How to clean shoes by hand

Cleaning your shoes is essential to keep them in good condition and prolong their life. Machine washing is certainly the quickest and most practical option, but it's not always the most recommended! Not all shoes can or should be machine washed: suede, leather, or those with special decorations like sequins or rhinestones can be damaged during machine washing.

Likewise, frequent washing in the washing machine can ruin even the most durable shoes. In this article, we'll see how to clean shoes by material, without the help of a washing machine!

Cleaning canvas shoes by hand: follow these steps

While hand cleaning requires more time and attention than washing with a washing machine, it is the safest and most effective way to keep your canvas shoes in tip-top condition.

Here are the steps to follow:

• Remove surface dirt with a soft-bristled brush
• Prepare a solution with warm water and soap
• Dip a soft cloth in the solution, wring it out well and gently wipe the shoe with it.
• Dry your shoes in the open air, but avoid exposing them directly to the sun or heat sources, which could deform or fade them.

Do your canvas shoes have stubborn stains? Use an old toothbrush and toothpaste to remove stains from the soles, while using products containing trichloroethylene to clean the canvas.

Leather shoes: choose specific products to avoid damaging them

Leather shoes require special care compared to canvas sneakers, as they could become damaged if they get too wet.

For this reason, it's always best to use specific products for cleaning them. If you want to try home methods, such as white vinegar or cleansing milk, we recommend testing them on a small area of ​​the shoe to evaluate their effectiveness.

How to clean suede shoes

Even for suede shoes, it's best to avoid DIY solutions. Use a special brush to remove any dirt residue, and if there are particularly stubborn stains, trust the expert hands of your trusted shoemaker!

How to remove stains from white shoes with baking soda

Among the many uses of baking soda is cleaning white shoes. To give new life to yellowed shoes, prepare a solution with a tablespoon of baking soda, two tablespoons of white vinegar, and a cup of water. Let the mixture sit for a few hours and then remove it with a damp cloth.

With the right products and a good dose of patience, your shoes will be as good as new!