Shoe Cleaning Tips

Whether they’re leather, suede or canvas, shoes get dirty. Get step-by-step instructions for cleaning them, plus tips for keeping them clean and in great shape.

Begin cleaning your shoes by removing and washing shoelaces, then follow the instructions below, based on which material you’re cleaning

Leather

1.       Loosen dirt from the outside of shoes with a soft cloth or brush.

2.       Clean with commercial leather cleaner, or add a little moisturising soap to a damp cloth, rub the shoes in circular motions, then buff with a dry cloth.

3.       Treat with a leather conditioner.

Tip: To remove winter salt stains from leather shoes, combine equal parts water and white vinegar in a bowl, then pat the mixture on shoes with a soft cloth.

Suede

1.       Loosen dirt from the outside of the shoes with a towel. Use a clean pencil eraser to remove dry scuff marks.

2.       Blot (never rub) wet stains with a paper towel and use a damp towel for dry stains.

3.       Finish cleaning with a suede brush.

Canvas

1.       Shake or tap shoes outdoors to remove loose dirt.

2.       Wet shoes with warm water, then scrub with a toothbrush and a mixture of water and detergent. Rinse clean.

3.       Pack the wet shoes with dry hand towels or paper towels to soak up moisture and help the shoes retain their shape while air-drying.