10 Ways To Clean And Take Care Of Your Shoes

Just imagine this: You walk through the door after a long day, take off your shoes, and suddenly, an unpleasant smell fills the air. That unmistakable odour of well-worn shoes.

Cleaning and taking care of your shoes regularly makes them more comfortable, last longer, and look great. Shoe care can be preventive, focusing on proactively protecting shoes from damage, wear, and deterioration before problems arise. Curative shoe care focuses on fixing damages or wear and tear to restore shoes to their original condition or prevent further deterioration. It involves repairing or treating shoes after they have already experienced damage, stains, or wear.

Shoes are made from various types of materials, including leather, rubber, suede, mesh, and canvas, among others. Despite the materials, shoes require a certain level of care. Whether they’re boots, brogues, sneakers, or slippers, your shoes demand that you look after them accordingly.

In this article, we’ll tell you how to clean and take care of your shoes to keep them looking their best.

1. Cleaning your shoes

Before doing anything to your shoes, it is important to clean them and wipe off the dust. When cleaning your shoes, especially leather ones, it is preferable to use cotton materials, as their soft texture allows for dusting the leather without damaging it. You can also use a soft brush to make sure they are free of dust and dirt.

2. Polish your shoes regularly

Shoes made from leather, suede, synthetic leather, or textile materials should be polished regularly to maintain their quality. This will also help fend off dirt and give your shoes a fresh new look. After cleaning the shoes, use a shoe brush or cloth to apply a small amount of shoe polish to the entire surface of the shoe in circular motions. Make sure to evenly distribute the polish and pay extra attention to areas with scuffs or scratches. Leave it for a few minutes to dry, then use a dry buffing brush or cloth to buff the shoes in brisk, back-and-forth motions. This will help remove any excess polish and achieve a smooth, glossy shine. To provide additional protection to your polished shoes, you could apply a protective spray or wax after polishing. This can help repel water and prevent stains, keeping your shoes looking great for longer.

3. Wash your footwear

For shoes made solely of canvas, nylon, cotton, or polyester, washing makes them more durable. Use soapy water and a brush to gently scrub the surface of the shoes. Depending on the quality of the materials, washing machines can be used. After washing, dry them by placing the shoes in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Allow them to air dry completely before wearing or storing them.

4. Dry your shoes

To help the damp materials in your shoes recover, you should allow them to dry between uses. Place the shoes in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight, heat sources, and humidity. Ideally, choose a spot with good airflow, such as near a fan or open window. Avoid drying shoes in a closed, damp environment, as this can lead to mould and mildew growth.

Electric shoe dryers are great for drying your shoes, especially in wet climates, during outdoor activities, or for people with jobs that involve wearing boots for extended periods. Electric shoe dryers typically utilize a combination of heat and airflow to dry footwear efficiently. The heat helps to evaporate moisture from the shoes, while the airflow promotes ventilation and speeds up the drying process. When using an electric shoe dryer, it is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

5. Store shoes in a cool, dry place

Taking care of shoes goes beyond washing and polishing. Where you keep your shoes and how you handle them affects their longevity and appearance. Your shoes should be kept in cool and dry places. They should not be left in hot temperatures or places with high humidity. This can make the leather brittle and weaken the glue used in making the footwear. Additionally, shoes left in humid areas are more likely to grow mildew or mould and hold odours.

Shoes should be dried properly if wet and returned to the shoe rack after use.

6. Do not wear your shoes every day

Your shoes need to breathe, just like your skin. You should always have at least two pairs of shoes in your regular rotation to avoid wearing the same pair every day.

Your feet sweat throughout the day (facts are facts), and the leather absorbs that moisture. Damp leather is more susceptible to stretching, scuffing, creasing, and staining. Wearing them every other day gives them adequate time to dry, increasing the longevity of your footwear significantly. Also, shoes can conform to the shape of your feet over time, particularly if they’re made of flexible materials like leather or fabric. Giving your shoes a break between wears allows them to retain their shape and structural integrity, preventing them from stretching out excessively or developing permanent deformities.

7. Make use of Shoe Trees

Shoe trees help maintain the shape, structure, and longevity of your shoes. They are typically made of wood, plastic, or metal and are inserted into the shoes when they are not being worn.

Placing a shoe tree while you aren’t wearing your shoes ensures that the natural shape and texture of the shoe are restored. They also help absorb moisture and smooth wrinkles on shoes. They should be inserted into the shoe trees into the shoes while they are still warm from wear, as this will help them conform to the shape of the shoes more effectively.

8. Take care of your shoe soles

Great soles are the foundation of great shoes; therefore, keeping your shoe soles is important. Start by cleaning them regularly with a damp cloth or brush, paying attention to the treads and grooves where dirt accumulates. For deeper cleaning, use a mild soap or detergent mixed with water and scrub the soles thoroughly, then rinse and air dry them completely. Remove any debris or foreign objects from the treads to prevent damage and discomfort. Avoid walking on rough or abrasive surfaces whenever possible to minimize excessive wear and tear on the soles. Proper storage is key; store your shoes in a cool, dry place and avoid stacking them to maintain their shape. Regularly inspect the soles for signs of wear, damage, or separation, and address any issues promptly. If the soles are significantly worn or damaged, consider having them resoled or replaced by a professional cobbler. By following these tips, you can keep your shoe soles clean, and intact, and perform at their best for years to come.

9. Brighten your coloured shoes

Using a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and baking soda is an effective method for brightening shoes, particularly white or light-coloured ones. To begin, create a paste by combining hydrogen peroxide and baking soda until a thick, spreadable consistency is achieved. Apply the paste evenly onto the shoes using a soft brush or cloth, paying special attention to areas with stains or discolouration. For stubborn stains, gently scrub the paste into the shoes using an old toothbrush. Allow the paste to sit on the shoes for 30 minutes to an hour to lift dirt and stains. Afterwards, thoroughly rinse the shoes with water to remove the paste and towel dry them before letting them air dry completely in a well-ventilated area. Repeat the process if necessary for tough stains, adjusting the duration of the paste application as needed. This method effectively restores the brightness of shoes, leaving them looking clean and refreshed.

10. Avoid plastic shoe boxes

Plastic shoe boxes lack breathability, which can lead to trapped moisture and the growth of mould and mildew inside the shoes, especially problematic for leather footwear. Additionally, some plastics may yellow over time, affecting both the appearance of the boxes and potentially transferring discolouration onto the shoes stored inside.

Instead, use cardboard shoe boxes or storage containers, which provide a more environmentally friendly option than plastic and offer similar protection from dust and dirt. Open shoe racks or shelves provide ample airflow and visibility for shoes, ensuring easy access and organization while avoiding the drawbacks associated with plastic shoe boxes.

Conclusion

Taking care of your shoes is not just about maintaining their appearance but also ensuring their longevity and functionality. By following these tips for cleaning, polishing, drying, storing, and maintaining your shoes, you can extend their lifespan, keep them looking great, and enhance your overall comfort while wearing them.

Remember, each type of shoe requires specific care based on its materials and construction, so it’s essential to tailor your shoe care routine accordingly. Whether you’re dealing with leather, suede, canvas, or synthetic materials, a little regular maintenance goes a long way in preserving the quality and appeal of your footwear.

So, the next time you take off your shoes after a long day, give them the care they deserve. Your feet—and your shoes—will thank you for it in the long run.