How to Clean Shoes

by Sonia SuJul 02, 2024

I have a peculiar relationship with my shoes.

Unlike most people who rotate through their footwear, I wear mine until they literally fall apart. This habit of mine has actually taught me a lot about shoe care and maintenance.

Through years of wearing shoes to their absolute limit, I’ve learned how to clean and take care of them in ways that extend their lifespan and keep them looking presentable, even when they’re on their last legs.

In this article, I share my tips on how to clean your shoes with tried and true cleaning methods for tough stains or just your routine cleaning process for scuff marks and dirt.

Why Regularly Clean Your Shoes?

This article shouldn't be a reference just for emergency cleaning situations. Regularly cleaning shoes is crucial for several reasons.

Maintains Their Appearance

Shoes inevitably accumulate dirt, dust, and grime from daily use, and cleaning them regularly helps keep them looking fresh and presentable. This is especially important for formal or professional settings where a polished appearance matters.

Extends the Lifespan of Your Shoes

Dirt and debris can cause the materials to break down faster, especially if not removed promptly. For instance, mud left on leather shoes can dry out the leather, causing cracks and reducing the shoe's durability.

Keeping your shoes clean, you help preserve their materials and structure, allowing you to wear them longer.

Prevents Odor and Bacteria Build-Up

Shoes can become breeding grounds for bacteria and fungi, especially if worn frequently and not allowed to dry out properly.

Regular cleaning and airing out your shoes can help keep them hygienic and reduce shoe odor, which in turn reduces the risk of foot infections and unpleasant smells.

Allows You to Inspect Your Shoes for Signs of Damage

By routinely handling your shoes, you can spot issues like loose stitching, worn-out soles, or developing holes early on. This allows you to address minor problems before they become major repairs or lead to the shoes becoming unusable.

Reflects Personal Responsibility and Pride in Your Belongings

It demonstrates attention to detail and a proactive approach to maintenance, qualities that can translate to other areas of life.

Bottom Line of Cleaning Your Shoes

Regularly cleaning shoes is essential for maintaining their appearance, extending their lifespan, ensuring hygiene, identifying early signs of damage, and showcasing personal responsibility.

It's a small effort that yields significant benefits, making it a worthwhile habit to cultivate.

How to Clean Suede Shoes

Suede requires a gentler touch than most materials—it’s delicate, easily stained, and doesn’t play well with water.

In this section, we’ll guide you through the careful process of cleaning suede without damaging its soft texture, using specialized tools and dry techniques that are quite different from what you’d use on leather or canvas.

Brush Off Dirt: Use a suede brush to gently remove any surface dirt or stains. Brush in one direction to lift the nap and restore the texture. Learn more in our article on suede fabric.
Treat Stains: For tougher stains, use a white eraser or a special suede eraser to gently rub the stain. If the stain persists, you can use a small amount of white vinegar or rubbing alcohol on a clean, soft cloth, gently dabbing the stained area.
Restore Nap: After cleaning with the suede eraser, use the suede brush again to lift the nap and restore the shoe's texture. Brush in multiple directions for even coverage.
Apply Suede Protector: Once the shoes are clean and dry, apply a suede protector spray to help prevent future stains and water damage. Let the shoes dry completely before wearing them.

How to Clean White Shoes

White shoes are stylish but notoriously hard to keep clean. Whether they’re leather, canvas, or mesh, we’ll cover methods to restore their brightness and tackle common stains without causing yellowing.

This section focuses on techniques that prioritize effectiveness and the preservation of that crisp, clean look.

Remove Laces and Insoles: Take out the laces and insoles from your white sneakers. You can wash the laces separately and clean the insoles by hand.
Pre-Treat Stains: Use a soft bristled brush or soft cloth to gently scrub away loose dirt. Apply a mixture of baking soda and water or a mild detergent to any stains, letting it sit for a few minutes.
Clean Shoes: For canvas or fabric shoes, you can place them in a mesh laundry bag and wash them in the washing machine on a gentle cycle with cold water and mild detergent. For leather or suede shoes, use a damp cloth and a small amount of mild soap to gently clean the surface.
Dry Shoes: Air dry the shoes by stuffing them with paper towels or clean cloths to help retain their shape. Avoid direct sunlight or heat sources, as they can cause the shoes to warp or discolor.
Clean Laces and Insoles: Wash the laces by hand or in a laundry bag in the washing machine. Clean the insoles with a mild detergent and water, then let them air dry completely before reinserting them into the shoes.

How to Clean Leather Shoes

Leather shoes are durable, but they need the right care to maintain their finish and flexibility.

Here, we’ll show you how to remove dirt, condition the leather, and protect it from future scuffs—something you won’t find necessary for canvas or suede. It’s all about keeping them polished without drying them out.

Remove Dirt and Debris: Use a soft bristled brush or cloth to gently remove any dirt, dust, or debris from the surface of the leather shoes.
Apply Leather Cleaner: Dampen a clean cloth with a small amount of leather shoe cleaner or a mixture of water and mild soap. Gently rub the cleaner onto the shoes in circular motions.
Wipe Off Cleaner: Use another damp clean cloth to wipe away the cleaner and any dirt that was lifted. Avoid soaking the leather.
Dry the Shoes: Let the shoes air dry naturally away from direct heat or sunlight, which can cause the leather to crack or fade.
Condition the Leather: Once dry, apply a leather shoe conditioner using a soft cloth to keep the leather supple and prevent it from drying out.
Polish (Optional): For added shine after the leather conditioner, apply a small amount of leather polish in a matching color, and buff with a clean cloth.

How to Clean Canvas Shoes

Canvas shoes are some of the easiest to clean, but they still need the right approach to avoid shrinking or fading.

We’ll walk you through both hand-washing and machine-washing options, which set them apart from the more high-maintenance suede and leather types.

Remove Laces and Insoles: Take out the shoelaces and insoles. These can be washed separately or replaced if needed.
Brush Off Dirt: Use a soft bristled brush to remove loose dirt and debris from the shoes.
Prepare Cleaning Solution: Mix warm water with a small amount of mild detergent or baking soda.
Scrub Shoes: Dip a cloth or brush into the cleaning solution and gently scrub the canvas shoes, focusing on stained areas.
Rinse: Wipe the shoes with a damp clean cloth to remove soap residue.
Air Dry: Stuff the shoes with paper towels to help them maintain their shape and let them air dry away from direct sunlight.
Clean Laces and Insoles: Wash the laces and insoles separately by hand or in a mesh laundry bag in the washer. Let them air dry.

The Best Cleaning Products for Shoes

Choosing the best cleaning products for shoes depends on the type of material your shoes are made of. Here are some top recommendations for different types of shoe materials:

Leather Shoe Cleaner

Leather Cleaner and Conditioner: Products like Lexol Leather Cleaner or Leather Honey Leather Cleaner are excellent for cleaning leather shoes. They remove dirt and restore the leather's natural oils.
Saddle Soap: Kiwi Saddle Soap is a classic product that cleans, softens, and preserves smooth leather.

Suede and Nubuck Shoes Cleaner

Suede Brush and Eraser: A good suede brush, like the Kiwi Suede and Nubuck Kit, helps remove dirt and restore the nap of the suede. The eraser can remove scuffs and stains.
Suede Cleaner: Products like Jason Markk Suede Cleaner are specifically formulated to clean suede without damaging it.

Canvas Shoes Cleaner

Mild Detergent: A mild detergent mixed with water is often sufficient for cleaning canvas shoes. Just use a soft bristled brush or cloth to scrub the dirt away.
Stain Remover: For tougher stains, use a product like OxiClean Versatile Stain Remover.

Athletic Shoes (Sneakers) Cleaner

Sneaker Cleaner: Products like Jason Markk Shoe Cleaner Essentials for Shoe Cleaning or Crep Protect Cure Cleaning Kit are popular among sneaker enthusiasts for their ability to clean various materials without damaging the shoes.
Magic Eraser: Mr. Clean Magic Erasers work well for cleaning the rubber soles of sneakers.

Patent Leather Shoes Cleaner

Hi Gloss Brilliant Patent Leather Finish

Patent Leather Cleaner: A product like Hi Gloss Brilliant Patent Leather Finish is designed to clean and shine patent leather without leaving residue.

General Shoe Cleaning Tools

1. Soft Brushes

Soft bristled brushes, such as those from Reshoevn8r or Jason Markk, are essential for removing dirt and grime without damaging the shoe material.

2. Microfiber Cloths

Microfiber cloths are great for wiping down shoes and applying cleaners without scratching the surface.

3. Protective Sprays

After cleaning, use a protective spray like Crep Protect Spray or Scotchgard to repel water and stains.

Tips for Effective Cleaning

Always test a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure the cleaner does not damage the material.
Follow the manufacturer's instructions for each product.
Regularly clean and condition your shoes to maintain their appearance and extend their lifespan.

Can You Put Shoes in the Washer?

Whether you can put shoes in the washer depends on the type of shoes and their material. Here are some guidelines to help you decide if and how you should wash your shoes in the washing machine:

Shoes Suitable for Machine Washing

Canvas Shoes: Canvas shoes, such as Converse or Vans, are generally safe to wash in the machine.
Athletic Shoes: Most athletic shoes, including running shoes and sneakers made from mesh, nylon, or polyester, can be washed in the machine.

Shoes Not Suitable for Machine Washing

Leather Shoes: Leather, suede, and nubuck shoes should not be machine washed as the water and agitation can damage the material.
Dress Shoes: Formal shoes, such as those made of leather or patent leather, should be cleaned by hand or taken to a professional cleaner.
Shoes with Delicate Decorations: Shoes with sequins, embroidery, or other delicate decorations are not suitable for machine washing.

How to Wash Shoes in the Washer

While not every shoe type is machine-washable, many canvas, fabric, and athletic shoes can handle a gentle cycle with the right prep. In this section, we’ll walk you through how to safely clean your shoes in the washer without damaging them, shrinking them, or ending up with a noisy load of sneakers banging around.

Remove Laces and Insoles: Take out the laces and insoles to prevent tangling and ensure a thorough clean. Laces can be washed separately in a mesh bag.
Pre-treat Stains: Similar to getting a stain out of a white shirt, use a stain remover or a small amount of detergent to pre-treat any visible stains.
Use a Mesh Bag: Place the shoes in a mesh laundry bag to protect them and the washing machine drum.
Add Towels: Add a few old towels to the machine to balance the load and cushion the shoes during the wash cycle.
Choose the Right Settings: Use a gentle cycle with cold water to prevent damage. Avoid using hot water as it can weaken the glue that holds the shoes together.
Use Mild Detergent: Add a small amount of mild detergent. Avoid using bleach or harsh chemicals.
Air Dry: After washing, let the shoe air dry. Do not put them in the dryer as the heat can damage the shoes. Stuff the shoes with newspaper or a towel to help them retain their shape and absorb excess moisture.

Final Thoughts

Before you dive into any cleaning method, always take a moment to check the manufacturer’s care instructions—what works for one pair of shoes might damage another. And remember, not every mess calls for a full wash.

For light dirt or small stains, a simple spot clean with a damp cloth and mild detergent can be all you need to keep your shoes looking fresh without the extra effort.

For more on shoes, check out our guides on the best boat shoes and men's slip-on shoes.

FAQs about How to Clean Shoes

What is the best way to clean shoes?

The best method depends on the material. For example, suede shoes require dry brushing, leather needs gentle cleaning and conditioning, and canvas can often be hand- or machine-washed.

In general, start by removing loose dirt, use the right cleaner for the fabric, and let them air dry to avoid damage.

Can you wash shoes without ruining them?

Yes, you can—if you're careful. Always check the care label first. Many canvas and athletic shoes can go in the washing machine (in a laundry bag, on a gentle cycle), but materials like leather or suede should only be cleaned by hand to avoid warping or staining.

Is dish soap good for cleaning shoes?

Yes, mild dish soap can be effective, especially on rubber soles or canvas uppers. Just mix a small amount with warm water and use a soft bristled brush or cloth to scrub. Avoid using it on suede or leather, which need gentler, specialized cleaners.