Housekeeping Laundry & Linens Stain Removal How to Clean Shoes, Including Canvas, Leather, Suede, and More These simple tricks and household ingredients will make dirty shoes look (and smell) like new. By Jessica Bennett Jessica Bennett Jessica Bennett is an editor, writer, and former digital assistant home editor at BHG. Learn about BHG's Editorial Process Updated on October 26, 2023 In This Article View All In This Article How to Clean Shoes How to Clean Shoes Made of Canvas How to Clean Shoes Made of Leather How to Clean Shoes Made of Suede How to Clean Tennis Shoes How to Clean White Shoes Clothing Cleaning Tips The best method for how to clean shoes varies depending on the material. Most footwear can be cleaned using a solution of mild dish soap and water, but certain types of shoes, including mesh sneakers and suede shoes, require special care to avoid damaging the material. We'll walk you through how to use simple household items, such as baking soda, distilled white vinegar, and a toothbrush, to remove grime and discoloration from your footwear. How to Remove Salt Stains from Shoes Umida Kamalova / Getty Images How to Clean Shoes The first step in how to clean shoes of any material is to insert shoe trees ($8, Walmart) or stuff the interiors with newspaper to help the shoes maintain their shape and create a barrier against any moisture that seeps through while cleaning. In general, you should never put shoes in the washing machine, as prolonged soaking and agitation can loosen the glue that binds them together or cause other damage. If your shoes are heavily stained or made of a delicate material, you might never be able to restore that fresh-from-the-box look completely. But the steps below should help you get them cleaner. What You'll Need Equipment / Tools How to Clean Canvas Shoes Soft-bristled brush Melamine sponge Clean cloth How to Clean Leather Shoes Soft-bristled brush Melamine sponge How to Clean Suede Shoes Suede brush Toothbrush (optional) Clean block eraser Microfiber cloth How to Clean Tennis Shoes Soft-bristled brush Clean cloth How to Clean White Shoes Damp cloth Bleach pen Materials How to Clean Canvas Shoes Liquid laundry detergent Bleach (otional) How to Clean Leather Shoes Liquid soap Leather soap (optional) How to Clean Suede Shoes Vinegar How to Clean Tennis Shoes Liquid laundry detergent How to Clean White Shoes Baking soda Instructions How to Clean Shoes Made of Canvas Remove Laces and Brush Away Dirt To clean canvas shoes, start by removing the laces and brushing away any excess dirt using a dry toothbrush or soft-bristled brush. Wash, Soak, and Scrub Wash the shoes by hand using a small amount of liquid laundry detergent mixed with water. Pre-treat stains by applying detergent directly to the spot and allowing it to sit for at least 15 minutes. Clean the entire shoe by scrubbing with a sponge or cloth dipped in the detergent solution. The 8 Best Laundry Detergents of 2024, According to Testing Remove Scuff Marks and Let Dry Use a melamine sponge ($3, Target) to remove scuff marks from the sole. Use a clean, damp cloth to wipe down the exterior of the shoes and blot away soapy residue, then let the shoes dry completely. Clean the Laces Soak the laces in your detergent solution or in a diluted bleach solution; rinse and let dry before re-lacing. How to Clean Shoes Made of Leather Leather and faux leather shoes can stain easily and are prone to damage if you scrub too hard. Scrub Shoes with Cleaning Solution The best method of how to clean leather shoes is to mix a few drops of liquid dish soap into a cup of warm water. Dip a soft-bristled toothbrush into the mixture and gently scrub the shoes. Tackle Tough Scuffs For scuffs that won't budge, gently scrub with a melamine sponge or use a soap specially designed for leather ($6, Walmart). How to Clean Leather Furniture to Keep It Looking Its Best How to Clean Shoes Made of Suede Wait for Wet Suede to Dry The trick to how to clean shoes made of suede is avoiding water, which can cause discoloration or damage the velvety texture. Always wait until the material is completely dry, then brush away loose dirt using a suede brush or toothbrush. Buff and Remove Spots Use a clean block eraser to buff out small scuffs and marks. For larger spots, use a microfiber cloth dipped in white vinegar to gently lift out the stain. Air-Dry and Brush Allow the shoes to air-dry away from direct heat or sunlight, then brush the surface again to restore its original texture. How to Clean Tennis Shoes Athletic shoes are often made of mesh or knit fabrics that can be easily snagged or damaged by harsh scrubbing, so take care to use a soft touch while cleaning. Soak the Laces Remove the laces and carefully brush off excess dirt with a soft-bristled brush. While you clean the rest of the shoe, soak the laces in a small amount of liquid laundry detergent mixed with warm water. Clean the Fabric and Insoles Apply the same detergent solution to the shoes with a soft cloth and work it into the fabric using gentle circular motions. If needed, remove the insoles and scrub those as well. Remove soapy residue from the insoles and exterior by wiping with a clean, damp cloth, rinsing out the cloth as often as needed. Let Shoes and Laces Dry Remove the laces from the detergent solution and run under warm water. Let all components dry before adding the laces. Jacob Fox How to Clean White Shoes White shoes are especially prone to stains and scuffs, so you might need some extra cleaning power for this type of shoe. Clean as Directed for Material Start by following the cleaning instructions for the shoe's material. Remove Stubborn Grime and Stains If stains or grime remain, mix baking soda with enough water to form a thick paste, apply it to the shoe, gently scrub, and let dry. Brush off as much residue as possible, then wipe with a damp cloth. Use a bleach pen to spot-treat stubborn stains for white shoes made of canvas or mesh. Clothing Cleaning Tips It's not just shoes that get stained easily. Clothes can be damaged or ruined by some products, but we have cleaning guides for the most difficult substances to remove from your wardrobe. 11 Genius Guaranteed Methods for How to Get Gum Out of Clothes How to Get Acrylic Paint Out of Clothes How to Get Ink Out of Clothes How to Get Blood Out of Clothes How to Get Grease Out of Clothes (Without Ruining Them!) 7 Common Laundry Mistakes That Can Damage Clothes