How to clean the shoes?

Shoes are a fundamental accessory in everyday life, in any activity that takes place in everyday life, at work, in sports, walking, walking, running, trekking, or other. For this reason, it is advisable to always keep them clean and tidy, in order to have them always in excellent condition in the long term. Given the infinite types on the market, how can you keep them clean properly? Encrusted mud, pieces of chewing gum, black or grass stains due to asphalt or smog: what are the most practical, and possibly natural, methods to clean any type of shoe?

As we will see there are different ways to clean shoes depending on the type and their use, of which we will report some main methods and tricks, from the most classic to the most practical and particular. The universe of remedies for cleaning shoes is in fact full of solutions according to every type and situation: from the most practical and homemade ones to the use of specific products. So let’s see the main tricks and methods for cleaning shoes according to their type and use.

Canvas, running and gym shoes

Among the hundreds of shoes available, those in canvas (or cotton) are the easiest to wash. Depending on the manufacturer’s instructions, it is very likely that they can be washed by hand or in the washing machine. In the first case, take a soft cloth soaked in Marseille soap, to rub on the stains. Then add white vinegar, also with a softening effect, or water and baking soda cream to be applied on lighter colors. Each fabric and color has its own strength.

In the washing machine, the wash to be used is generally 30/40 degrees – mixed, unless the washing machine allows more specific washes. It is recommended to check the consistency of the sole: the rubber can easily resist the appliance, while leather or jute – the classic case is that of espadrilles – could be damaged.

In both cases, by hand or in the washing machine, it is advisable to clean the sole with a microfibre cloth soaked in a solution of warm water and Marseille soap, to remove the sedimented dirt. For rubber parts, for example, the white edge of a Superga, always add white vinegar.

Leather and patent leather shoes

Leather shoes also deteriorate over time, darkening and losing their brightness. Here, too, white vinegar can come in handy, to be added in small doses on a corner of a very soft cloth, then choosing a hidden part to see the effect. In particular, olive oil, with a few drops of lemon juice, can become an excellent polish for leather shoes. It can be applied with a thick cotton cloth or with a sponge. Leave the product to act for a few minutes then clean and polish with a clean cloth. If the shoes are made of ecological or synthetic leather, even a cloth dipped in hot water may suffice.

Patent leather shoes are relatively easy to clean, but be careful not to damage them: use a cloth moistened with milk or cleansing milk and massage into the dirty or deteriorated parts. Better to check the resistance of the stains on a hidden part of the shoe, to see how the shoe responds.

Suede or smooth leather shoes

Suede shoes, on the other hand, are the most delicate and difficult to clean, subject to scuffs, scratches, and stains. This is why they need a lot of attention to avoid damaging them. It would therefore be good to clean them daily with the classic rubber bristle brush, easily available.

As for smooth leather shoes, on the other hand, the best way to clean dirt (marks, blackening …) is first of all to dust them with a soft brush to remove any residue (we find them for special ones). Gently scrubbing the surface with cotton wool soaked in cleansing milk should also soften the skin. Also for this operation, there are special and recommended brushes, which can also be used dry.

If the dirt is not stubborn, breadcrumbs can be wiped over the entire surface of the shoe ( yes, you got it right! ). With the most stubborn stains, Marseille soap can always be used, but in moderate quantities. Dry naturally keeping shoes away from heat sources.

In severe cases, a little dish detergent (alcohol, or another degreasing detergent) can be used. Apply this solution to stains without rubbing, simply with a damp cloth, and then use another one to rinse. Finally, it can happen that rain or wetness leave halos on the upper, especially in winter. In this case, it is recommended to:

Pass a wet sponge all over the shoe;
Let them dry alone away from heat sources;
Insert a brush into a nylon stocking and rub gently
Remove any white marks with white vinegar in small quantities by applying it with a soft cloth. Once dry, brush the affected area.

On the other hand, when the color begins to become opaque, it is inevitable to resort to the so-called “camoscina” also easily available in any shop. Of course, before embarking on experimentation, it is necessary to read the labels thoroughly, especially for shoes made of precious materials, so as not to ruin their appearance.

In addition to these simple rules on how to clean the different types of shoes, there are others to always keep in mind for their maintenance, so remember to always leave them in dry environments, and to eliminate unpleasant odors during washing with a little bicarbonate. To avoid the formation of bad smells, just wipe a cloth moistened with water and vinegar, or with sodium bicarbonate inside the shoe.