With the amount people are now spending on their footwear, it has increased the number of people who want to look after their luxury footwear. Many professional services are out there now that will refurbish your trainers by cleaning them, stitching the material and repainting them. This is a great service, but what if you could get great results at home? With just a couple of supplies and a solid method, you can clean every type of footwear. Many of the steps will be the same as the materials, so it is essential to know the differences between the small differences when following these simple steps.
How Often Should I Clean Your Shoes
How often you clean your shoes is a personal preference, this depends on how new you want them to look, and how dirty they are. If you are were wanting them to look as new as the day you purchased them, then cleaning them once a month is best. If you only wear shoes on special occasions can be cleaned as and when needed. You should also clean them properly if they have been exposed to the elements such as rain, mud, salt and snow.
Before You Start
When you have severely dirty shoes, it can be all too tempting to throw them in the washing machine, this is especially the case with fabric footwear. This is not recommended as it can sometimes do more harm than good. Long soaking in water combined with the agitator can damage your shoes as well as loosen the glue that is holding each piece together.
It is also important to be realistic with the outcome, no matter what method you use. If your footwear is made from delicate materials or is heavily stained, it is next to impossible to completely remove these stains, but there is reason to do this. You will give your footwear a new life, and prevent them from going in the trash.
What Youll Need
Tools: Old toothbrush, paper towels, soft cloth, pencil eraser
Materials needed: Dishwashing detergent, distilled white vinegar, baking soda, glass cleaner (ammonia and alcohol-free), baby powder.
How To Clean Fabric Shoes
Fabric shoes could be anything from slippers and sandals to flats and sneakers. Whatever style you wear, it is inevitable that they are going to need cleaning when they get dirty. There will be lots of false information out there and you will definitely see some people show some hacks where they throw them in the wash, but as we said earlier, this can damage your shoes from the agitator, hot water and friction can tear your shoes and warp them. Instead, clean your fabric shoes by hand with dishwasher detergent, warm water, paper towels and a toothbrush. Follow this guide:
Brush Off Excess Dirt
The first thing you need to do is brush off the excess dirt with some paper towels. This is for surface mud, dirt or debris.
Make A Solution For Cleaning
In a small bowl, mix a teaspoon of dishwashing liquid with 2 cups of warm water. Stir until combined.
Scrub Your Shoes Clean
Working in segments (sides, top, bottom), dip your toothbrush into the cleaning solution and scrub the fabric in a circular motion. Do not over-wet the fabric as this can make the stain deeper. Work with the grain rather than against it and keep the colour consistent for an even finish.
Remove Soapy Residue
Wipe the shoes down with clear water, you will need a lot of paper towels, but this is the best method.
Dry Shoes
Blot with dry paper towels and let the shoe air dry away from direct heat or sun as this can shrink the shoe. If you are worried about them losing shape, fill them with more paper towels so there are no creases.
How To Clean Leather and Faux Leather Shoes
No matter if you are cleaning real leather, patent leather or faux leather shoes, you are going to be dealing with signs of ageing in two forms, dirt and scuffs. Both of these factors need some TLC for your shoes to look the best they can. If you have designer trainers, this should be followed at least once a month, maybe even once every 2 weeks to keep them looking as good as they did when you got them.
Wipe Excess Dirt
The first step is to wipe the dirt off with a damp cloth or cleaning solution. This solution differs from fabric, for this, we are going to use equal parts cool water and white vinegar. This is fantastic if you are aiming to remove the weathered look from winter salt stains etc. Once this is done, allow them to air dry.
Polish Out Scuffs
When there are scuffs on real leather shoes, the best option for this is commercial polish and following the instructions on the tin. If you don’t have a polish that is the same colour as your shoes, the best way to remedy this is wet a soft cloth with water and dip it in some baking soda. Rub the scuffed area gently and wipe the residue away. Once dry, buff the shoe again with a clean cloth.
When you have scuffs on faux leather or patent leather, it is best to use petroleum jelly and buff it with a dry soft cloth. Once buffed, you are going to want it to shine again, so spray with an ammonia-free glass cleaner and buff again with a cloth.
How To Clean Suede and Sheepskin Shoes
Suede and sheepskin leather shoes differ from the rest, and the best way to keep them looking as good as the first day you wore them, you need to regularly care for them after every use. These types of shoes are designed for dry weather and should be kept as dry as possible and cleaned with a soft-bristled brush to loosen dust and dirt. Stains also need to be treated as soon as possible.
Remove Marks and Scuffs
If you have any marks and scuffs on your suede shoes, gently rub the scuffs with a pencil eraser until the scuffs are gone. Then, to restore the napping, brush with a soft shoe brush.
Treat Any Oil Stains
Having oil stains can be daunting on your new shoes, but there is a way to remedy this. Simply sprinkle the stains with baby powder as this will absorb the oil. It is important to let the powder sit on the stain for at least an hour before brushing it away. Repeat this a couple of times until the oil has been removed. Once you are happy, brush with a shoe brush to improve the nap materials.
Treat Wet Stains
To remove wet stains, blot dry with a clean paper towel and absorb the moisture. Once this is complete, allow it to air dry completely without direct heat or sunlight. Once done, brush with a shoe brush and smooth the nap.
Wipe The Interior
If you have sheepskin shoes, chances are they will also have shearling inside the shoe. This keeps you warm, but it also gets extremely dirty. To remove bad odour and fungus, wipe the inside with a solution of warm water and wool shampoo. Allow the shoes to air dry for at least 24 hours.
