Shoes get dirty. It’s a fact of life. From outdoor excursions to daily wear and tear, our footwear collects dirt, debris, stains, and odors. Keeping shoes clean not only makes them look better aesthetically but can also extend their lifespan. While some materials and fabrics require more care than others, nearly all shoes benefit from occasional deep cleaning.
In this guide, we’ll provide tips and best practices for cleaning various types of shoes. With the proper techniques and products, you can keep your footwear looking fresh and feeling comfortable.
Leather Shoes
Leather is a common shoe material that requires some special care. Here’s how to clean leather shoes of all types:
Remove Loose Debris First
Before washing leather shoes, brush them with a shoe brush or old toothbrush to dislodge any dried mud or caked-on dirt. This prevents abrasion during the cleaning process. Pay close attention to seams, creases, and the welt (where the sole meets the upper).
Create a Solution for Scrubbing
In a small bucket or basin, mix warm water, a small amount of dish soap or leather cleaner, and a splash of white vinegar. The vinegar helps break down stubborn dirt and polishes the leather.
Scrub With a Soft Brush
Dip a soft brush into the solution and gently scrub the entire shoe surface. Avoid hard scrubbing, which can damage the leather. Rinse the brush often.
Rinse and Dry
Rinse thoroughly with clean water, removing all soap residue. Stuff shoes with paper or towels to absorb moisture and accelerate drying. Allow shoes to air dry, away from direct heat or sunlight.
Condition and Polish
Once fully dried, apply a leather conditioner to restore suppleness. Follow up by buffing with a soft cloth or horsehair shoe brush to bring back the shine.
Canvas Shoes
Canvas shoes like Converse Chuck Taylors can be machine washed:
Remove Laces and Insoles
This prevents tangling and allows you to clean all surfaces.
Wash in Machine
Place shoes in a mesh bag and wash with cold water on a gentle cycle with mild detergent. Allow extra rinse time to remove all soap.
Air Dry
After washing, stuff shoes with towels to absorb moisture. Allow to fully air dry before wearing again.
Freshen with Baking Soda
For odors, sprinkle baking soda inside your shoes. Allow to sit overnight before shaking out.
Suede Shoes
Suede requires gentler cleaning methods than smooth leather:
Brush Off Dirt
Use a suede brush to lift dirt, debris, and light stains from the nap. Brush in different directions.
Clean With Suede Eraser
Rub gently with an eraser sponge to remove set-in stains without roughing up the suede.
Use Vinegar-Water Solution
Mix equal parts white vinegar and water. Dampen a clean cloth, wring out, and wipe shoes down. Let air dry. The vinegar kills odor-causing bacteria.
Use Suede Protector Spray
Treat clean, dry suede with a waterproofing spray. This prevents future stains. Re-apply every few months.
Athletic Shoes
Sports shoes for running and training have special cleaning needs:
Rinse Off Mud
Use a garden hose to spray off wet mud that can stain and cake on athletic shoe soles and sides. Dry with an old towel.
Remove Insoles
Take out the insoles and clean them separately with soap and water. Rinse and air dry.
Scrub With Toothbrush
Use an old toothbrush and dish detergent solution to scrub the soles, sides, and fabric uppers thoroughly. Rinse clean.
Sanitize with Lysol
Mist the insides lightly with Lysol to kill bacteria and odor. Stuff with paper towels to dry.
Wash Mesh Fabric
Machine wash mesh athletic shoes in cold water, delicate cycle. Air dry away from direct heat.
Winter Boots
Boots worn in rain, snow, and salt need special winter cleaning:
Rinse Off Salt Stains
Mix equal parts white vinegar and water. Spray on stained areas after use to prevent salt buildup. Rinse clean.
Remove Mud and Grime
Allow winter boots to fully dry after use. Then brush off dried mud using a stiff brush and use a damp rag to wipe away grime.
Disinfect Interiors
Spray insides with disinfectant after exposure to slush, salt, and mud. Allow boots to dry fully before storing.
Use Leather Conditioner
Treat leather boot uppers with conditioning cream or oil to prevent cracking and damage from the elements.
Apply Waterproofing
Restore water repellency by applying silicone-based spray to fabric and leather. Re-apply every 1-2 months.
Avoid These Mistakes
When cleaning shoes, some common mistakes can cause damage. Avoid:
- Soaking leather shoes in water – causes stiffness and cracking
- Putting shoes in the washing machine or dryer – can warp glues and stitching
- Using harsh cleaners like bleach – fades colors and damages materials
- Scrubbing aggressively with hard bristle brush – scuffs leather
- Applying heat to dry – can shrink, warp, or melt shoes
- Storing shoes wet – promotes mold, mildew, and bacteria
Gentle cleaning and proper drying keep all types of shoes looking their best!
Conclusion
With the proper care and techniques, you can keep your footwear fresh and extend its lifespan. Know your shoes’ materials, use appropriate tools and cleaning agents, don’t over-scrub, and allow time to thoroughly dry. Avoiding common mistakes like soaking, heat, and harsh chemicals also helps maintain quality and appearance. Keep these tips in mind to clean various types of shoes and boots effectively.
FAQs About Cleaning Shoes
How do you get old stains out of shoes?
For old set-in stains, try rubbing gently with toothpaste or baking soda paste using a soft brush or toothbrush. The abrasives in these products can help lift discoloration without damaging shoe materials. Rinse cleanly afterward.
What home remedies clean shoes naturally?
Vinegar, dish soap, hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, and gentle scrub brushes can clean shoes without harsh chemicals. Mix 1:1 vinegar and water to lift stains and disinfect. Use an old toothbrush and baking soda paste to scrub off grime.
Should you put your shoes in the washing machine?
Only certain shoes like canvas sneakers can go in the washing machine. Use cold water, delicate cycle. Avoid machine washing for materials like leather, suede, or rubber. The agitation and heat can damage them.
How do you get the smell out of shoes? Sprinkle baking soda inside shoes overnight to absorb odors, then shake it out. Also, spray lightly with rubbing alcohol or vinegar to kill bacteria that cause smells.
What do you clean white shoe soles with?
For white rubber or synthetic soles, scrub with a paste of baking soda and water using an old toothbrush. Rinse clean. Hydrogen peroxide can also lift stains. Avoid bleach, which can discolor and yellow soles over time.