How to Keep Your Shoes Looking Like New

The number one way to keep your shoes looking new is to clean them with products meant for the material they are made of and to treat your shoes with a protective coating.  

Prevent dirt buildup 

The best way to keep your shoes looking sharp is by preventing dirt from getting to them in the first place. Before you wear your shoes, treat them with a water-repellent spray. It prevents stains. 

Also, store your shoes in the original box, in plastic bins with lids, or in dust covers to keep dust from settling on them.  

Prevent fading 

You probably bought your shoes because you liked the color, so you should take steps to prevent those colors from fading. Keep them out of direct sunlight when you’re not wearing them. You can also treat them with a UV-blocking protector spray. 

Clean your laces 

A quick way to make your lace-up shoes look fresh is to wash the laces. Take them out of your shoes and then handwash them with a dime-sized amount of dishwashing liquid and warm water.  

Rinse the laces with warm water and squeeze them out. Then rinse them one more time and squeeze the water out again. Leaving soap on the lace’s fibers can attract dirt and grime, leaving them looking even dirtier than before.  

Hang the laces up on a towel rack, shower curtain rod, or a clothes hanger to dry. Make sure they are completely dry before you put them back in your shoes. Damp laces can mildew around the shoe grommets. 

If your laces don’t come clean, you may want to just replace them. Before you go shopping, be sure to measure how long your old laces are to make sure you get the right length.  

Fix shoe scuffs 

If your shoes have scuffs, you may want to use a colored shoe polish or recoloring balm to hide them. You’d be amazed at the difference that can come from a little shoe polish. 

Little black marks on your shoe may not need polish, especially on patent leather or glossy shoes. Try using an eraser to rub off the mark first. Usually, the black mark will disappear.  

How to clean leather shoes 

Leather is particularly tricky to clean. The wrong cleaning product can stain the leather or damage it. Your best bet is to get a cleaner specifically for leather, such as Saddle Soap, Weiman Leather Cleaner & Conditioner, or Leather CPR. Follow the directions on the label carefully to get your leather looking better.  

For the rubber soles, you can use a magic eraser-type sponge to wipe away grime and stains. 

Finally, finish cleaning the leather by rubbing in a leather conditioner. Conditioner will protect the leather and prevent it from cracking. 

How to clean faux leather shoes 

Faux leather is typically some type of plastic, so you can use some more normal cleaning techniques for these shoes. Grab an old toothbrush or a small scrub brush. Dip it in a mixture of warm water and dishwashing liquid, then scrub away. Be sure to get the grommets, soles, and uppers while you scrub.  

Once you’re done, give your shoes a good wipe-down with a damp cloth to remove any soap residue.  

Let your shoes air-dry, then spray them with a water-repellent spray like Scotchgard Fabric Water Shield or Crep Protect. Not only will this help keep your shoes from getting damaged by water, but it will also prevent stains. 

How to clean canvas shoes 

Canvas shoes can be cleaned pretty easily with warm water and a few drops of dishwashing liquid.  

If your shoes are white, you can tackle stains by dabbing a little hydrogen peroxide onto the stain. Scrub it in until the stain disappears. If your white shoes are yellowed, scrub hydrogen peroxide all over the shoe until it whitens. 

After cleaning, rinse your shoes with warm water. Shake them a little to get off the excess water and let them air-dry. White shoes can be left in the sun to dry. The sun will bleach the fabric naturally to make them whiter. 

Tip: Stuff your shoes with paper towels. It will soak up the excess water and help them dry faster. It also helps them hold their shape. 

Laundry bluing is another way to make canvas shoes bright white again. Dilute the bluing with water according to the package’s instructions. Then, let your shoes soak for a minute or two, then rinse them with cold water. The blue neutralizes any yellowing in the fabric of your shoes, making them look white again.  

Important: Always follow the directions on the laundry bluing. Winging it can lead to blue, blotchy shoes.  

Finish your canvas shoe glow-up by treating them with a shoe water-repellent spray to protect them from future stains.   

How to clean suede shoes 

Before any other cleaning, always go over your shoe with a suede brush. Brush in the direction of the suede’s fibers with light strokes. You may find that’s all your shoes needed to look nice again. 

If your suede shoe has a stain, blot it with a paper towel and then put a little baking soda on it. Let it sit overnight, then brush the baking soda off. Another option would be to rub the stain with a suede eraser.  

Shoe cleaning FAQ 

Should you clean your shoes with bleach? 

Probably not. Bleach can damage the materials shoes are made of. A safer option is hydrogen peroxide.  

How can you make patent leather shoes shiny again? 

If your patent leather shoes are looking a little dull, you can fix it with petroleum jelly. Dip a soft cloth in some, and then gently rub it onto the shoe. Then buff the shoe with another clean cloth. Make sure the shoes are clean before you try this to avoid scuffing the leather. 

Can you clean shoes in the washing machine? 

Yes, but only if you put your shoes in a mesh laundry bag and put the machine on the gentle cycle. Only do this with canvas shoes. Leather and faux leather can be easily damaged in the washing machine. 

Always let the shoes air-dry once they come out of the washing machine. 

Can I put my wet shoes in the dryer? 

No, never put your shoes in the dryer. The heat and bumping around can warp and damage your shoes. It may also damage your dryer.