You finally have TOMS shoes. But you love your shoes so you want to keep your shoes in good condition so they don't get dirty, smelly, or get damaged. Read the guide below to learn how to clean, repair, and strengthen your favorite shoe.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Cleaning Shoes
Step 1. Remove all visible dirt and mud
Removing as much dirt as possible will make the next cleaning process easier.
- While still using them, tap your shoes against the floor to remove excess dirt and grime.
- When you take them off, tap the soles against each other to remove more dirt and grime.
- Use a small brush to clean the remaining dirt.
Step 2. Remove the strap
Then soak it in water that has been mixed with detergent. Clean shoelaces will help make old shoes look cleaner.
- After you've soaked it for a few hours, remove the string from the water and let it dry.
- If your laces are hard to clean, it may be time to buy new laces. You can still use your old shoelaces for other things.
Step 3. Prepare tools and materials for washing shoes
Fill a bucket with cold water and a few drops of detergent, and stir until the detergent is well combined.
Make sure the bucket you are using is intended for washing. Do not use the bucket you normally use for cooking or storing food
Step 4. Dip your brush in the soapy water, then brush your shoes
You can use an old toothbrush or an old electric toothbrush for this. Use the brush to remove any remaining stains.
- Brush in a circular motion for best efficiency.
- Focus on the outside of the shoe and don't let any water get inside the shoe.
Step 5. Repeat the brushing process
Keep brushing the shoes until all remaining stains and any soap or detergent residue is gone.
Step 6. Dry the shoes
Once you've finished cleaning your shoes, it's important to dry them right away to keep them in shape and condition.
- Clump up old newspapers or paper towels and tuck them into your shoes to keep them in shape.
- Dry your shoes in the sun. This will make your shoes dry quickly and kill the foot bacteria.
- If you're afraid that your shoes will be stained in the sun or can't wait, you can use a fan to dry them. However, remember that the wind must be cool so that your shoes don't get damaged.
- You can put a little deodorizer in your shoes to make them smell good.
Part 2 of 3: Repairing Shoes
Step 1. Prepare the tools and materials
To repair holes and tears in your TOMS shoes, you will need scissors, fabric glue, a brush, and a cloth.
Choose a fabric that is the same texture, weight, and color as your shoes. Or if you want, you can use a unique fabric
Step 2. Cut the fabric to a suitable size to cover the hole in your shoe
If the hole is small, then you only need a small size cloth. The point is to cut according to the size of the hole.
If your shoe has a lot of holes and small rips, you may want to cut the fabric to cover the front of the shoe to keep its original look even if it has lots of patches or new colors
Step 3. Glue the fabric with fabric glue
Use a brush to spread the holes evenly with the glue. Make sure you use enough glue for the fabric to stick well, but not so much that it drips onto the undamaged area.
Step 4. Glue the fabric to the hole
Once you've attached the fabric, you can trim the fabric a bit if it doesn't fit properly.
- Once you've trimmed off the excess fabric, you can add a little glue around the edges of the fabric to make sure the glue sticks completely.
- Wait 24 hours for the glue to dry completely. You hold the fabric with a rubber band.
Step 5. Do the same for the other holes
You can also skip the cloth and just use glue to stick the torn pieces together.
Part 3 of 3: Strengthening Shoes
Step 1. Prepare the tools and materials
To make your TOMS shoes last longer, you'll need cardboard or something hard that fits your shoes, duct tape, and scissors.
Step 2. Attach 1 inch of duct tape to the front of the cardboard
The thicker the duct tape you use, the better.
The glue part of the tape should be facing up, and in a position where your thumb touches the toe of the shoe
Step 3. Insert the sole into your shoe
When you have them in the correct position, apply the tape to the shoes.
Remove the cardboard and let the duct tape adhere
Step 4. Show off your shoes
Now your shoes are stronger and more durable, and you can wear them comfortably.
If the duct tape is loose or comes off, reinstall it with new duct tape
Tips
- Be careful when using very strong glue
- This guide probably won't work on glittery shoes
