How to Clean Shoes Properly Without Damaging Them

Proper cleaning lifts everyday dirt and helps shoes look presentable without harming their finish or shape. Before starting, check the care label or the maker’s instructions: leather, suede, canvas, mesh and synthetics do not all tolerate the same products or amount of water. If the material or finish is unclear, test a mild cleaner on a hidden spot first.

What You’ll Need

A soft shoe brush or clean, soft-bristled toothbrush
Two clean cloths, preferably microfiber
A small bowl of lukewarm water
A small amount of mild soap or shoe cleaner suitable for the shoe material
Paper towels or clean, unprinted paper to help maintain shape while drying
For suede only: a suede brush and, if needed, a suede eraser

Use a product intended for the material where possible. Avoid household bleach, strong solvents and abrasive cleaners; these can fade color, damage coatings or weaken shoe materials. Do not assume a shoe is machine-washable just because it is fabric.

Step-by-Step

Check the material and care instructions. Identify the upper, lining and sole materials, and look for any maker’s cleaning advice. Remove loose dirt with a dry brush. If the shoes are suede, nubuck or another napped material, use a suede brush and avoid the water-and-soap method unless the care instructions allow it.
Remove laces and insoles if possible. Take out removable insoles and laces so you can clean around the tongue and inside edges. Brush dry dirt from the laces. Wash them separately by hand in lukewarm, mildly soapy water, rinse, and leave them to air-dry. Clean removable insoles according to their care instructions; do not soak them unless the maker says it is safe.
Brush away dry dirt. Work over a bin or washable surface. Brush the upper gently, moving from top to bottom, then clean the sole and tread. Use a separate cloth or brush for the sole if it is muddy, so grit does not scratch or mark the upper. Pick out lodged stones carefully rather than forcing a sharp tool into the tread.
Test the cleaner. Mix a few drops of mild soap into a bowl of lukewarm water, or prepare a material-appropriate shoe cleaner as directed. Dampen a cloth and dab a hidden area. Wait for it to dry enough to check for color transfer, staining or changes in texture. Stop if the finish changes.
Clean the upper with light pressure. Dampen a clean cloth or soft brush; it should be moist, not dripping. Work in small sections with gentle strokes, using only enough solution to lift the dirt. Rinse the cloth often and avoid soaking seams, padding or glued areas. For leather, wipe gently rather than scrubbing. For washable canvas or mesh, use a soft brush and take care not to snag the weave.
Wipe away residue and clean the soles. Use a second cloth dampened with clean water to remove soap from the upper. Do not leave cleaner sitting on the material. Clean rubber soles separately with the brush and mild solution, then wipe them with a clean damp cloth. Keep the sole-cleaning brush away from delicate uppers.
Air-dry and reassemble. Blot excess moisture with a dry cloth, then loosely fill each shoe with clean paper to help it hold its shape. Replace the paper if it becomes wet. Let shoes dry at room temperature in a well-ventilated spot, away from radiators, hair dryers and direct sun. When fully dry, put back the insoles and laces. Brush suede gently when dry, and apply a suitable leather conditioner only if the leather’s care instructions recommend it.

Common Mistakes

Using too much water: Saturation can leave marks, affect adhesives and make shoes take much longer to dry. Clean with a damp cloth, not a soaked one.
Scrubbing every material the same way: Stiff brushes can roughen leather, snag mesh or flatten suede. Match the tool and pressure to the material.
Putting shoes in a washing machine or dryer without approval: Tumbling and heat can distort shoes or loosen bonded parts. Follow the maker’s instructions instead.
Using heat to speed up drying: Radiators, hair dryers and direct sun may warp, crack or fade materials. Allow extra time for natural drying.
Leaving cleaner behind: Soap residue can attract dirt or leave a dull film. Wipe cleaned areas with a lightly damp, clean cloth.
Cleaning suede with a wet, soapy cloth: Water can leave marks or change the nap. Start with a dry suede brush and use suede-specific products only when needed.

Tips

Clean fresh mud only after it has dried enough to brush away; wiping wet mud can spread it deeper into fabric.
Work from the least dirty area to the dirtiest, and change or rinse cloths as they pick up grime.
For white soles, repeat gentle cleaning rather than reaching immediately for a harsh chemical or abrasive pad.
Keep leather and suede products separate, and read product directions before applying protectors or conditioners.
Store shoes clean and completely dry. If they get wet, remove insoles where possible and let both parts air-dry separately.

Troubleshooting

A stain remains after cleaning: Do not scrub harder or add stronger chemicals straight away. Blot the area, let it dry, then identify the material and use a cleaner made for that material. Test it on a concealed spot first. Some stains may not come out without altering the finish, so stop if color transfers or the surface changes.

The shoe looks patchy after drying: The material may have been unevenly wetted or still contain cleaner. Let it dry fully before judging it. For washable fabric, gently wipe the affected area with a clean, evenly damp cloth and air-dry again. For leather or suede, follow material-specific care instructions rather than rewetting the whole shoe.

Suede feels flat or looks marked: Let it dry completely, then brush in one direction with a suede brush to lift the nap. Use a suede eraser for small dry marks if appropriate. Do not apply ordinary soap or conditioner.

The shoe still smells musty or feels damp: Remove the insoles if possible and continue air-drying in a ventilated place. Do not wear or store the shoes while damp, and do not use direct heat. If the lining remains wet, give it more time before reassembling.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I clean shoes with dish soap?

A small amount of mild dish soap diluted in water can work on some washable materials, but it is not suitable for every finish. Check care instructions and test a hidden spot first. Use a material-specific cleaner for leather or suede.

Can I put shoes in the washing machine?

Only if the manufacturer explicitly says the shoes are machine-washable and provides instructions. Otherwise, hand-clean them: machine agitation, water and spin cycles can damage shape, finishes, adhesives or trim.

How long do shoes take to dry?

Drying time depends on the material, how wet the shoes became and the room’s airflow. Leave them until the upper, lining and removable insoles are fully dry; thick or padded shoes may need much longer than lightly damp shoes.

How do I clean suede shoes?

Brush dry dirt away with a suede brush. For a small dry mark, try a suede eraser, then brush the nap gently. Use only products labeled for suede, and follow their instructions.

Should I clean the inside of my shoes?

Wipe accessible lining with a cloth that is only slightly damp, if the care instructions allow it. Avoid soaking the interior. Remove and clean insoles separately according to their labels, then dry everything completely before wearing.

How often should I clean my shoes?

There is no fixed schedule. Brush off dirt when it appears and give shoes a fuller clean when they are visibly soiled, using the gentlest method that suits their material.

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