Sperry is a brand of boat shoes that are very fashionable and require regular maintenance. Sperry manufactures shoes from leather, canvas and suede, which require different cleaning methods. For best results, clean shoes daily to minimize maintenance. If your Sperry shoes are really really dirty, you'll need to clean them thoroughly to remove any scuffs and stains.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Cleaning Sperry Leather Shoes
Step 1. Remove the stuck dirt using a bristle brush
With a soft-bristled brush specially designed for the skin, remove dirt, dust and debris by gently scrubbing it. Gently brush the surface of the skin in the same direction. If you rub it in an irregular direction, you can scratch the leather.
Use a brush with rubber bristles, not nylon. Rubber brushes are less likely to scratch the shoes
Step 2. Use soapy water to scrub the blisters
Make a cleaning mixture of water and mild dish soap. Dip a microfiber cloth in the solution and rub it over the Sperry shoes to clean them. Scrub with firm pressure and in a circular motion to remove dirt and scuffs.
- Do not get the skin soaked because it can make the skin fibers become pliable.
- Do not use saddle soap on Sperry shoes. This soap can tear and damage most skin.
Step 3. Dry the Sperry shoes
After washing with water, dry the Sperry shoes with another microfiber cloth. Do it in circular motions as you would when you removed the blisters. Continue wiping the shoes until they are dry. Now you can move on to the next step.
Step 4. Apply leather conditioner on the shoes
Before polishing your shoes, you should apply leather conditioner. With a soft cloth, apply a thin layer of conditioner to the leather. Allow the conditioner to soak into the leather for 10 to 20 minutes before removing it with a dry cloth.
Step 5. Use shoe polish to polish the Sperry
Apply the polish all over the skin using a soft cloth in a clockwise motion. When the entire surface of the leather has been polished, remove the polish using another cloth in a counterclockwise motion.
- Test the polish on a hidden area of the shoe first to see if it doesn't change the color of the shoe.
- Cream polishes are great for maintaining shoe color, while wax polishes are ideal for glossing shoes.
Step 6. Rub the shoes with a microfiber cloth
Use the microfiber cloth again to gently rub the shoe in a circular motion while applying direct pressure to the shoe. For an extra shine, add a few drops of water to the cloth before you use it to scrub Sperry shoes.
Step 7. Be careful when handling suede shoes
Suede shoes should not be cleaned in the same way as regular leather shoes. Suede is treated differently because it has a layer of fur that comes from under the skin of an animal. Follow the cleaning instructions to avoid damaging your suede shoes.
Method 2 of 3: Cleaning Sperry Canvas Shoes
Step 1. Mix warm water and liquid detergent in a basin or bucket
Put warm water in a bucket, then add a mild detergent. Liquid detergent is best, but you can also use powdered detergent. Stir the mixture until the detergent is dissolved. If bubbles and foam appear on the surface of the water, this solution is ready to use.
Step 2. Scrub the shoes with a bristle brush dipped in the detergent solution
Place the shoes in a basin or bucket where the solution is, then scrub the outside of the shoes with a sponge or soft-bristled toothbrush. It can remove most stains, dirt, and debris. If there's stubborn dirt that won't go away after you brush, gently dip the shoe in the water and continue scrubbing.
Do not soak the entire shoe because wet shoes can get moldy
Step 3. Rinse Sperry with warm and clean water
Once the stain has been removed, dip a soft cloth in warm water and wring out the excess water. After that, wipe the Sperry shoes to clean the remaining soap that sticks.
Step 4. Put the shoes in the washing machine to remove heavy stains
If there are still stains on your Sperry shoes after you hand wash them, set the washer on a gentle cycle, and use cold water. Add half the normal amount of detergent and run the washing machine on a full cycle.
Step 5. Dry the Sperry shoes
Dry the shoes in the sun after washing them in one cycle in the washing machine. Remove the insole (the soft cushion inside the shoe) and dry separately. This prevents mold from forming on the insole and makes it dry quickly. Insert the newsprint into the canvas shoe to retain its shape as it dries.
- Do not put shoes in the dryer. High heat can melt the glue and make the shoes fall apart.
- Wait until the shoes are completely dry before using them to prevent athlete's foot and other fungal diseases.
Method 3 of 3: Cleaning Suede Sperry Shoes
Step 1. Scrub the shoes gently with a suede brush
This brush is perfect for cleaning soft suede fibers. Brush shoes gently to remove dust and dirt on the surface. Rub repeatedly in short strokes in the same direction so that the shoes don't get scratched.
If the fibers are very tangled, rub the area with sandpaper to remove the fur
Step 2. Use a suede bar or eraser to treat stubborn scuffs
To treat scuffs that can't be handled with a brush or sandpaper, rub a suede bar or crepe eraser on the scuff. Apply small pressure to the blisters, and increase the pressure on hard-to-treat areas. You can also use a regular pencil eraser if you don't have a suede bar.
Step 3. Rub the sponge to remove any water stains on the outside of the shoe
If there are water stains on the shoes, rub a slightly damp sponge on the outside of the shoes. Wipe with a dry microfiber cloth to remove any remaining moisture. Next, insert a wad of newsprint into the inside of the shoe to keep it in shape when it dries.
If the water stain is difficult to remove, moisten a sponge with vinegar and rub it over the stain
Step 4. Sprinkle cornstarch on the shoes to deal with oil stains
If you've followed the method above, but the shoe stain hasn't gone away, it could be oil. Sprinkle a little cornstarch on the stain and let it sit for 10 minutes. The cornstarch will absorb the oil and prevent it from soaking into the suede, especially if you handle it early.
