How to Clean Used Shoes (Step-by Step Guide)

Shoes are worn daily for different events. They should therefore be properly cleaned and preserved so that they can last longer. Most people want their shoes to last longer get but they do little or nothing to achieve this. In addition to being careful when using your shoes on a daily basis, another detail that makes all the difference in maintaining hygiene. Do you know how to clean shoes inside and out?

Cleaning shoes go beyond wiping off the dirt on your shoes using a sponge, a towel, brush, and water. Some techniques facilitate cleaning and, more than that, prevent shoes from spoiling. This article contains all the essential information that will enable you to clean your shoes and preserve them better.

The following tips will help you better clean and preserve your shoes and that of your family

1. Store Your Shoes In An Airy Place 

Different people store their shoes in different places. Some keep their shoes inside the wardrobe, in a box, or inside a dark room. Storing your shoes in a poorly ventilated place is a very wrong thing to do. Shoes should be stored in an airy place. There are shoes that we wear often and those that tend to stay in the closet longer, right? Whichever one it is, ensure you store them in an airy place.

Shies that are not worn frequently should be brought out and cleaned from time to time. This helps to prevent the proliferation of fungi, bacteria, mold, etc which spoils shoes. Ideally, shoes should receive ventilation. Therefore, storing in TNT bags is better than in cardboard boxes or any other airtight box. 

Those that are used daily also need to be in a well-ventilated place, preferably away from moisture and direct sunlight. Do not wear the same shoe daily. In addition to its hygienic implications, it makes the shoe spoil faster. 

2. Wash The Shoelace And Insoles

Often, we clean just the shoe surface and forget the shoelace and insoles. When cleaning your shoes, do not forget to remove the laces – if the model has this type of accessory – and wash them properly with soap and water. After all, it is useless to have a clean shoe while the shoelace is dirty. 

Ensure you clean the insoles separately. Carefully bring out the insoles and clean them gently. They can be washed and ideally, this should be done with a certain frequency, such as at least once a week or every fifteen days.

Another tip is to cover them with baking soda. Do this overnight, for example, leaving the substance in contact with the insole surface for a few hours. This tactic also helps to remove possible stains.

An unpopular tip is to cover the insole with baking soda. You can leave the baking soda in contact with the insole overnight or for a few hours. This helps to remove stains and keep the insole in good shape. It is also advisable to properly clean your feet before putting on shoes. You may apply a little talcum powder to your feet. 

3. Brush The Outer Part Of Your Shoe

Depending on the type of material of your shoe, you may need to brush the shoe. With a soft bristle brush and a sponge, remove the surface dirt. Used shoes can get dirty with mud, dirt, and grime from the street and even those stored for a long time need to be brushed to remove mold and make their appearance better. 

You are advised to pay close attention to the material of your shoes. Suede, sneakers, leather, and fabric have different cleaning options. These shoes can be cleaned in the following way:

• Tennis shoes:  

For this type of shoe, use a neutral detergent with a soft bristle brush and scrub thoroughly. Rinse properly and allow them to dry in an airy place.

• Leather shoes:  

Use a slightly damp towel and a very soft brush with diluted mild soap. Carefully clean the exterior, passing the brush and then the damp towel over the surface. Allow the shoe to dry in a well-ventilated area. 

• Fabric shoes:  

Use a very soft, slightly damp brush (such as those for brushing babies’ hair) and apply it to each part of the shoe, pressing a dry cloth or towel immediately afterward, in the same region. This way, you prevent the fabric from getting wet and stained. You also stop dirt from penetrating. 

• Suede shoes:  

Suede shoes need extra care in order to retain their original look. You can clean this type of shoe using a suede brush. However, you need to ensure that your suede shoe is completely dry before you brush or clean it.

While brushing, brush horizontally in the direction of the fiber. If the stain or dirt on the shoe is much, you can apply vinegar to the stain and allow it dry. Then use the suede brush to remove the stain. 

4. Eliminate The Odor Using Baking Soda 

The baking soda removes the terrible moisture from inside the shoes. Therefore, when washing your sneakers or shoes – which can be wet – bet on warm water with bicarbonate, in the ratio of 4 glasses of water to one of the bicarbonate.

Again, remember that it is essential to wash the inside and outside of the shoes. If you clean only on the outside, the dirt inside will continue to accumulate and the bad smell will not go away (because your foot sweats during the day, even if you don’t notice).

In shoes that should not be wet, sprinkle the baking powder internally and shake well. Leave it on for a while, as the substance will help kill fungi and bacteria that cause the unpleasant odor. By killing these organisms, the odor is eliminated.  It is advisable to do this often. 

5. Use Alcohol 

Another powerful ally against bad smell is alcohol, and isopropyl is the most indicated for its antibacterial action. You can use it once a week on your shoes, following the steps:

Lightly spray the alcohol inside the shoes and allow them to dry. Repeat the procedure two more times and allow it to dry completely in a cool environment before you use the shoe again. 

6. Allow The Shoe To Dry

Depending on the type of shoes you want to clean, you may be allowed to wash the material to obtain a good result. The idea is not literally to put your shoe under a tap but to moisten some areas to remove dirt as explained above.

After doing as listed in this procedure, be sure to put the shoe to dry. This should be done at room temperature and with natural air – that is, do not use a dryer and also avoid leaving it exposed to the sun, even if it seems like a faster strategy.

So, before storing it or starting to use it, make sure that the shoe is completely dry, as placing it in the closet or on your feet while still damp can favor the bad smell and other problems. 

7. Store The Shoe Properly

After cleaning the shoes through the steps above, the next thing to do is to store them properly. Have you noticed that new shoes often come full of newspapers? Therefore, a good tactic for storing shoes that you don’t wear frequently is to fill them with papers, which absorb excess moisture.

It is advisable for you to store sandals and dress shoes in bags so as not to accumulate dirt. Already the pairs most used in daily life need light and airy places, such as shelves or cabinets that are opened frequently.

Shoes with different uses must be preserved with special care. Those that are less used should be clean and well stored – especially if you want to find them in good condition the next time you use them.

Shoes that you use daily or frequently need constant and proper cleaning in order to increase their durability. Those shoes or sandals which you love and admire so much can only stay longer if you clean and store them properly.

Following these suggestions, it is very likely that you will leave your shoes more conserved. Choose good quality models and bet on preserving them so you can use them for a long time.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How Do You Sanitize Used Shoes? 

Shoes can be sanitized by using certain solvents or chemicals. A common means of sanitizing shoes is by using disinfectants such as chlorhexidine, benzalkonium chloride, ethanol, or bleach in the right concentration. Put 25ml of bleach in a bowl and dilute it in a liter of water. You can then clean your shoe using this solution. 

• Is It OK To Put My Shoes In The Washing Machine?

Only a few types of shoes can be washed using the washing machine. Shoes like your sneakers and tennis shoes can be put in the washing machine. However, shoes like your suede and leather shoes should never be washed using the washing machine. It spoils them and alters their original nice look. 

• How Do You Kill Bacteria In Shoes?

Bacteria in shoes can be killed by using disinfectants like isopropyl alcohol, chlorhexidine, and benzalkonium chloride. Dilute any of these disinfectants appropriately and use them to clean your shoes. 

• Can You Use Isopropyl Alcohol To Clean Shoes?

Yes. Isopropyl alcohol is a good disinfectant that can be used for cleaning and sanitizing shoes due to its great antibacterial effects.