How to Clean Shoes for Resale: Step-by-Step

Cleaning shoes before resale is about more than just making them look nice. A well-cleaned pair sells faster, fetches a better price, and reduces the chance of returns or disputes. The process takes about 90 minutes per pair, depending on material and condition. You’ll need to gather a few basic supplies first, then work through each step methodically.

What You’ll Need

Soft-bristled brush (old toothbrush or shoe brush)
Mild detergent or dish soap
White vinegar (for odors and tough stains)
Baking soda (for deodorizing)
Microfiber cloths or old clean towels
Warm water in a bowl or bucket
Shoe trees or crumpled newspaper (to hold shape)
Rubbing alcohol or specialized sneaker cleaner (for tough marks)
Lint-free cloth for polishing (if leather)
Optional: waterproofing spray (for after cleaning)

Step-by-Step

Remove laces and insoles. Take out the laces completely and pull out any removable insoles. This gives you access to all surfaces and prevents water from getting trapped inside. Set them aside to clean separately.
Knock off loose dirt. Tap the soles together over a trash bin to dislodge caked-on mud or pebbles. Use a dry brush to sweep away loose dust from the uppers and the tread of the outsole. Do this before any water touches the shoe.
Brush the outsoles. With a soft-bristled brush, scrub the entire sole, including the grooves. For stubborn dirt, use a toothbrush dipped in warm soapy water. Rinse with a damp cloth, but avoid soaking the upper if it’s not meant to get wet.
Clean the uppers by material. For canvas or mesh, mix a small amount of mild detergent with warm water, dip a cloth, wring it out well, and gently scrub the surface. For leather, use a dedicated leather cleaner or a damp cloth with a drop of mild soap; avoid soaking. For suede or nubuck, use a suede brush or eraser; do not use water unless absolutely necessary.
Treat stains and scuffs. For white soles, rub with a paste of baking soda and water, leave for 10 minutes, then scrub off. For ink or grease marks, dab with rubbing alcohol on a cotton swab. For scuffs on leather, gently buff with a soft cloth; for suede, use a suede eraser.
Wash the laces and insoles. Hand-wash laces in warm soapy water, rinse, and air dry. Insoles can be wiped with a damp cloth and mild soap; if they’re machine-washable, place them in a pillowcase and wash on a gentle cycle. Let both dry completely before reinserting.
Deodorize the interior. Sprinkle baking soda inside each shoe and let it sit overnight to absorb odors. In the morning, shake out the powder and wipe the interior with a dry cloth. For persistent smells, spray a 50/50 mix of water and white vinegar inside, then air dry.
Dry shoes properly. Stuff each shoe with crumpled newspaper or use shoe trees to hold the shape while drying. Place them in a well-ventilated area away from direct heat or sunlight, which can warp or discolor materials. Let them dry completely for 24 hours.
Restore shape and finish. Once dry, remove the newspaper or trees. For leather, apply a thin layer of shoe polish or conditioner and buff with a soft cloth. For suede, brush the nap back up. For all materials, check for any remaining stains and repeat the cleaning step if needed.
Final inspection and prep for listing. Reinsert the clean insoles and laces. Wipe down the entire shoe one last time with a dry cloth. Take photos from multiple angles in good lighting, noting any remaining flaws honestly in your listing.

Common Mistakes

Using too much water on suede or leather, which causes water stains or warping.
Putting shoes in the dryer or near a radiator to speed up drying, which can shrink or crack them.
Scrubbing with harsh chemicals like bleach, which can discolor or damage materials.
Skipping the deodorizing step, leaving an unpleasant smell that turns buyers away.
Not cleaning the insoles or laces, which makes the whole shoe look dirty even if the outside is spotless.

Tips

Test any cleaner on a small, hidden area first to ensure it doesn’t cause discoloration.
Use a toothbrush with soft bristles for detailed work around stitching and logos.
For white shoes, a magic eraser (melamine sponge) can work wonders on scuffs, but use it gently.
After cleaning, apply a waterproofing spray to protect the shoes during shipping and future wear.
Take before-and-after photos; they make your listing more compelling and prove the cleaning effort.

Troubleshooting

Stubborn stains remain after cleaning. Repeat the cleaning step with a stronger solution like rubbing alcohol for ink or a paste of baking soda and vinegar for yellowing. If the stain persists, consider whether it’s permanent and disclose it in the listing.
Shoes smell despite deodorizing. Try freezing the shoes in a sealed plastic bag overnight to kill odor-causing bacteria, then air out. If the smell is from the insole, replace them if possible.
Water stains appear on leather after drying. Dampen the entire shoe lightly with a clean cloth, then let it dry evenly. This can help blend the stain. Apply leather conditioner afterward.
Suede becomes matted or shiny. Use a suede brush to gently restore the nap. For shiny spots, rub gently with a suede eraser.
Laces come out stiff after washing. Soak them in warm water with a little fabric softener, then rinse and air dry. Or replace them with new laces for a fresh look.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I put shoes in the washing machine?

Yes, but only if the shoe label says it’s safe. Use a gentle cycle with cold water, place shoes in a pillowcase or mesh bag, and air dry. Never put them in the dryer.

How do I remove yellow stains from white soles?

Make a paste of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide (or water), apply to the sole, let it sit for 15 minutes, then scrub and rinse. Repeat if necessary.

What’s the best way to clean suede shoes?

Use a suede brush or eraser to lift dirt and restore the nap. Avoid water; if you must use a cleaner, use a product specifically designed for suede.

Should I clean the inside of the shoes?

Yes, buyers care about the interior condition. Wipe with a damp cloth, deodorize with baking soda, and replace insoles if they’re worn or smelly.

How long does it take to clean a pair of shoes?

Plan for about 90 minutes of active cleaning plus 24 hours for drying. Some materials like suede may take longer.

Do I need to polish leather shoes?

Polishing isn’t mandatory, but it helps restore shine and protects the leather. Use a color-matched polish and buff with a soft cloth.

Sources: general know-how. Menus and buttons can differ slightly by version. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.