Pros and cons of using shoe dry cleaning services vs. self-cleaning at home

Shoes are an essential part of our daily lives but with regular use they get dirty, stained, and sometimes even smelly. Cleaning them properly is required to maintain their look and lifespan and you have two options to choose from:

1. Using a professional shoe dry cleaning service

2. Cleaning shoes at home using the right products

Both methods have their advantages and disadvantages. In this blog, we will compare them to help you decide which option is better for you.

Using a shoe dry cleaning service

Good professional shoe dry cleaning services use advanced techniques and special products to clean different types of shoes. Whether you have leather, suede, or fabric shoes, they handle them with care.

Pros of using a shoe dry cleaning service

1. Professional cleaning results

A professional shoe laundry knows how to clean different materials properly. They remove tough stains, dirt, and odors without damaging the shoe.

2. Safe for delicate shoes

If you own really expensive or delicate shoes like suede, leather, or designer shoes, professional cleaning might be an easy option.

3. Removes odors and bacteria

Professional shoe cleaners use special solutions that not only clean the shoes but also remove bacteria and bad odors. This helps in maintaining hygiene.

Cons of using a shoe dry cleaning service

1. Expensive

Professional shoe cleaning services can be costly, especially for premium shoes or deep cleaning treatments. Getting a single pair cleaned can cost anywhere from 300 to 1000, depending on the shoe, its materials, brand, etc.

2. Time-consuming process

Most shoe dry cleaning services take a few days to return your cleaned shoes. If you need them urgently, this could be a problem.

3. Limited availability

Not all areas have a good shoe dry cleaning service, so you might need to travel or rely on home delivery services, which may cost extra.

4. Credibility & lack of knowledge

Not all cleaning services know how to handle shoes properly. Most dry cleaners aren’t trained in shoe care, and while there are some good shoe laundry places out there, others can fall short. It’s a bit of a gamble — you might get great results, or your shoes could come back worse than before.

Self-cleaning shoes at home

Cleaning shoes at home is a common practice. Many people prefer this method because it is cost-effective and convenient.

Pros of self-cleaning shoes at home

1. Saves money

You don’t have to pay for professional services. With a few cleaning supplies, including a cleaning solution, relevant brushes, suede kit, etc. you can clean your shoes yourself.

2. Convenient and quick

You can clean your shoes anytime at home without waiting for a service. If you need your shoes urgently, self-cleaning is the best option.

3. Control over cleaning methods

When you clean at home, you can decide which products to use. This is helpful for people with allergies to certain chemicals used in professional cleaning. Also, you can choose high quality products, based on reviews, online recommendations, etc.

4. Good for regular maintenance

For small stains and regular dust removal, self-cleaning is enough. You don’t always need professional service. For example, quick sneaker cleaning wipes can work for a daily cleanup. 

Cons of self-cleaning shoes at home

Cleaning your shoes at home is convenient, but it also comes with some downsides. Here are a few disadvantages of self-cleaning your shoes:

1. Risk of damage

Using the wrong cleaning products (like harsh detergents or bleach) can damage the material. Scrubbing too hard can cause fading, scratches, or weakened stitching. So always choose the right products for self-cleaning.

2. Improper drying can cause odor & mold

Not drying shoes properly can lead to bad smells and mold growth inside. Direct sunlight or high heat can crack or shrink the material. So always remember to air dry shoes completely after cleaning and before wearing them again. 

3. Risk of shape distortion

Soaking shoes in water can cause misshaping, especially for leather or suede sneakers. So be careful and use the proper method.

Which option is better?

The best option depends on your needs and budget. But why spend too much time and money on professional dry cleaning services when you can clean your shoes at home like a pro? SHOEGR offers you all the shoe care essentials, designed to help clean various shoe materials - without causing any damageto your favorites!

SHOEGR shoe care: Professional cleaning at home

1. Ultimate Shoe Cleaning Kit

Bring your shoes back to life with the SHOEGR Ultimate Shoe Cleaning Kit - India's first ever kit to have all three brushes: soft, medium and hard. This isn't just a cleaner; it's the holy grail of shoe care, designed to tackle dirt, stains, and scuffs like a pro, making perfect balance of inclusions and price.

What’s Inside the Kit?

✅100ml Premium Cleaning Solution

✅Microfiber Towel

✅Soft Brush

✅Medium Brush

✅Hard Brush

Highlights:

• Best-selling and highly recommended for comprehensive cleaning.

• Safe for all shoe materials, providing an effective cleaning solution.

2. The Supreme Shoe Cleaning Kit

Give your shoes the VIP treatment they deserve with the SHOEGR Supreme Shoe Cleaning Kit - the all-in-one solution for unmatched  footwear brilliance. Designed to clean, protect, and refresh all shoe materials, this kit takes your sneaker care to the next level.

What’s Inside the Kit?

✅ 100ml Shoe Cleaning Solution

✅ Microfiber Towel

✅ Soft Shoe Brush

✅ Medium Brush

✅ Hard Brush

✅ SHOEGR Sneaker Cleaning Wipes (Pack of 15)

✅ SHOEGR Coat (Sneaker Protector Spray)

✅ SHOEGR Fresh (Shoe Deodorizer)

✅  Shoe Cleaning Mat

3. Dry Suede Cleaning Kit

Easily clean and restore your suede shoes with the SHOEGR Dry Suede Cleaning Kit - a sleek, compact solution designed for delicate suede care.

What’s Inside the Kit?

✅ Suede Eraser – Lifts tough stains with ease.

✅ Suede Brush – Soft nylon bristles restore the suede’s natural texture.

Highlights:

• Specially designed for suede shoes.

• Does not clean midsoles and outsoles, additional kits are needed.

Final thoughts

Both professional shoe cleaning services and self-cleaning at home have their advantages and disadvantages. However, for regular cleaning and maintenance, home cleaning works well and saves money.

Whatever method you choose, taking care of your shoes will keep them looking fresh and stylish for a long time. So, invest in shoe cleaning and don’t forget to #loveyourshoes.