How to Clean Shoes: The Ultimate Care Guide for Sneakers & Boots
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No one likes dirty shoes. But since their entire job is to protect and support your feet while out and about, chances are they will end up with a few scuffs and stains, especially if you buy quality shoes and wear them for many years.
When it comes to looking after the condition of your shoes, preventing mess is a great place to start. It also helps to boost their lifespan.
Below, we’ll share tips on keeping your shoes and boots spick and span, so you won’t need to clean them very often. If the dirt has already found you, no problem, read our advice on how to clean shoes here, too, with instructions for various common materials.
Why Clean & Care for Your Shoes?
Preventative care boosts the lifespan of your shoes, keeping them comfortable and looking fresh for longer. When you clean and maintain your shoes, you’ll enjoy several benefits:
Vibrant appearance: Helps your shoes to look brand-new for longer, maintaining their original color, shape, and style.
Odor prevention: Neglected shoes can turn a bit gross. Sweat and moisture could promote bacterial growth, leading to an unpleasant smell.
More comfort: Debris and dirt can make your shoes uncomfortable. Regular cleaning helps them to stay breathable and flexible.
Greater lifespan: Avoids long-term damage by dealing with cracks, stains, tears, and general deterioration.
Cost-efficient: Sounds simple, but by keeping your shoes in good condition, you don’t need to repair or replace them as often.
Know Your Materials
Cleaning methods will differ by material, so make sure you identify what your shoes are made of. The main material types include fabric, canvas, leather, nubuck, suede, mesh, cork, and rubber.
Some of these materials, such as suede and nubuck (a type of leather with a velvety surface), will require gentle cleaning techniques, while fabric and canvas are a little more robust. No matter the type of shoe or material, our step-by-step guides have you covered.
Essential Supplies & Tools
Before you start cleaning your sneakers and boots, make sure you have the right supplies and tools. Let’s face it, nobody wants to be heading to the local store mid-clean when you realize you have no baking soda.
To make sure you’re prepared for cleaning all shoe types and materials, you will need:
Baking soda
White vinegar
White wine vinegar
Dish soap
Laundry detergent
Water (warm and cold)
A spoon (for mixing)
An unused toothbrush
A shoe brush
A cloth
A bowl
Suede and nubuck foaming cleaner
Recommended Clarks’ care products:
These are the general products you will need for cleaning all shoes. We will break this down for each specific sneaker and boot material below.
Step-by-Step Cleaning Guides
Now let’s dive into the details of keeping your shoes looking fresh, with simple steps for every material. Follow these steps to remove dirt and nasty stains.
Sneakers
Canvas, fabric, mesh:
Mix one tablespoon of baking soda, two tablespoons of white vinegar, and a cup of warm water until the mixture forms a paste
Apply a small amount of the paste to your shoes using a dabbing motion, then lightly scrub with a cloth or a clean toothbrush
When the stain and dirt have disappeared, leave your shoes to air-dry before brushing off any excess paste
Finish with a spritz of Clarks’ Shoe Refresher to keep shoes fresh and clean
Cork:
Mix one tablespoon of baking soda with two tablespoons of water
Dip a toothbrush into the mixture and gently scrub using a circular motion to remove dirt – try not to get your shoes too wet
Wipe away the solution with a damp cloth and leave your shoes to dry for at least 24 hours
White sneakers:
Mix one tablespoon of baking soda and two tablespoons of white vinegar together with a cup of warm water until it becomes a paste
Dab a small amount of paste onto the stains and dirt on your sneakers, then lightly scrub the marks with a toothbrush
Scrub until the stain has disappeared
Leave your shoes to air-dry, and then scrape the remaining paste off gently
Read more about how to clean white sneakers and shoes in our dedicated care guide.
Boots
Due to their absorbent material, fabric and canvas shoes require a different cleaning method than leather and suede. Here’s how you can quickly restore your fabric shoes:
Leather:
Make a solution that is two parts water and one part white vinegar
Dampen a clean cloth with the solution and gently wipe the shoe
Remove the solution with a cloth dampened with clean, pure water
Allow your leather boots to dry naturally, away from direct heat sources like radiators to prevent damage.
For a fast shine solution, use Clarks’ Instant Shine Sponge to moisturize and spray Clarks’ Rain and Stain for long-lasting protection
Suede, nubuck:
To clean suede shoes, gently apply a suede and nubuck foaming cleaner
Scrub lightly with the grain in the direction that the suede naturally sits
Wipe with a clean, dry cloth and leave to dry for 30 minutes
Lightly spray on Clarks’ Rain and Stain
Rubber, winter boots:
Mix a small amount of mild dish soap with warm water, or make a solution of equal parts white vinegar and water for tougher stains
Use a soft cloth or brush to gently scrub the boots
Wipe down the boots with a clean cloth dampened with water to remove any residue
Allow the boots to air dry completely at room temperature
Can you clean shoes in the washing machine?
You can wash shoes in the washing machine, so long as they’re the right material. For example, cleaning sneakers in the washing machine is usually fine, but you should never do it with suede or leather boots.
To reduce the risk of damaging sneakers, remove the laces and pop your shoes in a closed mesh bag before placing them in the washing machine. Use a cold, gentle cycle with a slow spin setting for the best results.
Drying & Storage
You’ll be pleased to hear the hard part is over, but the drying and storage stage is equally essential for fresh, long-lasting shoes.
Firstly, always allow your sneakers and boots to air dry naturally, no matter the material. Place them in a well-ventilated room and avoid using radiators, hair dryers, airing cupboards, or any other fast-fix heating solution. Otherwise, these heat sources could damage your shoes.
We also recommend stuffing your shoes with newspaper or shoe trees while they’re drying to prevent creasing and maintain their shape. Once fully dry, store your sneakers and boots properly in a cool, dry area of the home.
For the best storage solutions, read our guide on shoe storage ideas.
Protection & Maintenance
Protection and consistent care will keep your sneakers and boots looking fly. For example, conditioning and waterproofing help protect leather and suede boots from moisture and stains. Applying these treatments every few months, or whenever it is necessary, will keep damage to a minimum.
For all shoe types, we suggest regular cleaning using our step-by-step guides and inspecting your footwear regularly for any issues that can be addressed early, such as scuffs or small stains.
By following a steady routine with your shoe care, you can keep your shoes in tip-top condition.
Shoe Cleaning FAQs
How do you clean white leather sneakers without damaging the material?
Buff your white sneakers with a shoe brush to remove any dirt. Then, mix a cup of water with one tablespoon of white wine vinegar using a spoon, and use a damp cloth to wipe the mixture over your leather sneakers. Leave your shoes to air-dry, then use our Instant Shine Sponge to add lasting shine.
What is the best way to clean suede boots at home if you don’t have a suede cleaner?
If you don’t have a suede cleaner, use a soft brush to gently lift dirt and restore texture. Always brush in one direction for best results, and don’t use water. Finish by lightly spraying our Rain and Stain.
How can I remove stains from white running shoes and keep them looking new?
Create a paste of mild dish soap and warm water, and scrub the white running shoes gently with a soft brush. Rinse with cold water, then air-dry. Try to wash your running shoes after each use (if they are dirty) to prevent nasty stains.
What household products are safe to use when cleaning leather boots or sneakers?
If you follow the guidance above, you will only need white vinegar and water. This is completely safe to use on leather boots and sneakers, so don’t try to be a maverick and go off script.
How do you clean suede shoes with vinegar, and is it safe for all colors?
We suggest using a foaming cleaner for suede and nubuck. However, if you want to use vinegar, dab a small amount of diluted vinegar onto a cloth and gently blot the stain. Let it air-dry, then gently brush to restore texture. This is safe for most colors, but like we said, a specialist foaming cleaner is your safest option.
Conclusion
Now you know how to clean shoes properly, you’re well on your way to brand-new-looking sneakers and boots. We encourage everyone to make shoe care a habit by regularly cleaning for long-lasting performance.
If you’ve tried cleaning your sneakers but they still look worse for wear, it might be time to buy a new pair. For the latest, stylish boots and sneakers for women and men, Clarks is here to help.