How to Clean Your Shoes Like a Pro? Are your shoes in need of a deep, thorough clean? If you’re like most people.
How to Clean Your Shoes Like a Pro
Cleaning your shoes properly often falls low on your “to-do” list. But having a spotless pair of shoes isn’t just about looks. it’s also about keeping your shoes in good condition, too!
Fortunately, learning how to clean your shoes like a pro isn’t as difficult as you might think. With the right techniques, the results will be remarkable, and your shoes will look almost as good as new. So get ready to learn how to spruce up your shoes with these expert tips for cleaning shoes like a pro.
Steps for Cleaning Your Shoes Like a Pro
Cleaning your shoes isn’t a one-size-fits-all process. The techniques you use to clean your shoes should depend on the materials they make from, so take a minute to identify the type of material your shoes crafted from. Here’s a quick breakdown of the most common shoe materials and the cleaning approach to use for each one.
Leather Shoes
Leather shoes and boots are among the most durable and stylish pieces of footwear available. Unfortunately, they’re also the toughest type of shoe to clean without causing any damage. To restore the shine to your leather shoes, follow these cleaning steps.
Begin by removing all of the dirt and debris from the surface of your leather shoes. Use a damp cloth or brush to wipe away any buildup that’s accumulated on your shoes. If your shoes are especially dirty, you may need to use a cleaning solution that’s designed to lift away tough dirt and grime. Once you’ve wiped away excessive dirt and dust, you’re ready to condition your leather shoes and restore the natural softness of the material.
How to Clean Your Shoes Like a Pro
Using a natural leather conditioner, such as mink oil, apply a thin layer of product to the outside of your leather shoes. Focus on areas that look dull or scuffed, paying particular attention to the laces and soles of the shoes. Doing this will keep your leather shoes in good condition and will also keep them from drying out and cracking.
Suede Shoes
Suede shoes may look like leather, but they require unique cleaning techniques. So Suede is a much softer and more delicate material, so it’s important to use a gentle approach when cleaning your suede shoes. To give your suede shoes a new lease on life, here’s what you should do.
Begin by brushing away the dirt and dust from your shoes with a suede brush. Make sure to move the brush in one direction only to avoid damaging the fibers of the suede. If you notice any stains on your shoes, use a suede eraser to remove them. Be sure to move the eraser in small circles around the stained area to eliminate the discoloration.
How to Clean Your Shoes Like a Pro
After brushing away the dirt and stains, you’ll need to condition your suede shoes. Before doing so, you’ll need to apply a thin layer of water- and oil-repellent spray to the surface of your shoes. This will help to prevent stained areas from forming in the future. Once this is done, use a suede conditioner or cream to restore and protect your suede shoes.
Canvas Shoes
Canvas shoes are one of the simplest types of shoe to clean. To clean your canvas sneakers, you’ll need a few basic supplies like a cleaning solution and a soft-bristled brush. Begin by prepping your shoes by removing any excess dirt or debris with a damp cloth. If your shoes stained, use a cleaning brush to lightly scrub the problem area.
After this done, you can begin cleaning your shoes with a specialized cleaning solution. Make sure to use an appropriate cleaning agent that won’t damage the material of your canvas shoes. Once the cleaning solution has applied, let it sit for a few minutes before using a soft-bristled brush to scrub away the cleaning solution and dirt. Rinse off the excess cleaning solution with a damp cloth and let your shoes air dry before wearing.
Rubber Shoes
Rubber shoes, like canvas shoes, are one of the simplest types of shoes to clean. To clean rubber shoes, you’ll need a few supplies like a soft brush, a mild detergent, a bucket of warm water, and a dry towel. Begin by prepping your shoes by gently wiping away any dirt or debris from the surface with a damp cloth.
How to Clean Your Shoes Like a Pro
Once this is done, mix a solution of warm water and mild detergent in a bucket. Use the soft brush to scrub away any dirt or buildup on your shoes that the damp cloth didn’t remove. Once you’ve finished scrubbing, rinse off the excess cleaning solution with a clean, wet cloth. Finally, let your shoes air dry before storing them away.
Faux Leather Shoes
Faux leather shoes, such as faux patent leather shoes and faux snakeskin shoes, require special cleaning techniques since these materials are made from polyurethane and man-made fibers. To clean faux leather shoes, you’ll need a few supplies like a soft brush, a mild detergent, a bucket of warm water, and a dry towel.
How to Clean Your Shoes Like a Pro
Begin by removing all of the dirt and debris from the surface of your faux leather shoes. Once this is done, mix a solution of warm water and mild detergent in a bucket. Use the soft brush to scrub away any dirt or buildup on your shoes that the damp cloth didn’t remove. When the dirt and grime have been removed, rinse off the cleaning solution with a wet cloth. Finally, let your shoes air dry before wearing.
Tips for Cleaning Shoes Like a Pro
Now that you know the basic steps needed to clean your shoes, here are a few cleaning tips to keep in mind to help you get the best possible results.
Use the Right Cleaning Products
When it comes to cleaning shoes, the most important rule is to use the right cleaning products for the job. Make sure to use products that designed specifically for the type of shoe you’re cleaning. For example, if you’re cleaning leather shoes, use a leather cleaner and conditioner. Similarly, if you’re cleaning suede shoes, use a suede eraser and suede conditioner.
Know When to Seek Professional Help
If your shoes are especially dirty or stained, it’s best to bring them to a professional who can clean them for you. This will ensure that you don’t damage your shoes by using the wrong cleaning products or methods. Professional cleaning services can also help to restore the original look and feel of your shoes.
Keep Your Shoes Away From Heat Sources
When you’ve finished cleaning your shoes, make sure to let them air dry before storing them away. Never leave them near a heat source, such as a heater or open flame. High temperatures can damage the fabric or leather of your shoes, so make sure to keep them out of direct sunlight or hot, humid areas.
FAQs
What is the best way to clean shoes?
The best way to clean shoes depends on the types of material they’re made from. It’s important to use the right cleaning products and techniques for each type of material, such as leather, suede, canvas, and rubber. In addition, you should always let your shoes air dry before storing them away.
How often should you clean your shoes?
Ideally, you should try to clean your shoes at least once every two weeks. This will help to keep them in good condition and maintain their original look and feel. Of course, you should also clean your shoes as needed if you get them wet or if they start to look especially dirty.
Are there any tips for cleaning white sneakers?
Yes! If your white sneakers are looking a bit dingy, you can use a specialized cleaning solution to help restore their original color and brightness. Just make sure to remove any excess dirt or debris from your shoes before using the cleaning solution.
Can you use a washing machine to clean shoes?
It’s not a good idea to clean your shoes in a washing machine. The high temperature and agitation of a washing machine can cause damage to the material of your shoes, particularly if they’re made from delicate materials like leather or suede.
What is the best way to store shoes?
When storing your shoes, make sure to keep them away from heat sources and direct sunlight. Store them in a cool, dry place that’s away from any moisture. Storing your shoes in a climate-controlled area helps to prevent the material from degrading over time.
Conclusion
Learning how to clean your shoes like a pro takes time and practice. But if you follow the right steps and use the right cleaning products for the type of shoe you’re cleaning, you’ll surprise by the results. With a bit of TLC, your shoes can look almost as good as new and can remain in good condition for years to come.
