How to Clean 4 Types of Shoes Properly

Learn the best ways to clean shoes and keep them smelling fresh

pairs of shoes and scrub brush

The Spruce / Taylor Nebrija 

Project Overview
  • Working Time: 30 - 45 mins
  • Total Time: 30 mins - 4 hrs
  • Skill Level: Beginner
  • Estimated Cost: $0 to 25

Cleaning your shoes properly will keep them smelling fresh, looking presentable, and lasting longer. With just a few supplies you probably have on hand, you can clean every type of shoe from sneakers to leather, even suede boots.

Follow these steps to clean your shoes.

Tip

To help shoes hold their shape while you're cleaning or drying them, stuff them with white tissue paper or old white socks. Don't use newspapers because the ink can transfer to the inside of your shoes.

What You'll Need

Equipment / Tools

  • 1 soft-bristled toothbrush
  • 1 to 2  microfiber cloths
  • 1 soft-bristled or suede brush

Materials

  • 1 bottle dishwashing liquid
  • 1 bottle distilled white vinegar
  • 1 box baking soda
  • 1 bottle glass cleaner (ammonia and alcohol-free)
  • 1 container cornstarch or talcum powder

Instructions

How to Clean Shoes

person cleaning canvas shoes

The Spruce / Taylor Nebrija 

Shoes with fabric uppers can be easily cleaned by hand using products you can find around your home.

Tip

Not all fabric shoes should be tossed in the washer. Washing machine 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 cause the glues used to construct the shoe to loosen.

  1. Wipe Away Excess Dirt

    Remove the laces, if appropriate, and wipe down the shoes with a dry microfiber cloth to remove any loose surface dust and dirt.

  2. Make a Cleaning Solution

    Mix one teaspoon of dishwashing liquid in two cups of warm water. Stir well until combined.

  3. Wash the Laces

    Pour a small amount of the cleaning solution into a separate bowl and soak the laces for 30 minutes. 

    Scrub the laces, rinse thoroughly, and remove any excess water with a microfiber cloth. Let them air dry before lacing your shoes back up.

  4. Scrub Shoes

    Dip a soft-bristled toothbrush in the soapy solution and lightly scrub the shoe.

    Work with the grain of the fabric and clean the entire upper part of the shoe to keep the color consistent and prevent spotting.

    Tip

    Do not overwet the surface of the shoe to prevent dye bleeding and to speed up drying time.


  5. Rinse and Dry

    Wipe the entire shoe with a damp microfiber cloth to rinse away soapy residue and blot the shoes with a dry microfiber towel to absorb moisture. Air dry the shoes away from direct heat and sunlight.

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

person cleaning leather boots

The Spruce / Taylor Nebrija 

These steps will remove soil, creases, scuffs, and fading from leather, patent leather, or faux leather shoes.

  • Wipe Off Excess Dirt and Debris: Brush off any solids with a cloth dampened with a solution of equal parts cool water and distilled white vinegar. Allow the shoes to air dry completely.
  • Polish Out Scuffs: On real leather shoes, use a commercial polish and follow the directions on the package. If you can’t find a polish that matches your leather shoe’s color, dampen a soft cloth with water and dip it in some baking soda. Gently rub the scuff and wipe away the residue. Allow the shoes to dry and buff them with a clean cloth.
  • Cleaning Scuffs on Patent and Faux Leather Shoes: Use some petroleum jelly to rub the scuffs and buff them with a soft cloth.

Tip

Restore the shine to patent leather shoes with a spritz of ammonia-and alcohol-free glass cleaner and then buff them with a soft cloth.

How to Clean Suede, NuBuck, and Sheepskin Shoes

person cleaning a nubuck shoes

The Spruce / Taylor Nebrija  

Shoes made from these materials should be kept as dry as possible and brushed with a soft-bristled brush after every wearing to remove loose dust and soil. Treat stains as quickly as possible. 

  • Remove Marks and Scuffs: Use a pencil eraser to gently rub marks or scuffs until they disappear. Brush with a soft-bristled brush to restore the nap of the shoe.
  • Treat Oily Stains: Sprinkle talcum powder or cornstarch on oily stains. 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 the shoe to lift the nap.
  • Treat 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.
  • Clean Fleece Linings: 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 damp cloth dipped in a solution of mild detergent and water, followed by a 50:50 vinegar-water rinse. Allow the boots to air dry for at least 24 hours before wearing them.

How to Clean Shoes with Rope or Cork Wedges

person cleaning espadrilles

The Spruce / Taylor Nebrija  

After cleaning the upper fabric or leather part of the wedge shoe using the methods above, the natural fibers can be cleaned with a gentle cleaning solution.

  • Mix a Cleaning Solution: Combine two cups of warm water, one-half cup of distilled white vinegar, and one-half teaspoon of dishwashing liquid.
  • Clean the Cork or Rope Wedges: Dip a soft toothbrush or cloth in the cleaning solution and gently scrub the wedges. Work in only direction on rope wedges to prevent fraying.
  • Rinse and Dry: After cleaning, wipe down the wedges with a damp microfiber cloth and allow the shoes to air dry away from direct heat or sunlight.

How Often to Clean Your Shoes

Shoes you wear frequently should be cleaned at least once a month. Shoes you wear only occasionally can be cleaned on an as-needed basis. All types of shoes should be properly cleaned or dried after wearing them in poor conditions like rain, mud, or snow and salt.

FAQ
  • Can shoes be washed in the washing machine?

    Always check the manufacturer's website to verify that the shoes are washable. Never wash leather athletic shoes in the washing machine unless you don't mind the leather cracking and fading. Most fabric sneakers can be washed on a gentle cycle in cold or warm water.

  • How do I clean insoles to reduce odor?

    Remove the insoles from your shoes, and wipe them down with a microfiber cloth dipped in a solution of one cup of warm water and one tablespoon of baking soda. Set the insoles aside to air-dry while you clean the rest of the shoe. To help remove odor, sprinkle insoles with baking soda to absorb odor and moisture and leave them overnight. Empty the baking soda before wearing the shoes.

  • Can I clean shoes with OxiClean?

    OxiClean helps remove stains and soil on any color of fabric sneakers that are especially dirty and dull. Mix a scoop of the detergent with a gallon of water, soak the sneakers in the solution for one to six hours, then wash the shoes in a machine or by hand. Do not use OxiClean or any oxygen-based bleach on leather shoes.

  • Can you spray shoes to make them waterproof?

    You can protect your shoes from the elements by using a waterproofing product. It will not only make them water-repellent but will also provide them with stain resistance. Waterproofing spray may change the color of the shoe material slightly.