
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.