In order to keep your favourite shoes clean and fresh, you should regularly take care of their cleanliness. Whether you run marathons or walk a lot, all shoes require maintenance. They may not only start looking dirty and unattractive, but also trap bacteria and drag messes into your home or car. It is, in fact, not hard to wash shoes by hand or in a machine and you can also have a day-to-day cleaning routine to prevent them from getting messy.
Most athletic fabric shoes, sneakers, house shoes or slippers are washable. You can easily wash shoes made of cotton, nylon, canvas and polyester. Make sure not to put leather, suede or high heel shoes in the washing machine. Same goes for shoes with sequins or embroidery. Keep reading to learn how to properly clean shoes, as well as learn some tips on shoe care.
For tennis shoes or sneakers
1. Check the care label
Some manufacturers recommend hand-washing. However, if you don’t feel like washing them by hand, read the instructions and follow them. Always use cold water since hot one can cause damage to the shoes.
2. Remove laces and insoles
Shoe laces will prevent your shoes from fully opening and getting properly cleaned. They may also get tangled in the machine. Remove the insole but keep in mind that some shoes have insoles that are not removable. If it doesn’t come out easily, don’t force it. You can wash both things in warm water with a bit of detergent.
3. Treat stains
Use an old toothbrush to remove stains and dirt from the soles of your shoes. You can use baking soda or a non-gel toothpaste. Rub it on the dirty area, wait 5-10 minutes and wipe it away with a damp microfiber cloth.
4. Ways to wash shoes
Whether you choose to wash shoes in the machine or by hand, always use cold water. Always use liquid laundry detergent and not powdered. Do not use bleach or vinegar. they may damage the soles of your shoes. Never use fabric softener since it will leave residue that will attract more dirt.
• In the machine – You can put both shoes in a mesh bag or a pillowcase. Put a couple of towels to balance the wash and muffle the banging sounds that your shoes will produce. Use a gentle cycle with no spin at the end. Remove your shoes as soon as the cycle is done. Air dry and never put in the dryer.
• Wash by hand – Fill a bucket with cold water and add a bit of liquid detergent. You can sprinkle a few drops of tea tree essential oil to help deodorise your shoes. Soak your shoes for a few minutes, then use an old toothbrush to scrub the inside and outside. Remove your shoes from the soapy water, fill the bucket with clear cold water and rinse them until there is no soap left.
5. Blot and dry
Do not ever put your shoes in the dryer since its hot cycle may damage your shoes or cause them to shrink. Stuff your shoes with dry rags and gently squeeze them to absorb any excess moisture and speed up the drying process. Air dry your shoes but keep them away from sunlight and direct heat sources. Shoes will take 1-2 days to dry so don’t try to speed up this process. Extra heat may damage or warp your shoes.
How often should you wash your shoes?
Do not wash your shoes more than once a month. If you struggle with smelly shoes, use a homemade deodoriser on a daily basis
For leather shoes
Use a dampened cloth to wipe them, then mix white distilled vinegar and water together. WIpe them with this solution, then immediately buff with a dry cloth. Use a leather polisher to repel dust and dirt.
Tips to keep shoes clean
• If muddy, scrape off the big chunks and leave the rest to dry. Then knock the soles of your shoes against a wall outside. Most of the mud will easily fall off. To completely remove it, sprinkle them with water in order to soften the mud, then use a toothbrush to remove it.
• For a quick spot treatment, use lukewarm soapy solution and an old toothbrush to rub them as soon as they occur. Wipe them with a damp cloth to remove any soapy residue.
• Use a damp toothbrush dipped in baking soda in order to get rid of scuffs. Gently rub, then wipe with a clean, damp cloth. A magic eraser would work great too.
Make sure you regularly clean your shoes. You will not only have them clean and fresh, but also prolong their life. The lack of bacteria and moisture will also help you have healthier feet. We hope you enjoy this article and it was helpful to you.