How to Clean Shoes

Remove the shoelaces and insoles. It’s best to take out the laces and insoles from the shoes and wash them separately, as this will help the shoes dry faster after washing.

• You can wash the shoes and laces together in the washing machine, but avoid washing the insoles as water can remain trapped in them for days after washing.

Clean the shoelaces thoroughly. If the laces are too worn or dirty, you can buy new ones. Otherwise, you can clean them using a brush and soap or wash them along with the shoes in the washing machine. Make sure to let them dry completely before reattaching them.

• Alternatively, you can place the shoelaces in a pillowcase or tie their ends together before washing them with the shoes. This prevents the laces from getting tangled in the washing machine's drainage holes.
• If you have white laces on colored shoes, consider washing them separately more frequently by including them with white laundry.

Clean and deodorize the insoles. Mix liquid soap with water and scrub the insoles using a soft brush or cloth. Finally, use a sponge to absorb any remaining soapy water, and let them dry completely before reinserting them into the shoes.

• If the insoles still have an unpleasant odor, sprinkle baking soda on them, place them in a bag, shake well, and leave overnight.
• If the smell persists, soak the insoles in a mixture of vinegar and water in a 2:1 ratio for a few hours. Then rinse them with water mixed with baking soda and a few drops of essential oil, such as tea tree or pine oil.

Remove stubborn stains and dirt. Use a toothbrush or a soft brush (like a shoe brush) to eliminate mud or dust stuck on the surface.

• For other marks (e.g., sticky residues on plastic parts), use a brush with water and/or a cream cleaner applied to a cloth or paper towel.
• If the brush can't reach every corner, consider using a toothpick or cotton swab (such as Niva brand).

Place the shoes in a pillowcase. Secure the opening halfway with about three safety pins to allow water to flow in and out easily.

• If you want to wash the shoelaces at the same time, tie their ends together and place them in the pillowcase with the shoes.
• You can also use a laundry bag instead of a pillowcase.

Put the pillowcase in the washing machine along with one or two towels. The towels will prevent the shoes from hitting the drum during the cycle, which could damage the machine or your shoes.

• Use old towels, as new ones may shed fibers or dye, potentially staining your shoes.
• Most sports shoes are durable and machine-washable, but always check the manufacturer's instructions, as brands like Nike often recommend hand washing.

Use liquid soap. Powdered soap should be avoided as its particles can get stuck in the shoe's crevices. You can also add a bit of vinegar or pine oil to eliminate odors.

• If using pine oil, ensure the product contains at least 80% pure pine oil.

Set up and start the washing machine. Choose a gentle cycle with slow or no spin, and avoid using the dryer. High heat can warp the shoes, and a fast spin cycle might damage them or even the washing machine.

Dry the shoes properly. Remove the shoes from the pillowcase and let them air dry after the wash cycle. Avoid using a dryer, as it can warp the soles.

• Stuffing the shoes with paper towels or newspaper helps them dry faster and maintain their shape.
• Dry the shoes (along with the laces and insoles) in a shaded area. Avoid direct sunlight or heat sources (like a gas stove) to prevent damage.
• Plan ahead, as it may take several hours or even days for the shoes to dry completely.
• If you're in a hurry and need to use a dryer, wrap the shoes in a towel and set the dryer to a low heat setting, checking frequently to avoid overheating.

Now you have a pair of “like-new” shoes! Reattach the laces and insoles once they’re completely dry, and they’re ready to wear. Your feet will look fresher and smell better!

Remove and wash the shoelaces separately. Take off the shoelaces and place them on a washing board. Use a brush and soapy water to scrub them clean. Let the laces dry completely before reattaching them to the shoes. If the laces are too worn, it’s best to replace them.

Remove and clean the insoles separately. Create a low-suds soap solution by mixing liquid soap with water. Gently scrub the insoles using a soft brush or cloth. Finally, use a sponge to absorb any remaining soapy water and let the insoles dry completely before putting them back in the shoes.

Remove stubborn dirt from the soles. Use a plastic brush, such as a shoe brush or toothbrush, to scrub away dirt stuck on the outer soles. You may need a toothpick or cotton swab to clean tight crevices.

Prepare a soap solution. While many shoe-cleaning solutions are available on the market, mixing liquid soap with water can create an effective cleaning mixture for the exterior of your shoes.

Scrub the shoes clean. Apply a small amount of the soap solution to a sponge or soft cloth, or use a brush to scrub the outside of the shoes. If your shoes are heavily soiled, this might require some extra effort!

• For stubborn stains, let the soap mixture sit for a few minutes before scrubbing.

Rinse off the soap. Use a sponge, soft cloth, or another brush to wipe away any remaining soap residue with clean water.

Air dry naturally. Let the shoes (including laces and insoles) dry naturally in a shaded area at room temperature. Avoid direct sunlight or heat sources (like a gas stove) to prevent damage.

• Do not use a dryer, as it can warp the soles.

Deodorize. Sprinkle baking soda or coffee grounds directly into the shoes whenever they’re not in use to prevent odors. Simply shake them out before wearing.

• Alternatively, place the baking soda or coffee grounds in a small bag (like a sock) and tie it off before placing it inside the shoes.

Polish office leather shoes. If worn daily, clean them 2-3 times a week. Use a soft cloth with a low-suds soap solution to remove visible dirt or dust. Finish by applying natural polish or wax with a soft cloth until the desired shine is achieved.

Clean suede office shoes. If worn daily, clean suede shoes 2-3 times a week using a suede brush to remove dirt.

• For new shoes or after cleaning, apply a suede protector spray to make them less prone to stains and easier to clean in the future.

• Be cautious when using a hairdryer to dry shoes, as high heat can warp the soles.
• Since machine washing can damage shoes, limit it to once a year or when they are extremely dirty.
• Always check the manufacturer’s instructions before cleaning, as some shoes require special care.
• For expensive or delicate shoes, hand wash them or take them to a professional shoe care service.

• Washing machine
• Soap
• Toothbrush or stiff brush
• Pillowcase
• Safety pins
• One or two towels
• Paper towels or newspaper
• Cotton swabs or toothpicks
• Baking soda