How to Clean 5 Types of Shoes Properly

How to Clean Fabric Shoes

Fabric shoes can be strappy sandals, sneakers, pumps or flats. No matter the style, the fabric will eventually get dirty. You may find some hacks online about tossing fabric shoes in the washer, but this can actually be a bad idea. Your washer's cycles can be aggressive and the force of the agitator or tumbler—combined with the temperature and friction of the moving water—can warp or tear at the shoe. Instead, clean fabric shoe surfaces by hand with just some dishwashing detergent, warm water, an old toothbrush, and paper towels.

1. Brush Off Excess Dirt

   Wipe down the shoe fabric with a dry paper towel to remove any loose surface soil, dirt, or debris.  

2. Make a Cleaning Solution

   In a small bowl, mix one teaspoon of dishwashing liquid into two cups of warm water. Stir well until combined.

3. Scrub Shoes Clean

   Working on a small section at a time, dip the toothbrush in the soapy solution and lightly scrub the fabric. Do not over-wet the fabric. Work with the grain of the fabric, moving all around the shoe to keep the color consistent and prevent spotting.

4. Remove Soapy Residue

   Wipe the entire shoe with a paper towel moistened with clear water. You may need several towels to "rinse" the entire shoe.

5. Dry Shoes

   Blot the fabric with a dry paper towel and allow the shoes to air dry away from direct heat and sunlight. To help some shoes hold their shape, stuff dry paper towels into the toes or heels until the shoe is completely dry.

How to Clean Leather, Patent Leather, and Faux Leather Shoes

When it comes to cleaning leather, patent leather, or faux leather shoes, you will be dealing with two signs of wear and age—dirt and scuffs or fading. You'll want to take care of both with your "cleaning" in order to ensure your shoes stay looking their best.

1. Wipe Off Excess Dirt

   Start by brushing off any soil with a cloth dipped in a solution of equal parts cool water and distilled white vinegar. This works particularly well to remove any winter salt stains. Allow the shoes to air dry completely.

2. Polish Out Scuffs

   For scuffs on real leather shoes, use a commercial polish and follow the package directions. If you don't have a polish that matches white athletic shoes or today's rainbow of colors, wet a soft cloth with water and dip it in a bit of baking soda. Gently rub the scuffed area and wipe away the residue with a clean cloth. Allow to dry and then buff again with a clean cloth.

   For scuffs on patent leather and faux leather shoes, rub the marks with a dab of petroleum jelly and buff with a soft cloth. Restore the shine with a spritz of ammonia-and alcohol-free glass cleaner and buff with a soft cloth.

How to Clean Suede, NuBuck, and Sheepskin Shoes

The key to keeping suede or any napped surface shoe looking its best is regular care. The surfaces should be kept as dry as possible and cleaned with a soft-bristled brush after every wearing to remove loose dust and soil. Treat stains as quickly as possible. 

1. Remove Marks and Scuffs

   Using a pencil eraser, gently rub any marks or scuffs until they disappear, then brush with a shoe brush to restore the nap of the shoe.

2. Treat Any Oil Stains

   Sprinkle any stains with baby powder or cornstarch to absorb the oil. Let the powder sit on the stain for at least an hour, then brush away. Repeat until all of the oil is absorbed and then brush to lift the nap.

3. Treat Any Wet Stains

   Blot wet stains as soon as possible with a paper towel or cloth to absorb moisture. Allow the shoes to air dry completely away from direct heat. Brush to smooth the nap.

4. Wipe the Interior of the Shoe

   Shoes like sheepskin boots often have shearling linings that get even dirtier than the outside. To keep fungus and odor under control, regularly wipe down the inside of the boots with a cloth dipped in a solution of wool shampoo and water, followed by a 50:50 vinegar-water rinse. Allow the boots to air dry for at least 24 hours before wearing.

How to Clean Rope or Cork Wedges

Because they're made of natural fibers, cork and rope shoes take a little extra TLC when they're being cared for. After you've cleaned the upper fabric or leather part of a wedge shoe (using the methods above), it's time to tackle the rope or cork-covered sole. 

1. Mix and Apply a Cleaning Solution

   Mix a solution of 2 cups of warm water, one-half cup of distilled white vinegar, and 5 or so drops of non-toxic detergent. Work in a small area at a time and use an old toothbrush or cloth to clean the surfaces. For rope soles, work in only one direction to keep the rope from fraying. 

2. Wipe Off Solution and Let Dry

   When everything is clean, wipe down with a cloth dipped in plain water to rinse away soapy residue and allow the shoes to air dry.

How to Clean Athletic Shoes in a Washing Machine

Although it's generally not advised to wash any shoes in the washing machine, an exception can be made for fabric athletic sneakers and tennis shoes, including those with wool uppers like the styles from Woolloomooloo. Athletic shoes have sturdy construction that can generally stand up to a few machine washings. Simply toss them into the washing machine on the gentle or delicate cycle and clean with a good, heavy-duty laundry detergent like Persil or Tide. Before washing, remove any inner soles and the laces and wash the laces separately. To control odor and fungus, wipe down the inner soles with a 50:50 vinegar-water solution before placing them back in shoes or replace with new liners. 

However, this is not a good method for athletic shoes with uppers containing leather. These should be treated in the same way as leather street shoes (see above).