Everyone's shoes will eventually get dirty. By taking the time to clean your shoes according to the material they were made from, you can not only keep them looking their best, but also extend the life of your shoes!
Step
Method 1 of 6: Cleaning Canvas Shoes
Step 1. Remove dirt and debris from shoes
Use an old toothbrush or small shoe brush and wipe away any dirt and debris stuck to the shoes. Brush just enough to loosen the dirt on the shoes. This step will remove dirt and debris.
Step 2. Clean the sole of the shoe using a baking soda paste
Canvas shoe soles are difficult to clean, so make a paste using a balanced ratio of baking soda and water. Dip a toothbrush in the paste and rub it into the soles of your shoes. Wipe clean with a damp cloth when you're done.
Step 3. Treat the stain with a stain remover product
If your canvas shoes are stained, apply a small amount of stain remover to the dirty area of the shoe. Leave the stain remover on the shoe for the amount of time recommended on the product packaging.
Make sure you test the stain remover on an inconspicuous part of the shoe first. That way, you can make sure the product doesn't fade or stain your shoes
Step 4. Clean using a washing machine on a gentle cycle
Add a mild detergent to the machine, choose cold water, and start the machine on a gentle or delicate cycle. When the machine is filled with water, insert the shoes and put the lid on the machine.
Step 5. Air the shoes
Once the washing machine has completed its cycle, it's time to remove the shoes from the machine. Place it in an area away from direct sunlight, heat, or ventilation. Dry overnight.
Method 2 of 6: Cleaning Leather Shoes
Step 1. Remove any debris or dirt from the surface of the shoe
Use a stiff brush or an old toothbrush to gently remove dirt from leather shoes. Try not to rub too hard to avoid scratching the shoes.
Step 2. Wipe the grease and dirt off the surface of the shoes
Prepare a clean and dry cloth to wipe the oil, grease, or dirt on the surface of the skin. You can also use an old washcloth, dish tissue, or kitchen paper.
Step 3. Wipe the shoes with a damp cloth
After the dirt and oil on the leather shoes are wiped with a dry cloth, moisten the cloth with warm water and gently wipe the leather surface again. Make sure not to soak the skin so it doesn't break.
Step 4. Air the shoes
It is important to allow enough air for leather shoes to dry completely after completing the cleaning process and before putting on the shoes. Allow the shoes to dry for 30 minutes in a place away from sunlight, heat, or ventilation.
Step 5. Treat the skin
Apply shoe polish cream with a soft cloth and let it sit for a few minutes. Then, take a cloth and rub the skin until it is shiny. This helps to preserve and protect the leather of the shoe.
Method 3 of 6: Cleaning Suede Shoes
Step 1. Use a soft shoe brush specially made for suede and nubuck to remove any dirt or debris adhering to the surface of the shoe
Be sure not to press too hard, as this could scratch the suede and damage the shoe.
- Make sure you swipe in one direction. If the brushing direction is different, the shoe will appear two-colored.
- Do not use a wire brush on suede to prevent damage.
Step 2. Use a rubber eraser to remove any smudges or dirt
Sometimes suede smudges, and a very easy-to-find eraser can clean up any unsightly smudges. Rub the eraser on the smudge or blur to get it clean.
Step 3. Treat the shoes with silicone spray
Use silicone spray to help prevent new stains or water damage on suede shoes. Once you've removed dirt, debris, and smudges, spray the suede surface with a silicone sprayer for extra protection. This step can increase the overall service life of the shoe.
Method 4 of 6: Cleaning Vinyl Shoes
Step 1. Remove dirt and debris using an old toothbrush or soft shoe brush
The first step to cleaning vinyl shoes is to remove any dirt or debris from the surface and sole of the shoe. Brush the shoes gently to remove dirt before further cleaning.
Step 2. Remove minor scuffs using a pencil eraser
A simple school eraser will help remove any scuffs or smudges from the vinyl shoes. Gently rub a drawing eraser or regular pencil eraser on the dirty areas. Try not to press too hard.
Step 3. Wipe the shoe surface with a damp cloth
Prepare a soft and clean cloth such as a washcloth or kitchen paper moistened with lukewarm water. You can also add a drop of mild liquid detergent to it. Gently wash the shoe surface. If you use soap, wipe off any remaining suds on the shoes before drying.
Step 4. Air the shoes
Once you're done wiping down your vinyl shoes, let them air dry before putting them on. Dry the shoes in a place away from direct sunlight, heat and ventilation. Wait at least 30 minutes for the shoes to dry completely before wearing them.
Method 5 of 6: Cleaning White Shoes
Step 1. Clean white leather shoes with a damp cloth and special white shoe cleaner
Wipe the shoes with a damp cloth every few days. If your shoes are stained, squeeze a small amount of special shoe cleaner for white shoes or toothpaste on the stain and rub gently with a damp cloth. Use a clean, dry towel to wipe the shoes.
Step 2. Rub the white shoe canvas with detergent
Test the cleaner on a small, inconspicuous part of the shoe. If the product does not damage or change the material and color of the shoe, use a shoe brush to scrub it into the shoe. Rinse thoroughly, and soak the shoes in hot water with a drop of bleach, then air-dry them.
Step 3. Wash the white mesh sneakers in the washing machine
After removing excess dirt with a toothbrush, place the shoes in the machine with the detergent and hot water cycle. Make sure the laces are removed before the shoes are washed. Stay away from bleach as it can cause yellowing of the shoe fibers.
Method 6 of 6: Cleaning Dirty or Smelly Insoles
Step 1. Remove the insole from the shoe
To effectively clean dirty and smelly shoe insoles, first remove them from inside the shoe. Grasp the back of the insole close to the heel and gently pull the insole towards you until it comes off completely.
Step 2. Remove excess dirt and debris with an old toothbrush or soft-bristled shoe brush
Scrub the insole with a brush until it looks clean. Don't brush too hard, as this may "roll up" certain insole fabrics.
Step 3. Use a damp cloth and mild detergent to wash the insole
Dab a little detergent on a cloth that has been soaked in warm water. Rub the insole and rinse briefly with warm water before letting it air dry.
Step 4. Air the insole before putting it back into the shoe
Water After the insoles have been cleaned and rinsed, dry them in an area away from direct sunlight, heat, or air vents. When it is completely dry, return the insole to the shoe.
