To clean shoes at home effectively, follow these general steps:
- Remove loose dirt using a dry shoe brush or a clean toothbrush.
- Prepare a mild cleaning solution by mixing warm water with a small amount of mild laundry detergent or dish soap.
- Take off the shoelaces and hand-wash them separately with the solution.
- Clean the soles and midsoles with a brush or cloth dipped in the cleaning solution, then dry with a cloth.
- Gently scrub the uppers of the shoes using the solution and a soft brush or cloth, being careful not to damage the material. Blot with a dry cloth to remove moisture.
- Let the shoes air dry at room temperature completely before wearing.
For white shoes, special care includes using baking soda and vinegar paste or mild soapy water to avoid yellowing. For leather shoes, use a leather cleaner, avoid harsh scrubbing, and condition the leather after cleaning. Running shoes can be hand washed with mild detergent and baking soda for soles. Using household items like white vinegar, baking soda, toothpaste (white paste type), and soft brushes can help clean various materials effectively without damaging them. These methods allow safe, easy cleaning of sneakers, leather, canvas, or running shoes at home without professional tools or harsh chemicals.
