Content

• To step
• Method 1 of 3: Washing your sneakers in the washing machine
• Method 3 of 3: Maintain neat leather shoes
• Warnings
• Necessities

No matter how you handle your shoes, they will always get dirty. However, you don't have to walk around with shoes that look old or worn out. A simple cleaning often removes all dirt and grime, making them look brand new again.

To step

Method 1 of 3: Washing your sneakers in the washing machine

1. Remove the laces and insoles from your shoes. It is best to wash your shoes, laces and insoles separately as they will dry faster later.
   • You can, however, wash your laces in the washing machine with your shoes, but if you do this with your insoles, they will be soaking wet for days.
2. Clean your shoelaces. If your laces are very dirty, you may want to buy new ones. However, you can always try to clean them by scrubbing them with a soap suds brush or putting them in the washing machine with your shoes. Then let them air dry completely before putting them back in your shoes.
   • Another way to clean your shoelaces is to simply put them in a pillowcase, pin them or tie the ends together. Then you put them in the washing machine. This way you prevent the laces from getting stuck in the drain of the washing machine.
   • If you have white laces and colored shoes, it is best to wash the laces separately from your shoes and together with other whites on a normal wash cycle to get them as white as possible.
3. Add liquid detergent. Washing powder can stay in your shoes, so use liquid detergent. You can also add a little vinegar to get rid of bad smells and a small amount of pine oil to disinfect the shoes.
   • If you add pine oil, make sure that the product you use is at least 80% pine oil.
4. Set up and turn on the washing machine. Set your washing machine to the delicate wash program and to a low temperature. Hot water can cause your sneakers to warp, and spinning at a high speed and drying in the dryer can damage your shoes or appliance.
5. Remove your shoes from the washing machine and let them air dry. When the wash cycle is over, remove your shoes from the pillowcase and place them somewhere to air dry. It is better not to put them in the dryer as this can warp the soles of your shoes.
   • Your shoes will dry faster and keep their shape if you stuff them with paper towels or newspaper.
   • Put your shoes (and laces and insoles) to dry in a place that is dimly lit. Do not place them in a warm place (for example next to a heater) or in direct sunlight. This can damage your shoes.
   • It can take several hours or even several days for your shoes to dry completely, so keep that in mind.
   • If you are in a hurry and the dryer must use, wrap your shoes in a towel and set the tumble dryer to a gentle setting. Check the dryer from time to time to make sure your shoes don't get too hot.
6. Let your shoes air dry. Place your shoes (and laces and insoles) to dry at room temperature in a place that is dimly lit. Do not place them in a warm place (for example next to a heater) or in direct sunlight. This can damage your shoes.
   • It is better not to put your shoes in the dryer, as this can warp the soles of your shoes.

Method 3 of 3: Maintain neat leather shoes

1. Freshen up your dress shoes. Sprinkle baking soda, ground coffee, or cat litter in your dress shoes. Leave it in your dress shoes when you're not wearing them to eliminate odors. Just shake your shoes to remove the agent.
   • Another neater method of removing odors is to put the product in a bag and place it in your shoe. You can make your own bag out of pantyhose: pour it into your pantyhose and tie it with a string or elastic band.
2. Brush your neat suede shoes clean. Suede shoes that you wear daily should be cleaned 2-3 times a week. Use a suede brush to brush away dirt and stains.
   • Spray a protective suede spray on new suede shoes and do this every time you clean your shoes. This makes your shoes more resistant to stains and makes them easier to clean from now on.

Warnings

• Since you run the risk of damaging your shoes if you wash them in the washing machine, it is best not to clean them more than once a year or if they have become very dirty.
• If your shoes are expensive or delicate, you may want to hand wash them or have them professionally cleaned.
• Read the manufacturer's instructions before attempting to clean your shoes. Some shoes have to be treated in a special way.
• Be careful when you tumble dry your shoes. Because of excessive heat, your shoe soles can warp.

Necessities

• Washing machine
• Laundry detergent
• A toothbrush or brush with stiff bristles
• Pillowcase
• Safety pins
• One or two old bath towels
• Kitchen or newspaper
• Cotton swabs or toothpicks
• Baking soda