How to Clean your Shoes Properly

Depending on your sense of fashion, you probably have multiple shoes either neatly arranged on your shoe rack, or scattered randomly on the floor. Whether you’re rocking official shoes, brogue shoes for both men and women, or even fashion sneakers, you definitely have to keep them clean.  Walking around in dirty shoes may give people a negative impression of you. After all, we all prefer to look good and stand out. 

Take a look at simple ways to clean shoes depending on materials used such as leather, suede, canvas and knit shoes.

Leather Shoes

Leather shoes are of many types and can be laced on non-laced. From boots, official shoes for men and women and even loafers, leather shoes are quite simple to clean. Generally, here is how you can perform the task: 

1. For laced leather shoes, remove the laces first. Soak them in soapy water for a few minutes and then scrub them using an old tooth brush. Rinse in clean water and then hang them to dry.
2. Use a soft brush to remove dirt and dust from the surface of the shoes. Wipe the surfaces using a wringed cloth dipped in warm soapy water.
3. Wipe the shoes using a dry piece of cloth to remove soap on the surfaces and then let the shoes dry.
4. Additionally, one can use leather conditioner to protect the leather and to make the shoes sparkle or shine. Apply it on the shoes, wipe it off after some time then let the shoes dry in open air.

It is IMPORTANT that you always dry your shoes in open air and not under direct sunlight or heat, as this may damage the leather over time. 

Suede Shoes

These type of shoe material can be vulnerable to a lot of stains. Examples are suede Chelsea boots, suede billionaire boots, suede loafers and many more. To clean them, you will need a suede brush, eraser/rubber, a piece of cloth and white vinegar to remove stubborn stains.

1. Use a suede brush, or even tooth brush to remove loose dirt on the surfaces. Remember to do this lightly, and not vigorously.
2. For remaining dirt, use a suede erase by pressing on the dirt using some force and rub against the stains until they disappear.
3. If the stains are persistent, dip a piece of cloth in white vinegar and clean the surfaces of the shoes. Afterwards, you can rinse using another piece of cloth which has been dipped in water and then wringed. Allow the shoes to dry in open air.

Canvas Shoes

Many people own these type of shoe. Here is how you will make it look as good as new:

1. If it has laces, remove them first. Soak them in soapy water for a few minutes and then scrub them using an old tooth brush. Rinse in clean water and then hang them to dry.
2. Prepare a mixture of water, bicarbonate and soap. Dip a toothbrush into this solution and use it to scrub the shoe surfaces.
3. Wipe the surfaces using a damp piece of cloth.
4. Let the shoes dry in open air

When your canvas shoes are muddy, always allow them to dry first before cleaning them.

Knit Shoes

 
Adidas Ultraboost 22 DNA

These type of shoes have become common lately. Some examples include Nike Air Vapor Max, Adidas Yeezy Boost 350 v2, Adidas Ultraboost, and many others. Use these simple steps to clean such shoes;

1. Mix water and soap or detergent in a container or bowl
2. If the shoes are laced, use the steps mentioned above to clean the laces
3. Dip a soft cloth into the solution and rub off the stains on the surfaces of the shoes. Repeat this until the shoes are stain-free.
4. Use a different damp cloth to wipe off soap residue from the surfaces, and then let the shoes dry in open air.

Cleaning your shoes regularly can help them last long.