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Daily wear can expose your shoes to all kinds of unpleasant dirt and grime, but these expert tips will help you keep them looking like new. So whether you’ve got a pair that’s too filthy to wear or just want to polish up a pair of favorites, here’s what you need to know about how to clean shoes.
In a nutshell
- Cleaning shoes is easy as long as you have the right supplies.
- Cleaning methods will vary based on the material.
- Leather and suede need a little extra care, but you can buy protectants that help shield them from dirt and water.
Essential supplies and tools required to clean shoes
Before you get started, you’ll need to gather some supplies. The items you’ll need will vary based on the type of shoes you’re cleaning. If you’re researching how to clean white shoes made from canvas, baking soda and vinegar are all you’ll need. If you’re dealing with a sensitive material like leather or suede, you’ll need specialized products.
Here are a few products you’ll need to safely clean your favorite pair of shoes.
Shoe brush
No matter the type of shoe, the first step in cleaning them is to remove surface dirt, as dislodging any debris will let you apply a cleaning product to the material. A soft-bristled brush can wipe away excess particles without damaging the surface of the shoe: This Natural Wood Bristle Horse Hair Shoe Boot Brush is softer than other types of brushes, while also having the structural integrity to remove debris. As a bonus, the curved handle makes it easier to hold as you’re cleaning your shoes.
Natural Wood Bristle Horse Hair Shoe Boot Brush
Cleaning cloth
The right cleaning cloth can serve multiple purposes during your shoe cleanup. You’ll want a cloth that does the job without damaging the surface of the shoe. It should also be lint-free to keep from making more of a mess.
Emily Watts, co-founder of Coblrshop, a luxury shoe repair company, recommends Chamois for the job. “A cotton Chamois cloth is great for removing dirt, drying off shoes and applying cleaning solutions,” she says. Alternatively, the Pikolinos Chamois Cloth for Shoes can be used both before and during the cleaning process. You can even use it afterward for a quick polish between wears.
PIKOLINOS leather Accessories SHOE CARE USC
Cleanser
The type of cleanser you use depends heavily on the material you’re cleaning. In some cases, baking soda and vinegar will work, but some materials require more specialized cleaners. Before choosing cleansing agents, check the specific materials in your shoe and research the best cleaners to use with them.
“Marseille soap [a hard soap made from vegetable oils] is my go-to for all shoe cleaning – leather shoes, sneakers, even satin shoes,” advises Fabiana Rigamonti, head designer at Aerosoles. “In Italy, we use it a lot. I strongly recommend having one around, it works like a charm!”
Marseille soap
Leather cleaners and conditioners
Leather can be sensitive, so you should keep separate products for cleaning your favorite calf or full-grain materials. As with other shoes, you’ll need a lint-free cleaning cloth, but your cleaner should be formulated for leather. You’ll also need conditioners and protectants.
“For leather shoes, I always recommend a lint-free cleaning cloth, leather cleaner and conditioner,” says Harmony Pilobello, co-founder and vice president of sustainable footwear brand Alterre. “I personally love the Coach product care kit and use it for all of my leather handbags or shoes.”
Coach product care kit
Step-by-step approach to cleaning shoes
Cleaning processes vary depending on the style, material and color of shoes. Directions on how to clean a pair of canvas shoes will differ from how you clean leather or suede, for example. In general, though, here are the steps to clean a pair of shoes.
Step 1: Remove surface dirt
The first step in cleaning any shoe should be to dislodge surface dirt. Sweep a soft-bristled brush over the shoe, paying particular attention to stained areas. The more debris you can wipe away, the better.
Step 2: Apply cleaning product
You can find a variety of shoe-cleaning options for every material type. It’s important to make sure you match your cleaning product to the specific shoes you want to clean. If you’re cleaning white shoes, you may also need to add a little hydrogen peroxide to your cleaning solution to return it to its original brightness.
Erica Farago, VP of operations at Jack Erwin, cautions about getting carried away with your cleaning solution, though. “Less is more,” she says. “Always start by applying small amounts of cleaning products to see how the material reacts to the product. You should always first put a tiny drop on a part of the shoe that is not visible, just in case the material has a negative reaction or leaves a permanent stain. You can always put more on, but you can't take the product off once it's on.”
Step 3: Don’t forget the soles
The bottoms of your shoes come into more contact with dirt and grime than the uppers, so make sure you put some focused effort into cleaning those, as well. “For a quick spruce up on the soles, we like to use an old toothbrush with a drop of dish soap and water to get into the crevices,” Pilobello says.
Step 4: Dry your shoes
Once you’ve finished cleaning your shoes, pat them dry with a soft, lint-free cloth, then set them out to dry. Air drying is best, especially if you’re dealing with sensitive materials like leather or suede. “Don’t place them next to a heater,” Watts warns. “That will warp materials and can lead to shrinking and leather cracking.”
How to clean leather shoes
Leather is a popular material for footwear, but it’s not the most durable material. Regularly cleaning your leather shoes can help keep them in good shape. Kara Mac, founder and CEO of Kara Mac Shoes, is an expert on leather footwear. She recommends the following steps for cleaning leather shoes.
Step 1: Remove surface dirt
Before you apply any cleaners, take some time to remove surface soil from the shoe. Start by removing the shoelaces, when applicable, and then use a soft-bristled brush like the Nutrianeous Interior Cleaning Brush to remove any debris lodged in the leather grains. “If there is a specific stain, lightly scrub at the mark using a circular motion until it fades,” says Mac.
Step 2: Spray and wipe the surface
Mac recommends a mixture of white vinegar and water for cleaning leather. You’ll mix one part vinegar with two parts water in a spray bottle and spray the shoe’s exterior surface, immediately wiping it with a cloth or soft shoe brush. “Also use it to remove dirt between grooves,” Mac says. “Be careful not to get the leather too wet — it’s better to repeat the process with less water and soap instead of using too much at once.”
Step 3: Remove tough stains
In some cases, a light cleaning won’t do the trick. If stubborn stains remain, Mac recommends dabbing into them rather than rubbing. “This is especially effective on salt stains,” she adds. “If they’re still not removed, start to gently rub the stain with a bit of pressure. Once you’re finished cleaning your shoes, Mac recommends holding onto the spray bottle with the mixture inside so you’ll have it handy for future leather cleaning.
Step 4: Dry your shoes
Once you’ve thoroughly cleaned your leather shoes, it’s time to let them dry. Mac recommends starting the process by wiping down the surface with a dry cloth or towel. Then you should set the shoes aside to air dry. “Don't try speeding up the drying process by putting the boots near a heat source, as this can make them brittle and crack,” Mac emphasizes.
Step 5: Protect
After your shoes have dried completely, Mac suggests applying a protective product to prevent future damage. A commercial leather cleaner like the Bee Natural Leathercare - Leather Amore can help slow water spotting and prevent soiling without using harmful chemicals. But Mac adds that a homemade formula mixing one part vinegar and two parts linseed oil will work too. “Apply it to leather, let it sit for about 15 minutes and buff with a soft cloth until the leather shines,” Mac instructs.
Bee Natural Leathercare - Leather Amore
How to clean suede shoes
Suede is especially sensitive to water. Farago recommends the following steps to clean suede without damaging it.
Step 1: Remove surface dirt
With suede, you’ll need to first remove any surface dirt without the use of water. A suede brush can help dislodge any particles so you can wipe them away. For any stubborn stains, Farago recommends a suede eraser to do the job. The Shoozas Suede Shoe Cleaner Kit includes both a suede brush and a double-sided eraser: You’ll simply rub the eraser over any scuffs, marks or debris and brush to restore the nap.
Shoozas Shoe Cleaner Kit – Mess-free, Powerful, and Delicate Shoe Cleaning Kits, Quick Dry, Non-Toxic, Safe on all Materials.
Step 2: Apply cleaning product
Once you’ve removed all surface dirt, you’ll need to apply a cleaning product designed specifically for suede. You can buy these products in kits or separately, and they come in aerosol or spray bottles. The KIWI Suede & Nubuck Cleaner is an aerosol option that cleans and conditions suede products.
KIWI Suede & Nubuck Cleaner
If you’d prefer the easier control that comes with a trigger spray, take a look at the SofSole Suede & Nubuck Cleaner Trigger Spray. You’ll need a separate conditioner with that option, though: Farago recommends Saphir Medaille d'Or Suede Renovator, which uses all-natural ingredients to care for your suede products.
SofSole Suede & Nubuck Cleaner Trigger Spray
Saphir Medaille d'Or Suede Renovator
For applying the shampoo, Farago suggests a horsehair dauber. The VIBERG Horsehair Dauber uses pure Melange horsehair on a dark beechwood handle. The smaller bristle area makes it ideal for cleaning shoes.
Horsehair Dauber
Step 3: Dry
As with leather, you need to let your suede products dry naturally, without using heat or air to rush it along. During the cleaning process, the suede will collapse, so once it’s completely dry, Farago recommends using a suede brush to re-fluff it.
Step 4: Protect
Even if you clean your suede shoes every time you wear them, they’ll easily absorb dirt and grime once you leave the house in them. They can also be sensitive to water, so a sudden rainstorm can have you doing massive cleanup when you arrive home. To keep your suede shoes in good shape, Farago recommends adding a layer of protection every time you clean them. “Apply a suede protector or waterproofing product to prevent future stains from absorbing into the suede and extend the time needed between deep cleaning,” she recommends.
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Whatever shoes you’re cleaning, the right products make all the difference. A routine cleaning can extend the life of any pair of shoes, keeping them looking great for longer. Make sure you look up the specific care instructions for your type of shoes before jumping in to avoid damaging them.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Can I wash shoes in a washing machine?
Washing machines can be rough on a pair of shoes. Before going this route, it’s important to check the manufacturer directions and make sure they’re marked as machine washable. Rigamonti says most sneakers and knit flats are machine washable, but that’s the limit.
“There are many components assembled in footwear and not all glues used are water resistant,” cautions Rigamonti. “Even on a sneaker, it could ruin the shoe long term. If a shoe is labeled washable, it means it was constructed as such, so there is no risk.”
How do I clean insoles to reduce shoe odor?
If you’re noticing a foul odor coming from your shoes, the insoles can be the culprit. The good news is, you can easily remove your insoles and clean them. “We recommend removing insoles and cleaning with a mild soap or deodorizer and letting air dry before putting them back in the shoes,” says Watts. “If the insoles are still odorous, it’s very easy to buy new insoles.”
If you do decide to replace your insoles, consider a set that’s especially formulated to keep the source of the smell at bay. Odor and Bacteria Control Insoles are made to resist mold, mildew, biofilm, yeasts and algae.
Odor and Bacteria Control Insoles
Is it OK to use wipes to clean shoes?
While you shouldn’t pick up a container of Clorox wipes to freshen up your shoes, the right wipes can be a great option. As always, check the ingredients to make sure they’re safe for use on the material in your shoe. “There are shoe-specific cleaning wipes that are great for general upkeep,” Pilobello affirms. “I’ve personally used Shoe Rescue wipes on my husband's leather shoes.”
AP Buyline’s content is created independently of The Associated Press newsroom. Our evaluations and opinions are not influenced by our advertising relationships, but we might earn commissions from our partners’ links in this content. Learn more about our policies and terms here.