Ultimate Guide on How to Clean Shoes with Ease

Hey, shoe lovers! Whether you're sporting sleek leather loafers, cozy suede boots, or your favorite sneakers, or obsessed with clean white sneakers but keeping them clean is a head scratcher. Everybody loves and for sure owns a pair of clean white sneakers and I mean who wouldn't, they are stylish, sleek and goes with everything. But we hesitate in wearing them because keeping them clean and white is a tedious task. Keeping shoes clean does require time and can be heavy on your pockets if opted for dry cleaning but clean shoes is not just about the money you spent on them, there is more to it. It's about your confidence, footwear longevity, style, and most importantly the money you have spent on your shoes.

From casual canvas sneakers to elegant leather oxfords, each type of shoe needs special care. Sneakers, loved for their comfort and versatility, often get the dirtiest. Leather shoes, which exude sophistication, need gentle cleaning to stay smooth. Suede shoes require delicate handling to keep their soft texture intact.

But Why bother with clean shoes? 

First, a clean white sneaker makes any outfit look better, whether you're dressing up or going casual. Clean shoes show you take pride in your appearance and attention to detail. Second, cleaning them regularly prevents stains and damage, making your shoes last longer.

In this guide, we’ll share practical tips and expert advice on shoe care. Ready to keep your kicks looking fresh? Let's dive into the world of shoe cleaning!

Materials Needed for Shoe Cleaning

To clean your shoes effectively, you'll need a few basic materials:

• Soft Brush or Cloth: Essential for gently removing dirt without causing damage. SHOEGR shoe brush and microfiber towel work great.
• Mild Detergent or Shoe Cleaner: Use a mild detergent suitable for your shoe material, or a specialized cleaner like SHOEGR sneaker cleaner for tough stains.
• Water: Clean, lukewarm water for mixing with detergent and rinsing.
• Shoe Polish or Conditioner: For leather shoes, a quality polish or conditioner nourishes the leather, restores shine, and provides protection.
• Shoe Tree: Helps shoes retain their shape during cleaning, ensuring a better outcome and maintaining the shoe's original fit.

How to Clean Your Shoes, Step by Step

Ever looked down at your favorite kicks and thought I love them but darn they are dirty!!!!!!! And dirty shoes are a complete NO,NO! "But How do I get these looking new again?" Well, you're in the right place! In this guide, we are going to walk you through the step-by-step process of cleaning your shoes, no matter the material. From leather loafers to mesh sneakers, you’ll learn how to tackle dirt, stains, and grime like a pro. By the end of this, you’ll have all the tips and tricks you need to keep your shoes looking fresh and fabulous. Ready to dive in? Let’s get started!

1. Use a Dry Brush Remove loose dirt from the outsole, midsole, and uppers with a dry, soft-bristled shoe brush or a clean spare toothbrush.

2. Make a Mild Cleaning Solution Mix some water with a small amount of mild laundry detergent or dish soap You can also opt for a specialized product like the SHOEGR shoe cleaning solution. For white and light-colored shoes, mix equal parts baking soda and water to make a cleaning paste. Be cautious with dish soap, as high concentrations can cause discoloration or strip natural oils from some materials.

3. Hand-wash the Laces Remove the shoelaces and apply a small amount of the cleaning solution. Gently massage the laces, rinse, and dab them dry with a soft cloth.

4. Wash the Soles Apply the cleaning solution to a soft-bristled brush, toothbrush, or cloth. Clean the outsole and midsole thoroughly, ensuring you reach every part. Dry with a soft cloth. If washing insoles, remove and clean them separately, allowing them to dry completely before reinserting.

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5. Wash and Blot the Uppers Use the cleaning solution with a soft-bristled brush, toothbrush, or damp cloth to clean the uppers gently. Blot with a dry microfiber towel or soft cloth to lift moisture and dirt. Repeat if necessary, avoiding rubbing to prevent fabric wear or spreading dirt.

6. Air-dry Let the shoes air-dry at room temperature. Ensure they are completely dry, which can take at least 8 hours, before wearing them again.

How to Clean Shoes at Home

Cleaning shoes at home is not only possible, but it’s also super easy and rewarding! Imagine skipping those expensive trips to the shoe cleaner and handling everything from the comfort of your own home.

No more waiting in line or hoping someone else handles your prized pair with care. Plus, you get the satisfaction of seeing them transform from dirty shoes to dazzling shoes right before your eyes!

So why not give it a try? It’s easy, cost-effective, and honestly, kind of fun. Ready to make your shoes look brand new again? Let’s get started on how to clean at home!

• Soap and Water (or Vinegar): Mix warm water with mild detergent or white vinegar. Scrub gently with a soft brush or cloth, then rinse thoroughly.
• Bleach Solution: For white shoes, dilute one part bleach with five parts water. Use a toothbrush to scrub stains, rinse well, and air-dry completely.
• Baking Soda and Vinegar: Create a paste with equal parts baking soda and vinegar. Apply to stains, scrub lightly, and let it sit briefly before rinsing off.
• Toothpaste: Use non-gel white toothpaste on a brush to clean rubber soles. Wipe off with a damp cloth and allow to air-dry.

These methods are effective for various shoe materials and can help restore cleanliness and freshness. Always test on a small area first and avoid excessive scrubbing to preserve shoe integrity.

Material-Specific Care Guidelines

While basic cleaning steps work well for most sneakers, specific materials require tailored care:

How to Clean Suede Shoes

Suede is challenging to clean. How to clean suede is always tricky and requires special cleaning tools. Remove surface debris with a suede brush or towel, following the material's grain. Use a suede rubber for marks and a cloth with white vinegar for stubborn stains.

Check out our detailed guide to keeping your stylish kicks spotless too! Read now How to Clean Suede Shoes

How to Clean Knit Shoes

For Nike Flyknit or other knit shoes, use a mild, chemical-free soapy water solution. Avoid bleach. Gently scrub with a shoe brush in the direction of the knit. Wipe clean with a cloth, air dry, and avoid heat which can harm the shoes.

How to Clean Canvas Shoes

Canvas shoes are stylish and versatile but require proper care to stay looking their best. To clean them start by removing Laces. Brush Off Dirt with a  soft-bristled brush to remove loose dirt and debris. Mix a mild detergent or a gentle shoe cleaner like SHOEGR Sneaker cleaner with lukewarm water. Dip a soft brush or cloth into the cleaning solution and scrub gently over the canvas surface. Wipe off the cleaning solution with a microfibre towel, then air dry away from direct heat.

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Reassemble: Once dry, reinsert insoles and relace the shoes.

Expert Tip: Avoid machine washing to preserve the shoe's shape and fabric integrity. Following these steps will keep your canvas shoes clean and looking fresh for many wears to come.

To know more about how to clean your canvas shoes you can check out a detailed guide using SHOEGR products.

How to Clean Leather Shoes

Leather shoes require special care to maintain their luxurious appearance.a Gently brush off any dirt or dust from the shoes using a soft cloth or brush.

Prepare Cleaning Solution, Mix mild soap or specialized leather cleaner with water to create a gentle cleaning solution. Before proceeding, test the solution on a small, hidden area of the shoe to ensure it doesn't damage the leather. Dip a soft cloth or brush into the solution, then gently scrub the leather in circular motions to remove stains and dirt or you can also try shoe stain remover. Use a damp cloth to wipe away the cleaning solution and loosened dirt. Apply leather conditioner using a clean cloth to moisturise and protect the leather. Follow the product's instructions. Buff the shoes with a dry cloth to restore shine, then allow them to air dry away from direct sunlight or heat.

Expert Tip: Apply a shoe protector spray to maintain their quality.

Following these steps regularly will maintain your leather shoes' appearance and durability. Explore our comprehensive guide for more detailed steps of how to clean white leather shoes and SHOEGR product suggestions.

How to Clean White Shoes

White shoes can brighten any outfit but need regular upkeep. Take off your shoes' laces and set them aside. After that, place a shoe tree inside to prevent creasing. Your shoes will remain strong and be easier to clean if you use a good shoe tree. The ideal shoe elixir can be made by adding three delicate pumps of Shoe-cleaning liquid solution to 250 ml of water. Here, SHOEGR ULTIMATE KIT can be your perfect partner in crime. In the liquid, dunk the soft brush. Clean the upper portion of your leather sneakers in circular motions. Use the Microfiber towel that is in the kit to gently wipe the upper with it. Take the Medium brush for the Midsole. After dipping it in the solution, lightly brush the dirt off. Wipe the dirt away with the Microfiber cloth. Use the Hard brush on the bottom. To break up the dirt, dunk it in the SHOEGR solution and rub it around. Wipe it clean with the Microfiber towel. To properly clean the shoelaces, dip them into the remaining cleaning solution, give them a gentle scrub, and then squeeze out the extra water. Give the shoes some time to dry and before you know it, you have a brand new pair of white sneakers.

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Expert Tip: After the shoes have been air dried it is recommended to use a shoe water repellent to protect your shoes from any stains and water spills.

For a comprehensive guide and product recommendations, visit our upcoming blog on cleaning white shoes.

How to Clean Sneakers

Cleaning sneakers is essential to maintain their appearance and longevity. Follow these steps for effective cleaning. Remove shoe laces and insoles. Brush off dirt and debris with a soft-bristled brush. Apply a small amount of Sneaker Cleaner to a soft cloth or brush and gently scrub stained areas. SHOEGR's Sneaker Cleaner is effective for various materials like leather, mesh, or For thorough cleaning, use a Sneaker shoe Cleaning Kit, including a cleaner, brush, and microfiber cloth. SHOEGR's kit is designed for different materials and includes a gentle yet effective cleaner. Air-dry your sneakers naturally. Avoid direct sunlight or heat sources that can damage materials. Apply Sneaker Protector Spray to repel water and dirt after cleaning. SHOEGR's protector provides long-lasting protection without altering the shoe's appearance.

Expert Tip: Always test cleaning products on a small area first. Use gentle motions to avoid damaging delicate materials.

FAQs

1. How to clean white mesh shoes with baking soda?

To clean your white mesh shoes with baking soda, start by mixing equal parts baking soda and water to create a thick paste. Optionally, add a small amount of mild detergent for extra cleaning power. Begin by removing any loose dirt or debris from the shoes using a soft brush or dry cloth. Then, apply the baking soda paste onto the mesh areas specially where there shoe is stained. Shoe stains can be a little hard to remove but baking soda should do the trick. Gently scrub in circular motions with a soft brush or toothbrush. Let the paste sit on the shoes for about 15-20 minutes to break down stains. Afterward, wipe off the paste using a clean, damp cloth, ensuring to remove all residue. Allow the shoes to air dry completely at room temperature. Avoid direct sunlight or heat sources, as they can damage the mesh material. Regularly cleaning your white mesh shoes with this method will help maintain their appearance and keep them looking fresh.

2. How to clean white fabric shoes?

To clean white fabric shoes, gently scrub with a mild detergent solution, rinse thoroughly, and air-dry completely.

3. How to clean shoes in the washing machine?

To safely clean shoes in a washing machine: remove laces and inserts, brush off dirt, use mild detergent on stains, place in a mesh bag, wash on gentle with cold water, air dry away from heat, then reassemble. Always check the manufacturer's care instructions beforehand, especially for materials like leather or suede, which may require special cleaning techniques.

4. How to clean white shoes at home?

Remove loose dirt with a soft brush. Mix some water with mild detergent or   baking soda for shoe stains. Gently scrub shoes with the cleaning solution. Rinse off residue with a damp cloth. Air-dry shoes away from direct sunlight or heat. Optionally, use a shoe whitener or diluted white vinegar as a shoe stain remover and also for extra brightness.

5. How to clean woodland shoes?

To clean your Woodland shoes, brush off loose dirt, then gently scrub stains with a mild detergent or suitable shoe cleaner. Wipe clean with a damp cloth and air-dry away from direct sunlight. Optionally, apply leather conditioner to leather shoes after drying.