Seeing a dark streak on your favorite shoes can be significantly frustrating. The number of these signs is inversely proportional to how good they once were and may sometimes convince you that it's time to throw them away. However, there are many ways to effectively clean shoes, extending their life for months or even years. Some techniques involve the use of commonly used products, such as nail polish remover or toothpaste, while others rely on the power of specific shoe cleaners. Also remember that once they have been cleaned, it will be important to take precautions to ensure that they remain clean and beautiful for a long time.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Use Commonly Used Products
Step 1. Determine what material your shoes are made of
Before attempting any type of cleaning, you must make sure that the selected product is safe for the material the shoes are made of. Leather, suede, canvas and synthetic fabrics must be treated differently, especially when you want to use an aggressive detergent. Normally it should be easy to distinguish leather from suede or canvas, but if in doubt, read the directions on the box, inside the shoes, or on the manufacturer's website. Alternatively, you can ask the staff of a shop that sells or repairs shoes for advice.
Step 2. Use toothpaste
To remove dark streaks from shoes made of leather (real or synthetic), patent leather or rubber, you can use a common toothpaste. Rub a small amount directly onto the stains using an old toothbrush. Add a little water to help foam, then continue scrubbing in circular motions. Rinse with water to remove the toothpaste, then let the shoe dry.
Step 3. Use nail polish remover
For shoes made of leather (real or synthetic), patent leather or rubber, you can also use a cotton swab dipped in nail polish remover. Make sure it is an acetone-free product, otherwise you could risk irreparably damaging your shoes. Pour the solvent into a bowl, soak a cotton ball in the liquid, then rub it on the dark streaks. Repeat with gentle movements until the stains are completely removed.
Step 4. Use baking soda
You can clean canvas or other fabric shoes using baking soda. Prepare an old toothbrush and two bowls. Pour a small amount of baking soda into one bowl and water into the second. Dip your toothbrush in the water before sinking the bristles into the baking soda, then use it to scrub the stained areas. If there is not enough foam, you can re-moisten the bristles and pour a little baking soda directly on the dark marks and then scrub. Once done, rinse or brush away any residue.
Step 5. Use dish soap
You can clean canvas or other fabric shoes using a small amount of dish soap. Take a toothbrush or rag, then rub the detergent on the stained areas. Continue scrubbing until the shoes are completely clean, then rinse or brush off any residual foam.
Step 6. Use an eraser to erase
This method can work with shoes of any material, but is especially good for suede shoes. Although it is a difficult material to clean, often the dark streaks on the suede can be removed with a simple eraser. Rub it gently on the stains, being very careful not to risk damaging the fabric. Continue scrubbing carefully until the dirt has been completely removed, then use a shoe brush to scrub away any residue left by the rubber.
Method 2 of 3: Use Specific Products
Step 1. Look for products specifically designed to remove stains from shoes
You can find them in the supermarket or in shoe stores. Given their specificity, the results should be superior to those obtained with commonly used products. Make sure you select a cleaner suitable for the material your shoes are made of; using the wrong product could damage them.
- If your shoes are suede, buy a specific product. Taking care of suede is not easy, and it is also a fabric that tends to get dirty frequently. Look for a suitable cleaner (usually sold in a spray package). Use it following the instructions carefully to remove dark streaks from shoes.
- Purchase a shoe brush. There are many varieties, each suitable for a different type of shoe. Brushes for leather and suede shoes are used to remove dirt and scratches from the surface of the shoes, also improving their overall appearance.
Step 2. Use shoe cleaning wipes
Sold in convenient packs to store in your car or purse, they are very useful for cleaning and polishing your shoes when you are out and about. Some stains or streaks are easier to remove if treated promptly, so cleaning wipes are an excellent ally to get rid of them quickly. Read the directions on the packaging carefully or ask your local shoe store for advice to make sure you are buying a product that fits your shoe material.
Step 3. Use shoe wax
As these are leather shoes, adding a small amount of wax of the appropriate color can revitalize the fabric, smoothing out any dark marks. Using a soft rag, spread some wax over the entire surface of the shoes. Pay special attention to stained areas, adding extra wax if necessary.
Step 4. Use a "magic eraser"
It is a product designed to eliminate streaks and stains from household items, but it can also be effective for cleaning shoes. Moisten the gum, then rub it against the stained parts; this remedy is suitable for footwear of any material: leather, suede, canvas, etc. Keep scrubbing until all unwanted marks are removed.
Method 3 of 3: Preventing the appearance of dark streaks on shoes
Step 1. Use a protective spray
Especially after you have perfectly cleaned your shoes, it is important to take precautions to ensure that you do not get them dirty again. Purchase a protective spray at a shoe store or online, making sure it is suitable for your shoe's manufacturing material. Spray it on the entire surface of the footwear, following the instructions on the package. The task of these products is to prevent future scratches and stains, so that the shoes look beautiful and cared for longer.
Step 2. Polish the leather shoes
Unless you have already used wax to remove the streaks from the shoes, it will be important to polish them at the end of the cleaning treatment. Choose a wax of the appropriate color, then rub it on the surface of the shoes using a clean, lint-free cloth. Make sure you distribute the product evenly.
Step 3. Reserve a pair of shoes for heavy work
As unavoidable as scuffing on shoes is, it is possible to try to prevent them by wearing our most beautiful shoes only in clean and tidy environments. By using your leather shoes only to go to work, rather than to concerts or sporting events, you will be less likely to get them dirty. Save a pair of old shoes to wear on occasions where they are likely to get stained.
Advice
- These methods can also be used to clean other canvas, leather or suede items, such as purses, wallets or briefcases.
- If one method doesn't work, try the others. If toothpaste proves ineffective, for example, try using nail polish remover. The only important precaution is to rinse the fabric between applications.
