How to Clean Your Shoes in 4 Easy Steps
The Sole Summary
Shoes often get the short end of the stick when it comes to cleaning and maintenance, even though they travel the world with you. Even an occasional cleaning can help extend the life of your favorite pairs. Here’s how to do it.
*DISCLAIMER: Please refer to brand care instructions and guidelines before getting started.
Supplies
- Soft and Hard Bristle Brushes (a spare toothbrush works, tool!)
- Household Cleaning Eraser
- Drying Cloth (microfiber works best)
- Regular Dish Soap
- Wet Wipes
- Washing Basin
1. Getting Started
After gathering your supplies and the shoes you plan on giving their own spa day, start by removing the laces. Using a dry brush, remove any excess debris. Knock loose dirt from the soles, uppers, and midsoles—this is where a spare toothbrush comes in handy for reaching the nooks and crannies.
For bonus points, use a wet wipe or lightly damp paper towel to prep major stains or remove larger clumps of dirt from the soles.
2. Washing
Prepare your cleaning solution. There are plenty of specialized shoe cleansers on the market, but warm water with dish soap or gentle laundry detergent works just as well.
Take care, though—you really don’t need much detergent. Highly concentrated solutions can cause discoloration or strip natural materials like suede or leather of their oils. About ½ teaspoon per cup of warm water is plenty.
Begin by soaking your soft bristle brush in the solution and start scrubbing. Gentle, circular motions work best. If you’re anything like us, it’s probably been a while since your shoes got a proper cleaning, so take your time and do it right the first time.
Tougher stains may require a little extra elbow grease. Tight grooves and hard-to-reach spots may call for the toothbrush again.
BONUS POINTS
- Those laces you removed earlier? They could probably use a little TLC, too.
- Prepare a separate basin with its own warm, soapy solution and allow the laces to soak while you clean your shoes. Massage the detergent into the laces to ensure they’re fully clean. Rinse and wring them out when finished, then place them on a cloth to air dry completely before relacing your shoes.
- For white laces, prepare a solution of 1 part bleach to 5 parts warm water (for example: 1 tablespoon of bleach to 1 quart of water).
3. Drying
Gently dry your shoes with a cloth (preferably microfiber) to blot away excess moisture and soap. Try to avoid rubbing, especially on suede, as it can wear down the material or spread deeper stains.
Then allow your shoes to fully air dry in the shade at room temperature.
While this may be the easiest part, it also takes the longest: anywhere from 8 to 24 hours.
Special Considerations
While this is a great framework for cleaning your shoes, some materials and styles require extra care. Embrace what makes each pair special with techniques designed to enhance them, not unknowingly damage them.
Suede
Suede has a reputation for being sensitive and luxurious (that’s why we love it). Its velvety-soft texture is prone to picking up grime and holding onto dirt.
Use a brush with stiffer bristles and gently brush up and down with the grain or nap of the suede to remove dirt. This helps maintain that beloved texture.
Use a suede eraser to buff out stubborn stains. In some cases, lightly blotting the area with white vinegar can help, but take care not to oversaturate the material and make matters worse.
Knits & Mesh
Engineered mesh is great for securing your foot during running or intense activity, but its stretchy nature can make it difficult to deep clean and restore to a fresh look.
Use mild soap and avoid harsh chemicals. Wet a soft brush and scrub in the direction of the knit to help prevent snagging. Pay close attention—the direction of the knit can change throughout the shoe as it wraps around your foot. Gentle circular motions can help when tackling stains.
Air dry as normal.
Never throw these shoes in the dryer, as heat can warp the knit and ruin its shape.
White Canvas
All the cool people rock them: rappers, models, rock stars…your mom.
White canvas sneakers are like a blank canvas for everyday outfits, but sometimes they need a little extra help getting back to that crisp white look they had fresh out of the box.
If soapy water alone isn’t cutting it, there are two methods worth trying:
White Sponge
Scuff marks beware; this is the magic spot treatment for your favorite white sneakers. Instantly polish
and shine for those quick-on-the-go touch-ups. Moms-in-the-know keep one in their purse for playground
scuffs.
Bonus points: While this is great on canvas, it also works on white leather, vinyl, and midsoles.
Bleach
The gold standard for getting your whites WHITE again. This method works best for dingy or yellowed
sneakers.
After brushing off excess dirt, create a solution of 1 part bleach to 5 parts water (for example: 1 tablespoon of bleach to 1 quart of water). Scrub as you normally would with your cleaning solution.
Bonus points: Lightly spray with hydrogen peroxide and rinse for an extra boost of brightness. Air dry as normal.
Baking Soda & White Vinegar
This method works best on stubborn stains.
Create a 1:1 mixture of baking soda and white vinegar to form a paste. Apply it to the stained area and gently scrub in circular motions. Let the shoes sit for 30–60 minutes, then rinse and air dry as normal.
Never throw these shoes in the dryer, as heat can shrink the material or ruin the shoe’s shape.
Embellished & Delicate Materials
Satins, sparkles, embroidery—oh my!
Those statement-making shoes with serious wow factor require a little extra care. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.
Short answer: spot treatment.
Lightly wet a soft cloth or cotton pad with your cleaning solution and gently rub the stained area. For more absorbent fabrics like satin, try lightly cleaning across the entire upper to help prevent water marks.
Finish by blotting with a dry, soft towel or tissue to absorb excess moisture.
Extra Steps to Maintain Your Shoes
Use a shoe tree or crease protectors to help maintain the shoe’s shape and minimize creasing or cracking. No shoe tree? Stuffing the shoes with newspaper or tissue paper works in a pinch.
A quick daily wipe-down can help extend the time between deep cleanings. Use a soft, dry cloth to remove excess dirt before storing them away.
Keep your shoelaces tightened. This helps reduce excess shifting that can lead to creasing.
Avoid wearing the same shoes every day. Rotating between pairs gives your shoes time to breathe between wear. The math is simple: wearing your shoes every other day can dramatically extend their lifespan.
Luckily, we offer BOGO 50% OFF every single day. Not only are you getting a great deal—you’re also helping your favorite pairs last longer with proper rotation and care.