Shoes go through a lot: mud puddles, coffee cups, mysterious stains—never a pretty sight. However, cleaning them isn’t merely about looks; it also helps them last longer. Luckily, a little maintenance can prevent wear and tear, eliminate odors, and restore your shoes to their former greatness.
Whether you’re dealing with leather loafers, white sneakers, or suede boots, this guide will show you how to clean your shoes the right way—without ruining them.
How to Clean Leather and Faux Leather Shoes
Leather and faux leather shoes are stylish, versatile, and durable—if you look after them. They require a bit more TLC than running or canvas shoes to prevent them from cracking, drying out, or fading over time.
With proper cleaning and conditioning, your shoes will keep on looking good, whether you have traditional leather dress shoes or trendy faux leather boots. The key is to remove dirt gently, keep them moisturized, and avoid excess water, which can damage the material.
What You’ll Need:
- Soft-bristle brush or an old toothbrush
- Dish soap or leather cleaner
- Water
- Paper towels
- Mr. Clean Magic Eraser (for rubber soles and trim)
- Dry, clean cloth
- Leather conditioner (for genuine leather)
- Baby oil or coconut oil (for faux leather)
- Baking soda (for freshening up smelly shoes)
- Rubbing alcohol (for ink stains on leather)
Step-by-Step Cleaning Guide:
- Brush off loose dirt using a toothbrush or soft-bristle brush. Use small circular motions from the top down. On scuffed rubber soles, use Mr. Clean Magic Eraser.
- Apply soapy water (dish soap and warm water).
- If real leather: wipe the residue with a damp cloth only—too much water will damage the material. Faux Leather: Wipe with a clean, damp paper towel.
- Air dry inside (not in sunlight!) to prevent fading or shrinkage.
Here's how to condition leather and faux leather shoes:
- Leather: Use a leather conditioner so it remains soft.
- Faux Leather: Baby oil or coconut oil will keep it from drying out.
- Remove stains & odors:
- Ink stains on leather? Rubbing alcohol, dab.
- White leather shoes? Baking soda will work for stubborn spots.
- Faux leather smells? Sprinkle baking soda inside, leave overnight, then shake.
- Now, your shoes are new and ready to step out in style!
How to Clean White Canvas Shoes
White canvas shoes are great—until they're not. They seem to be stain magnets, whether it's dirt, coffee, or that mysterious dark blot, you have no memory of picking up. The good news? With a few simple tricks, you can get them to resume their shiny, new look and keep them from turning into a dirty mess. Canvas, unlike leather shoes, can withstand a bit more scrubbing, so it's quite simple to clean.
What You’ll Need:
- Baking soda
- White vinegar
- A soft brush or an old toothbrush
- Warm water
- Paper towels
Steps:
- Combine baking soda and vinegar with a little warm water to make a paste.
- Brush the shoes with a brush, scrubbing stains.
- Wipe off excess paste and let them air dry in the shade.
- For tough stains: Toss the laces in the wash and spot-treat stains.
How to Clean Running Shoes
Running shoes take a beating. They go through rain, mud, and hundreds of miles of pounding the pavement, so it's no surprise they get dirty in a hurry. It's not just about appearance when it comes to cleaning them, though—it also helps them last longer by preventing material breakdown and odor buildup. Whether you're a marathon runner or a morning walker, a simple cleaning will make them look (and smell) new.
What You’ll Need:
- Dish soap
- A soft brush or an old toothbrush
- Warm water
- Mesh laundry bag (for laces)
Steps:
- Remove laces and insoles (wash laces separately).
- Brush off loose dirt with a dry brush.
- Scrub the uppers and soles gently with soapy water.
- Wipe with a damp cloth (no soaking!).
- Let them air dry completely before wearing them again.
How to Clean Suede Shoes
Suede shoes are stylish and comfortable, yet they're also one of the most delicate materials to clean. Suede is softer than smooth leather and has a velvety finish that stains and scuffs easily. Water spots can be permanent, and scrubbing too vigorously can damage the fibers. Fear not, however—with the proper technique, you can clean your suede shoes without ruining their luxurious texture.
What You’ll Need:
- Suede brush (or a clean toothbrush)
- White vinegar
- Eraser (for scuffs)
Steps:
- Sweep away dirt with a suede brush.
- Rub scuffs gently with an eraser to erase them.
- Dab white vinegar on a cloth to remove stains.
- Allow it to dry, and brush again to restore softness.
How to Clean Shoelaces
Shoelaces are not a big deal, but dirty, stained laces can make even clean shoes look worn out. Don't discard them when they get dirty, but apply this simple cleaning method to have them return to their bright, new look.
Steps:
- Remove the laces from your shoes.
- Soak in soapy water (dish soap + warm water) for 15-20 minutes.
- Scrub with a toothbrush for tougher stains.
- Rinse and air dry prior to lacing up again.
Can I Put Shoes in the Washing Machine?
The thought of throwing dirty shoes straight into the washing machine is tempting, but is it safe? It's all about the material! Canvas and athletic shoes? Go ahead! Leather and suede? Absolutely not. Machine washing can deteriorate adhesives, damage delicate materials, and cause unnecessary wear and tear. If your shoes are machine washable, follow these tips to make them last.
How to Machine Wash Shoes Safely:
- Remove laces and insoles.
- Place shoes in a mesh bag (or pillowcase) to protect them.
- Use cold water and a gentle cycle.
- Air dry—never use a dryer!
A Fresh Start, From Your Sneakers to Your Home
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