With fall fast approaching, it’s almost time for days spent stomping through leaves, sipping on cocoa and pumpkin-picking with your loved ones. As you prepare to transition your closet for the colder weather ahead, now is the perfect time to treat your shoe collection to some much-needed TLC.
In today’s blog, we’re going to cover everything you need to know about how to clean shoes for the season ahead. Read on to learn more!
How to Clean Sneakers
As summer draws to an end, lots of us end up swapping out our go-to sneakers for a pair of weather-proof boots. While it may be tempting to toss your sneakers into the washer before putting them in storage, this isn’t the best solution for every model. The good news? Cleaning sneakers is simple and can be achieved in only 4 short steps…
1. Brush Off Excess Dirt
The first step is to brush off all excess dirt before properly cleaning the shoe. This ensures you’re not rubbing any residue deeper into the fabric. Using a paper towel or dry cloth, wipe away the surface stains and ensure any large chunks of dirt are firmly out of the picture.
2. Create a DIY Cleaning Solution
You’re welcome to use a shop-bought solution, but our DIY version only requires a few ingredients and can be much more cost-effective if you’re tackling the whole shoe closet.
What you’ll need:
½ tbsp of dish soap
1 tbsp baking soda
1 tbsp hydrogen peroxide
Combine the mixture into a bowl. You can increase the quantity of each ingredient to make larger amounts and save the solution for future instances!
3. Gently Scrub the Shoe
Apply the mixture in small doses and gently scrub in circles using an old toothbrush or soft household brush. Using a clean, damp cloth, remove the excess soap and repeat until the shoe is visibly cleaner.
4. Leave to Air Dry
Leave the sneakers to air dry in the crisp fall breeze until they are ready for wear, or place in an appropriate container for seasonal storage. You could even finish up with a protective spray for a longer-lasting clean!
How to Clean Leather Shoes
Leather is the go-to material for most fall fashion lovers, because it’s durable, usually pretty weather-proof and keeps your feet ultra-warm as the cold months creep in. To keep your leather boots or shoes looking their best, it’s important to invest in a polish designed specifically for this material (if you intend on using any).
1. Wipe Off Stains
First, wipe off any surface-level stains with a simple mixture of water and white vinegar. You can scrub more vigorously on the soles or rims, but make sure to be gentle with the main surface of the shoe to avoid scratching or softening the material. Leave the shoes to air dry before moving to the next step.
2. Polish the Shoe
Top tip: It’s important to use a clear polish or a color that matches the shoe to protect the leather from additional stains. Nobody wants a boot that comes in three different shades of brown, right? Use a soft cloth or pad and rub the polish over the shoe in gentle, circular motions, covering the whole surface.
3. Protective Spray
This step is completely optional, but it’s a great option to consider if you plan on getting plenty of wear out of your leather shoes during the upcoming season. This can add rain protection for those wet Denver days, as well as keeping their color looking suitably bold.
How Often Should You Clean Shoes?
You should clean your shoes as often as need be, depending on how much dirt accumulates, or how much it bothers you! For most, once a month is likely more than enough.
If you’re short on time or prefer a professional to do the job for you, you can search ‘laundry near me’ to find a local laundromat. If you live in the Denver area, we’d love to see you at WaveMAX Thornton! Head to our website to learn more about our laundry services.
