detergent, warm water, and a sprinkle of baking soda.
- Scrub upper. Use a toothbrush dipped in the solution to clean the fabric upper, mesh sides, and rubber edging.
- Scrub soles. Use a stiff brush and solution to scrub the indented treads on the rubber sole.
- Rinse. Wipe shoes with a clean damp washcloth to remove all detergent.
- Dry. Stuff shoes with an old towel to absorb moisture as they dry.
- Deodorize. Sprinkle baking soda insoles and inside shoes to absorb odors.
- Replace inserts. Put back clean inserts once shoes are dry.
Cleaning Tips
- Remove insoles and air out shoes after each use.
- Spot clean stains immediately with mild soap and water.
- Wash shoes in the washing machine occasionally for a deep clean. Use cold water setting.
- Replace heavily worn or damaged running shoes that affect support.
Suede Shoes
Suede is a delicate material that requires special care when cleaning. Here is how to clean suede shoes:
Materials Needed
- Suede brush
- Vinegar
- Rubbing alcohol
- Clean towel
- Suede cleaner
Cleaning Steps
- Brush gently. Use a suede brush to gently whisk away surface dirt or stains. Brush in one direction along the nap.
- Spot clean. For more stubborn stains, use a clean towel lightly dampened with vinegar or rubbing alcohol. Gently blot the stain.
- Use suede cleaner. For a deeper clean, apply a small amount of suede cleaner with a soft brush. Rinse with a damp towel.
- Dry completely. Stuff shoes with paper and allow to fully dry before wearing again. High heat can damage suede.
- Restore nap. Once dried, use the suede brush to restore the nap by brushing in one direction.
Cleaning Tips
- Protect suede from water and salt stains in winter. Use a suede protector spray.
- Allow wet suede shoes to dry at room temperature, away from direct heat.
- Spot clean oil-based stains immediately with cornstarch or an absorptive powder.
- Consider professional suede cleaning for tough stains or extensive dirt.
Sandals
Sandals exposed to summer weather need regular cleaning. Here are some tips for cleaning sandals:
Materials Needed
- Mild soap
- Toothbrush
- Washcloth
- Bucket
- Disinfecting spray
Cleaning Steps
- Remove footbed. Take out any removable footbeds or straps.
- Scrub straps. Mix mild soap and water in a bucket. Scrub straps with a toothbrush dipped in solution.
- Clean footbed. Use soapy solution and a washcloth to wipe down the footbed, getting between the toes.
- Rinse. Wipe sandals with a clean, damp washcloth to remove all soap residue.
- Disinfect. Spray sandals with a disinfectant and let sit 10 minutes before wiping dry.
- Air dry. Allow sandals to completely dry before replacing footbeds.
- Re-attach straps. Once dry, reattach any removable straps or hardware tightly.
Cleaning Tips
- Spot clean spills or stains right away to prevent buildup.
- Use baking soda or odor eliminator spray to remove odors.
- Replace flimsy straps that are stretched out or worn.
- Consider professional cleaning for tough stains on leather or suede sandals.
- Store sandals with cedar blocks or shoe trees to prevent mildew smells.
How to Clean Leather Shoes Properly
Leather shoes should be cleaned regularly to maintain their appearance and durability. Here are some tips for keeping leather shoes looking their best:
Cleaning Materials
- Leather cleaner or mild soap
- Soft brush or old toothbrush
- Soft cloth
- Leather conditioner
Cleaning Steps
- Remove laces and inserts. Take out any removable pieces like laces and insoles. This allows you to clean the entire shoe.
- Wipe down. Use a damp soft cloth to gently wipe away dirt or debris on the outside of the shoes. Be careful not to saturate the leather.
- Make cleaning solution. Mix a small amount of leather cleaner or mild soap with warm water. Use minimal cleaner to avoid discoloration.
- Apply cleaner and brush. Dip the soft brush in the solution and scrub the outside of the shoes in circular motions. Get into crevices and seams.
- Rinse. Wipe the shoes with a clean damp cloth to remove all soap residue. Take extra care to remove it all.
- Dry. Wipe the shoes with a dry soft cotton cloth. Stuff with paper to retain the shape as they dry. Allow to air dry fully.
- Condition. Apply a thin layer of leather conditioner once shoes are dry. Buff the conditioner in with a clean cloth.
- Replace laces and inserts. Put removable pieces back once shoes are clean and dry.
Handy Leather Shoe Cleaning Tips
- Spot clean stains immediately to prevent set-in stains.
- Avoid machine washing or drying leather shoes to prevent damage. Allow to air dry.
- Use a protectant spray to guard leather against water and salt stains in winter.
- Consider professional cleaning for tough stains or heavily soiled shoes.
- Clean leather shoes regularly, about once a month, to maintain their appearance.
How to Clean Canvas Shoes Properly
Canvas sneakers like Converse can handle more vigorous cleaning than leather. Here are some tips for cleaning canvas shoes effectively:
Cleaning Materials
- Mild detergent
- Toothbrush
- Washcloth
- Bucket
- Stuffing (paper towels or rags)
- Whitener (optional)
Cleaning Steps
- Remove laces and inserts. Take out all removable pieces of the shoes including laces, inserts, etc.
- Brush dirt. Use a dry brush to whisk away any dried mud or loose dirt on the canvas.
- Make cleaning solution. Fill a bucket with warm water and add a small amount of mild detergent.
- Scrub shoes. Dip a toothbrush in the solution and vigorously scrub the entire exterior including seams and edges.
- Rinse. Dip a clean washcloth in the bucket to wipe shoes and rinse away all soap residue.
- Dry. Stuff shoes with paper or rags to absorb moisture. Let air dry completely.
- Whiten (optional). For dingy canvas, use whitener and rinse well. Use sparingly.
- Replace laces. Put laces back in once shoes are fully dry.
Helpful Canvas Shoe Cleaning Tips
- Machine wash canvas shoes occasionally but air dry to prevent heat damage.
- Spot treat stains immediately with a damp cloth and mild soap.
- Wash regularly before dirt becomes ingrained.
- Replace inserts regularly to prevent bacterial buildup leading to odors.
- Use white vinegar to remove stubborn odors from canvas shoes.
How to Clean Running Shoes Properly
Regular cleaning keeps running shoes fresh and maintains their performance. Here are some tips for effectively cleaning running shoes:
Cleaning Materials
- Mild detergent
- Toothbrush
- Washcloth
- Bucket
- Baking soda
- Old towel
Cleaning Steps
- Remove inserts. Always take out the removable insoles and laces first.
- Make cleaning solution. Fill a bucket with warm water, mild detergent, and a sprinkle of baking soda.
- Scrub upper. Use a toothbrush dipped in the solution to rigorously clean the mesh fabric upper, sides, edging, etc.
- Scrub soles. Use a stiff brush and the solution to scrub the indented treads on the bottom rubber sole.
- Rinse. Wipe shoes with a clean damp washcloth to remove all soapy residue.
- Dry. Stuff with an old towel to absorb moisture. Allow to fully air dry.
- Deodorize. Lightly sprinkle baking soda in shoes and on insoles to absorb odors.
- Replace inserts. Put clean, dry inserts and laces back in.
Handy Running Shoe Cleaning Tips
- Remove inserts and air out shoes after each wear to prevent odor.
- Machine wash occasionally on cold setting for a deep clean. Air dry.
- Immediately spot clean stains with mild soap and water to prevent set-in stains.
- Replace heavily worn shoes that affect support and shock absorption.
- Wash laces and inserts separately in mild detergent to sanitize.
How to Clean Suede Shoes Properly
Suede requires gentle care and attention when cleaning to avoid damage. Follow these tips to clean suede shoes effectively:
Cleaning Materials
- Suede brush
- Vinegar or rubbing alcohol
- Clean towel
- Suede cleaner
- Paper and towel
Cleaning Steps
- Brush surface. Gently whisk away loose dirt using a suede brush. Brush along the nap in one direction.
- Spot clean stains. For stubborn stains, use a vinegar or alcohol dampened towel to gently blot and lift the stain.
- Use suede cleaner. For a deeper clean, apply a suede cleaner with a soft brush. Always rinse cleaned area well.
- Dry fully. Stuff shoes to absorb moisture and allow to completely dry before wearing. Avoid direct heat.
- Restore nap. Once dried, use the suede brush to restore the nap by brushing along the grain.
Handy Suede Cleaning Tips
- Apply protector spray to guard against water and salt stains in winter.
- Allow wet suede shoes to dry at room temperature, away from direct heat.
- Immediately treat oil-based stains with an absorptive powder like cornstarch.
- Consider professional suede cleaning for extensive dirt or tough stains.
- Spot clean stains on suede right away to prevent setting in.
How to Clean Sandals Properly
Sandals require regular cleaning to look and smell fresh. Follow these tips to clean sandals effectively:
Cleaning Materials
- Mild soap
- Toothbrush
- Washcloth
- Bucket
- Disinfecting spray
Cleaning Steps
- Remove footbed. Take out any removable footbeds, straps, or hardware pieces before cleaning.
- Scrub straps. Mix mild soap with warm water in a bucket. Use a toothbrush dipped in solution to scrub straps clean.
- Clean footbed. Use the soapy solution and a washcloth to wipe between the toes and clean the footbed.
- Rinse. Wipe sandals with a clean damp washcloth to remove all soapy residue.
- Disinfect. Spray sandals with a disinfectant. Let sit 10 minutes before wiping dry with towel.
- Air dry. Allow sandals to fully air dry before replacing footbeds or straps.
- Reattach hardware. Once dry, securely reattach any removable hardware or straps.
Useful Sandal Cleaning Tips
- Immediately spot clean spills before they set in and stain.
- Use baking soda or odor eliminator spray to remove odors from sandals.
- Replace stretched out or worn straps to improve comfort and support.
- Use cedar blocks or shoe trees in sandals when storing to prevent mildew odor.
- Professionally clean tough stains on suede or leather sandals.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cleaning Shoes
Cleaning shoes properly maximizes their longevity while keeping them looking their best. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about cleaning different types of shoes:
How do you clean old stains on leather shoes?
For dried or stubborn stains on leather, make a paste using baking soda and water. Gently rub the paste into the stain using a soft cloth or toothbrush. Allow to sit 5-10 minutes before rinsing and wiping clean. Finish by conditioning the leather.
What is the best way to clean canvas shoes?
The best method is to machine wash canvas sneakers in cold water with mild detergent. Take out laces and inserts first and always air dry canvas shoes rather than putting them in the dryer.
Can you put running shoes in the washing machine?
Yes, you can occasionally machine wash running shoes on a cold, gentle cycle. Remove inserts first and air dry shoes fully before wearing again.
How do you get bad smells out of shoes?
Sprinkle baking soda directly into smelly shoes and on removable inserts to absorb odors. Tea tree oil also helps eliminate stubborn shoe odors – add a few drops to a washcloth and wipe the interior.
What is the best way to clean sandals?
Use a toothbrush dipped in mild soapy water to vigorously scrub the straps, footbeds, and any textured areas on sandals. Rinse well with clean water. Disinfect with a spray and allow sandals to fully air dry.
How often should you clean shoes?
Clean leather shoes every 1-2 months. Canvas and athletic sneakers should be cleaned every 2-4 weeks. Sandals that are worn frequently may need cleaning every couple of weeks in summer.
What damages shoes when cleaning?
Excessive water, heat, and abrasive cleaners can damage shoes during cleaning. Always use mild soap and ensure shoes are completely dry before wearing again. With leather shoes, polish buildup over time can also contribute to cracking and drying.
Can you put suede shoes in the washing machine?
No, never put suede in the washing machine or dryer. The heat and agitation can destroy the delicate suede finish. Always opt for hand cleaning suede.
Conclusion
Regularly cleaning shoes properly helps extend their lifespan and maintain comfort and support. Always use the gentlest