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How to Clean Used Shoes?

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basket of shoes how to clean used shoes

Everyone wears shoes and at some point they need to be cleaned, especially if you have purchased shoes that are already used. The information below will teach you how to clean used shoes with ease. From sneakers to flip flops, you can clean them up in very little time.

Tips on How to Clean Your Used Shoes

White Sneakers

White sneakers are a popular fashion trend and they have been for a long time. Despite the fact that they often get dirty, men and women of all ages wear white shoes. To clean a pair of used white sneakers, you’ll need white vinegar or nail polish remover. You’ll also need gloves, a toothbrush and a handful of cotton balls. Put either nail polish remover or white vinegar on a cotton ball and scrub areas that have scratches or marks. You can use the toothbrush to scrub large sections that are dirty. Complete the process by rinsing the areas cleaned using warm water.

Leather Shoes

The way you clean leather shoes is different from how you should clean other types of shoes. Leather shoes require you to remove particles with a solution that’s not as strong as what’s used for other materials. You can start by diluting white vinegar with water in equal parts. You’ll need a soft towel that will be used to eliminate any stains. If there are scuff marks on the shoes, use pure baking soda and a damp towel to buff them out.

Suede Shoes

Suede shoes can be cleaned using a scrub brush with medium bristles. No solution is required and the scrub brush should go back and forth with pressure to eliminate stains. If this brushing technique does not eliminate stains, consider using an eraser or a nail file to buff them out. As a spot treatment, you can use rubbing alcohol or white vinegar to lighten or eliminate spots altogether. When learning how to clean used shoes that are suede, take your time and do a little bit at a time until you develop a good technique.

Running Shoes

Since they’re often worn during rigorous activity, used running shoes tend to have a lot of dirt on them. You can start the process of removing that dirt by scrubbing them with a toothbrush. Once you have removed the dirt, create a solution that includes a tablespoon of laundry detergent and two cups of warm water. This solution can be used on mesh, rubber and fabric. It’s best to avoid using it on leather. After cleaning the shoes, use a soft towel or sponge to wipe them down. You should remove the shoe laces before you get started and wash them with a load of clothes. If the method provided for cleaning the shoes does not work, consider putting both shoes into the washing machine on a delicate and short cycle.

Flip Flops

Used flip flops can be cleaned by simply putting them under warm water and then using a little bit of baking soda and a toothbrush to scrub off the dirt. Depending on the durability of the flip flops, you might be able to put them in the washing machine. If you choose this option, use cold water and a delicate setting.

Patent Leather Shoes

Patent leather shoes are quite easy to clean. You can start with a cotton ball and petroleum jelly. By rubbing the petroleum jelly onto any areas where marks exist, you’ll likely eliminate the marks. If that doesn’t work, consider using glass cleaner.

After learning how to clean used shoes, you can take advantage of great deals and fill your closet with your favorite shoe styles.

How to Dye Suede Shoes?

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brown shoes how to dye suede shoes

Suede is made from soft leather used primarily for fashion items such as clothing, shoes, and purses. The good thing about suede is that it can be dyed to regain the original color or create a new look through a simple process. Let’s discuss how to dye suede shoes.

Tips on How to Dye Suede Shoes

It’s important to apply the same color as the previous or a darker one. There are always manufacturer instructions on what colors you can use for your suede shoes. The dying process should take a few hours. Ensure that you follow the manufactures instructions closely.

Here are some of the things you will require before you start the dyeing process

  • Rubber gloves
  • A sponge
  • Fabric dye
  • Warm soapy water
  • Old newspaper
  • Clean shoe brush

Step 1 – Prepare for the dyeing process

Get a good space – preferably on a hard flat surface and cover it with old newspapers or sheets. Place all your dye materials near so that you can easily access them during the dying process.

The next thing is to wear your rubber gloves before starting – to guard your hands against staining and irritants.

Step 2 – Clean your sued shoes

Some people make the mistake of starting to apply dye before properly cleaning the shoe. Ensure that you remove all the debris and then brush the surface of the shoes to ensure that there’s nothing left – but the sued material. Continue with a suede cleaner (only use a suede cleaner) to soften it and allow it to dry after you are done.

Step 3 – Restore the quality of the leather material

Prior to starting to apply dye to your suede, ensure that you have restored its quality using the suede restorer spray. This will help in bringing back the fabric and make it easy to apply the dye. Apply the spray in a well-ventilated area. If you are inside the house, then open all the windows in the room.

Step 4 – Apply the dye

Most suede dyes come with a special applicator such as a brush, dauber or wool. Take any of them (one that’s convenient for you) and apply a uniform coat of dye on the surface. Note that suede is porous meaning some spots might soak up more color than you expected. Remove excess dye by blotting the material from such places.

Some of the colors sometimes require more than just one coat to get a proper shade. Therefore, after you are done with the first coat, give it time to dry for approximately one or two hours before adding another coat. However, avoid doing too many coats because doing so can wear out the leather easily.

Step 5 – Brush once more

Pass the brush all of the shoe while it’s drying up to prevent it from becoming stiff. As soon as your shoes have dried up, get back your suede brush (with back and forth movements) to raise the nap. After that complete the dyeing process by applying a suede protector spray – to protect your shoes against stain and moisture.