How to Clean every type of shoes

Are you one of those people who hardly wear your white shoes out often because they’re hard to maintain? Well, I for sure was one of those people, but not anymore! Want to know why?

Well, wearing them outside (even often) is no problem, if you have the right cleaning techniques and by “techniques”, I mean simple cleaning hacks that you could use to clean your shoes in no time and at home too!

Here, I’ll let you in on some of my easy tips to clean white shoes by material (like white canvas, rubber, mesh, PVC materials etc.). Check them out below.

How to clean every type of Shoes

For white canvas shoes

You will need:

• Baking soda
• Hydrogen peroxide
• A clean sponge
• A clean old toothbrush
• A clean cloth

How to use it:

1. Into a container add in 1 tbsp hydrogen peroxide, 1 tbsp dish soap and 1 tbsp of baking soda and add enough water until it forms a paste.
2. Dip in a soft-bristle brush or an old toothbrush (this can be used for tough stains) and clean your shoes using circular motions. Then, let it sit for about an hour, outdoors under the sun, until dry.
3. Run the canvas under clean water to wipe off any residue. Let the shoes air dry completely before using them again.
4. Stuff the sneakers with white paper towels or cloth. This will absorb moisture from the inside and maintain the shape of the shoe.

Caution: Since you’re using hydrogen peroxide, make sure to do this in a well-ventilated area or outdoors. Also, do not overuse hydrogen peroxide, as it can damage the shoe fabric.

Clean Leather and Faux leather:

For leather –

You will need:

• Soft cloth or brush
• Dish soap
• Warm water

How to use it:       

1. Stuff your shoes with shoe trees or newspaper to smooth any creases in the leather for an even clean. 
2. Wipe the shoes down with a soft cloth or a brush to get rid of ay loose debris.
3. Mix a few drops of dish soap, like Dishwashing Liquid, into a cup of warm water, then dip a paper towel into the soapy water and rub all over the leather uppers to remove any remaining dirt or dust.
4. Wipe it down with a cloth to remove any soap resiude, excess moisture and restore natural shine.
5. Apply a leather protector to keep shoes soft and supple.

For white leather –

 If you’re dealing with tough stains on white leather shoes, try this cleaning trick: Dip a wet soft-bristle brush or even your fingertip in baking soda and rub gently on the area. Wipe with a clean, wet cloth and let air dry.

For clean faux leather –

You will need:

• Soft cloth or brush
• Dish soap
• Warm water
• Baking soda
• coconut oil

Method –

1. Add a few drops of liquid dish soap to a bowl of water then dip in a soft-bristle brush or toothbrush and use it to gently scrub the shoe uppers.
2. Wipe it off with a clean cloth and let it dry indoors.
3. Rub a dab of unscented baby oil or coconut oil onto the shoe uppers to prolong their lifespan.
4. If the faux leather has taken on a bad smell, sprinkle baking soda into the shoe, and let it sit for several hours or overnight before brushing or vacuuming it away.

Suede shoes

You will need:

• Baking soda
• A clean old toothbrush
• Soft brush

How to use it:

 Sprinkle baking soda on the stain and allow it to sit overnight, then lightly brush away the powder.

Gently brush the shoes to restore the suede nap. The key here is to brush in the direction of the fibers, not back and forth or in circles, which can cause further damage to the suede.

Clean mesh sneakers in a washing machine-

1. Pre-treat any visible stains on the mesh upper by rubbing a dish soap into them with an old toothbrush.
2. Place the sneakers in a zippered delicate bag.
3. Wash it in the washing machine in a delicate, cold water cycle.
4. Once I’ve cleaned them, I remove insoles and laces and let everything air dry completely before wearing again.

How to clean shoelaces –

You will need –

• Liquid dish soap
• Water
• Baking soda
• Toothbrush

To use –

1. Mix dish soap with warm water and immerse the laces and let It soak for 30 minutes.
2. Make a paste of 1 tbsp baking soda, 1 tbsp hydrogen peroxide and 1 tbsp water and scrub the shoelaces with a soft toothbrush.
3. Run them under the faucet, then squeeze out excess water and let it dry under the sun.
   

General Notes:

• In case your shoes are muddy, dirty or wet, let them dry completely before beginning to spot treat or fully clean them.
• Always dust of any excess dirt, dust or mud from your shoes before beginning to clean them. You could use a clean brush to brush it clean (when fully dry).