How to Clean Colorful Shoes?

If your favorite everyday shoes are colorful, you know perfectly well how easily they get dirty. Even a speck of dust can leave a mark on them, especially if they're made of a soft material like suede. Want to freshen them up but don't know how? Don't worry, we have a few simple and effective ways to keep your favorite shoes clean and bright. Discover the secrets of effective cleaning and restore your shoes to their original look.

The Cleaning Method Depends on the Material

The way you clean your favorite colorful sneakers will vary depending on the material they're made of.

Also remember that if you use laundry or shoe-cleaning products, they should be color-safe. It's worth applying them first to a hidden part of the shoe and checking whether any discoloration occurs.

Colorful Mesh Shoes

If your shoes are mesh, we recommend using a dry, soft-bristled brush to remove excess dirt. Then mix baking soda with vinegar. Apply the solution to the stains and wait about 15 minutes. Gently scrub for a minute or two, then wipe with a soft, damp cloth.

Colorful Synthetic Leather Shoes

Soak a fabric cloth in warm water and mild laundry detergent and wipe the dirty spots. Then gently scrub the area with a soft brush for a minute or two. Wipe with a soft damp cloth to remove any detergent residue.

Knit Shoes

Handle knit shoes as gently as possible. Knit is soft and stretchy, which makes it more delicate than other materials. Avoid brushing, as it can damage the material. For knit running shoes, we recommend using a soft cloth. It takes more effort to get the stains out, but it is just as effective.

Be careful with laundry detergent, because the chemicals can sometimes be too harsh for the fabric. Use a mild bath soap. Soak a cloth in cold water and gently rub in the soap. Once the stains come out, wipe off any soap residue with a wet cloth.

Colorful Canvas Shoes

Canvas sneakers are durable but get dirty easily. To clean these shoes, we suggest using a toothbrush and a solution of baking soda and warm water. Dip the toothbrush into the mixture and scrub the canvas until it's clean. Let the shoes dry, then wipe off any hardened bits of baking soda with a damp cloth.

Don't Wash Your Shoes in the Washing Machine

Cleaning shoes can seem like a complicated subject, especially since there are so many different shoe-cleaning products on the market. The number of options can be overwhelming, but don't worry. It's not as hard as it seems, especially with a bit of know-how.

One thing we especially don't recommend is washing shoes in the washing machine. It's probably the most convenient way to clean dirty sneakers. You should know that washing sneakers in the washing machine can damage them as they bounce off the drum of the machine. High temperatures can dissolve the glue, causing the shoes to lose their durability.

Additionally, washing sneakers in the washing machine will likely void your warranty if they get damaged. Manufacturers do not recommend this cleaning method and will not honor the warranty if the washing machine ruins the shoes.

However, if you do decide on this cleaning method, remember that you do it at your own risk.

How to Dry Colorful Shoes?

After cleaning your shoes, it's time to dry them. It may seem simple and obvious, but it isn't.

Shoes should dry naturally so they don't get damaged. If you're thinking of putting them out in the sun, forget it. Sunlight can deform and shrink shoes, especially if they're made of synthetic materials. The same goes for drying them on a radiator.

The safest thing is to leave the shoes in a dry, shaded place. Leave them there until they're dry. You can help them by putting paper inside, which will draw out the moisture so the sneakers dry faster.

See also: Shoe Care