You can't prevent your shoes from getting dirty, but you can clean and care for them while respecting the quality of the materials to make sure they last a long time and remain as beautiful as when you bought them.
Steps
Method 1 of 6: Clean the Canvas Shoes
Step 1. Eliminate dirt and dirt
You can use an old toothbrush or a small shoe brush. Use only the necessary force to loosen the dirt that has adhered to the soles; this will be enough to detach it and sweep them from the dust.
Step 2. Clean the soles with a baking soda paste
Getting them clean isn't an easy task, but you can use a paste made by mixing equal parts water and baking soda. Dip the bristles of the toothbrush into the mixture and gently scrub the soles. When you're happy with the result, wash off the baking soda with a damp rag.
Step 3. Pretreat any stains with a stain remover
If the dirt is concentrated in some places, spray the canvas with a fabric stain remover. Let the product act for the time recommended by the instructions on the bottle.
Test the stain remover on a small area that is normally inconspicuous to make sure it does not damage the fabric or colors
Step 4. Wash your shoes in the washing machine with a program and detergent suitable for delicate fabrics
Use cold water to avoid damaging the fabric and colors.
Step 5. Let the shoes air dry
At the end of the wash cycle, take your shoes out of the washing machine and put them in a place where they are protected from direct sunlight and drafts. Do not bring them close to the radiator as they could be damaged. Let them dry for 12-24 hours.
Method 2 of 6: Clean the Leather Shoes
Step 1. Remove dirt and dust
Use an old toothbrush or a hard-bristled shoe brush. Brush gently to avoid scratching or damaging leather and other materials.
Step 2. Remove grease and dirt from shoes after dusting them
Take a clean, dry rag and wipe your skin where it is soiled with grease, oil, or other substances. It's best to use an old tea towel or kitchen napkin that you no longer use so you don't worry about it getting dirty as well.
Step 3. Wipe the shoes with a damp cloth
After removing the obvious dirt with the dry rag, moisten another with hot water and wipe it gently on the surface of your leather shoes. The rag should only be damp, not wet, otherwise the leather could be damaged.
Step 4. Let the shoes air dry
It is important to wait several hours before wearing them again to give the leather time to dry completely after cleaning it with water. Wait at least an hour and protect your shoes from sunlight, heat and drafts while they dry.
Step 5. Treat the skin
Apply a cream wax by massaging it into your shoes with a soft, clean cloth. Wait a few minutes before rubbing them again to polish them so that the leather is as good as new. In addition to making them shine, the wax will protect them from dirt and weather, so the skin will stay beautiful for longer.
Method 3 of 6: Clean Suede Shoes
Step 1. Use a soft brush specially designed to remove dirt from suede and nubuck (a very soft leather of bovine origin) footwear
Brush them gently to loosen any dirt and grime on the surface. Be careful not to use too much force as suede and nubuck can get scratched and damaged easily.
- Move the brush in only one direction, otherwise the shoes will appear to have different colors depending on the direction in which the fibers are facing.
- Do not use a metal brush for any reason, even if the shoes are very dirty, otherwise they will be irreparably damaged.
Step 2. Use a "magic eraser" to remove dirt and scratches
Dark streaks can form on the suede, ugly to look at, which you can easily remove with a "magic eraser", a tool readily available in stores that sell home care products. Gently rub the gum on the suede where the dark streaks are present to remove them.
Step 3. Treat the suede with a protective spray
Sprays formulated to protect suede contain silicone and are intended to prevent new stains from forming or rain can damage shoes. After removing the dirt, dirt and marks from the footwear, apply a product of this type trying to spray it evenly to ensure additional protection to the suede. It is a good way to make shoes last longer.
Method 4 of 6: Clean the Patent Leather Shoes
Step 1. Remove excess dirt and grime with an old toothbrush or soft-bristled shoe brush
The first thing to do to get your patent shoes clean is to remove the dirt that has stuck to the surface and to the soles. Before cleaning them in any other way, brush them carefully and very gently to remove dust and any kind of dirt.
Step 2. Remove surface scratches with a common eraser
The rubber in the case may be enough to remove scratches and marks from patent leather shoes. Gently erase the lines with the eraser. Be careful not to use too much force.
Step 3. Clean the outside of the shoes with a damp rag
Take a small cloth, such as an old towel, and moisten it with warm water. If you want, drop a few drops of laundry detergent on the cloth as well. Wipe it gently on your shoes to get rid of dust and dirt. If you used soap, wipe it off with another damp cloth before putting your shoes to dry.
Step 4. Let the footwear air dry
After cleaning them, wait until they are dry before wearing them again. Protect them from sunlight, heat and drafts as they dry. It will take at least 30 minutes, if not more, before they are perfectly dry.
Method 5 of 6: Clean the White Shoes
Step 1. Clean them with a specific product if the shoes are leather
First, remove the dust from the shoes with a damp cloth. You should clean them 1-2 times a week to preserve the skin. If you notice stains, use a product specifically formulated to clean white skin. Alternatively, you can try using a white toothpaste. In both cases, gently rub the product on the shoes with a damp cloth, then remove it together with the dirt with a clean, dry cloth.
Step 2. Clean them with soap if your shoes are canvas
Choose a mild detergent and test it on a small area of fabric to make sure it doesn't damage the fabric or alter its color. If you don't notice any negative effects, gently scrub the soap into the canvas using a shoe brush. Rinse your shoes thoroughly and then dip them in hot water along with a drop of bleach. Finally let them air dry.
Step 3. Wash the mesh sneakers in the washing machine
First brush them with an old toothbrush to remove excess dust and dirt, then remove the laces and put the shoes in the washing machine. You can use hot water and a small amount of laundry detergent. Do not use bleach as it can cause synthetic fibers to yellow.
Method 6 of 6: Clean Dirty or Smelly Insoles
Step 1. Remove the insoles from the shoes
To effectively clean dirty or smelly insoles it is necessary to remove them from footwear. Grab them from the back, near where your heel rests, and gently pull them until they come out of your shoes.
Step 2. Remove dirt and dust from the surface of the insoles
Brush them using an old toothbrush or a soft shoe brush. Don't give up until you've gotten rid of all visible dirt. Certain fabrics used for insoles tend to lint, so it is important to brush them gently.
Step 3. Wash the insoles with soap
Saturate a rag with hot water and then pour a few drops of a mild detergent over it. Scrub the insoles to get rid of dirt and bad smells, then rinse them for a few moments with hot water and then put them to air dry.
Step 4. Wait until the insoles are completely dry before using them again
After having soaped and rinsed them, put them to dry in a place away from direct sunlight, heat and drafts. Put them back inside your shoes only when you are sure they are perfectly dry.
