Whether you’re a sneakerhead or a shoe fanatic, taking care of your shoe collection is important to keep them in the best shape. Clean, well cared for shoes are essential for helping you put your best foot forward. Taking care of shoes extends their lifespan and keeps your style on point. But, with so many different types of shoes and materials out there it’s not always easy to know how to care for your shoes.
Whether you simply want tips on cleaning your shoes to keep them in a good condition or are looking for help to get rid of tough stains on your shoes, we’ve put together a comprehensive guide on how to care for your shoes at home. We all want to look our best from head to toe. and cleaning shoes doesn’t have to be a challenge.
Follow our easy guide on how to take care of your shoes, and you will always be a step ahead:
What to use when cleaning shoes?
To effectively clean all types of shoes, you will need:
1. A soft brush: you can buy a special shoe cleaning brush or even an old toothbrush will do.
2. A mild detergent, such as Sunlight dishwashing liquid or Handy Andy. Brands like Sneaker Lab also offer shoe cleaning sprays to make the job easy.
3. A soft cloth. A microfibre towel is ideal to ensure a lint-free cleaning job.
4. Vinegar
5. Warm water
6. Bicarbonate of soda
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How to Clean Shoes?
Before attempting to clean your shoes, first examine your shoes for any washing or cleaning instructions. Then separate them by their material, such as leather and suede. Lastly, before washing shoes, remove any laces and tap them together to remove any loose dirt. Consider sprinkling some bicarbonate of soda in the shoe the night before a wash to get rid of any odours.
Now that you’re ready to clean, follow the tips below on how to clean different types of shoes:
Fabric, canvas, and mesh – clean the surfaces by hand, using a special fabric shoe cleaner or Sunlight dishwashing liquid, warm water, and a soft brush.
White sneakers – if your shoe has a stain, dip a clean cloth into a solution of equal parts white vinegar, dishwashing liquid or Handy Andy, and water and gently rub onto the stain.
Climbing shoes – you should never wash climbing shoes in a washing machine because the soles can get damaged. Instead, hand wash them in lukewarm water, using a mild detergent and a toothbrush. Once they’re clean, air-dry until completely dry before storing.
Leather – you can clean leather shoes with a brush to get rid of dust and dirt. For stubborn dirt, use a damp cloth and special leather cleaner. Afterwards, polish them with a matching colour polish and shine with a soft cloth.
Suede – suede is softer and more delicate than leather and needs a different type of care. You will need a special suede footwear cleaner to ensure you don’t damage the material. If you’re unsure how to proceed, check out this guide on how to clean suede shoes and boots.
Patent leather and synthetic – wipe them down with a soft cloth and a solution of Sunlight dishwashing liquid and water. To remove scuff marks, wipe with a cloth dipped in olive oil or rub with Vaseline.
Athletic shoes – you can toss most athletic shoes into your washing machine every few months. Be sure to remove the laces and wash them separately. We’d recommend inside a pillowcase or pouch to avoid tangling. For the insoles, remove them beforehand and wipe them down with a solution of equal parts bicarb and warm water instead. Always air-dry the shoes and the insoles.
Slip-slops and slippers – just toss these into the washing machine on a cold-water cycle.
Best Ways of Caring For Shoes
Caring for your shoes regularly promotes the longevity of your shoes. To achieve this, here’s what you can do:
Consider having shoe cleaner, a shoe brush, a soft cloth as well as shoe polish or shoe protector on hand for daily shoe care. For easy daily cleaning invest in shoe cleaning wipes and leather lotion too. You should polish or wipe your shoes clean after wear, before storing.
Be sure to only wash shoes when necessary.
Air-dry shoes that collect sweat to prevent bacterial growth and to get rid of smells. Similarly, you want to avoid drying your shoes in the dryer. Always allow them to air dry.
Frequently, sprinkle bicarb on the insoles to prevent bacterial growth. Just pour it out before you wear them. And, be sure to keep your shoes away from dust, moisture, and direct sunlight.
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