Cleaning shoes can be challenging because they are exposed to all types of dirt, ranging from soil particles, dirty water, grease, and mad. However, don’t worry; we have listed some steps you should follow to ensure that your shoes are sparkling clean.
If you are searching for the simplest method, we recommend washing shoes by hand in a sink. The sink also helps reduce water spillage in the house during cleaning.
Anyway, let’s start the cleaning process.
Step 1: Put Your Cleaning Spot In Order
Start by blocking the sink drain and filling it with warm water. Then add some detergent. The detergent will penetrate the interior and the exterior of the shoe.
Step 2: Takeout The Shoelaces
The next step is to remove the shoelaces and clean them in a bucket or under running water. Remember that shoelaces can also be the dirtiest part of the shoe. Therefore, you need to ensure that the cleaning is thorough in removing all the dirt and bacteria.
In addition, removing the shoelace makes it easier to access the shoe tongue. After the shoelaces are clean, hang and wait for them to dry. Once they are dry, you can insert them back to the shoe.
Step 3: Remove The Inner Soles And Clean Them
After washing the shoelaces, remove the inner soles and clean them separately. Once you remove the inner sole, you can easily access the shoe’s toe box. Also, the shoe dries out quickly when we remove all moisture trappings under the sole.
You can use a soft brush or rag to scrub the insoles. Later, rinse the insoles and air dry them. Once they dry completely, you can place them back inside the shoe.
Step 4: Brush The Outer Dirt
Now that you have finished cleaning the inner soles, it is time to focus on the outer part of the shoe. First, brush away the dirt. Then use an old brush or toothpick to remove any trapped dirt.
Step 5: Soak The Shoes
Soak the shoes in the sink for 30 minutes to loosen any remaining dirt. However, it is important to skip this step for special shoes such as leather, suede, and velvet. This is because soaking the shoes can harm the soft material. Instead, clean the shoe with a rag or soft brush.
Step 5: Scrub With A Soft Brush
Scrub the shoe inside and outside. Make sure you also scrub all the corners, including the sidewall, shoe tongue, and toe box. Scrub until you remove all the stubborn stains.
Step 6: Rinse The Shoe
To rinse the shoe, use some warm water and a soft brush. Rinse the shoe until the running water becomes clear.
Step 7: Air Dry The Shoe
Dry the shoes outside under the shade to attain outstanding results. Also, ensure that the shoe is hanged upside down until all the moisture is dry.
Avoid direct sun or a dryer because it can damage the shoe. Moreover, ensure that the insole and laces are dry before putting them on the shoe.
Household Products You Can Use During The Cleaning
The best part about washing shoes in the sink is that you can use several household products to clean your shoe. In addition, the products are readily available and can help clean when you are in a hurry. We have provided a list of the products below:
- Baking soda: Use baking powder and a touch of lemon to remove any stains on your shoes.
- Vinegar: Vinegar removes stubborn stains on leather shoes. Just dip a cloth in the vinegar and buff the shoe gently until the stains are out.
- Nail File: A nail file can is used to remove stubborn stains and debris on corners.
- Toothpaste: Toothpaste is essential for scouring out any dirty parts on the shoes. To scour out the dirt, apply some toothpaste to the toothbrush and scrub the stains. After using the toothpaste, you can rinse off the shoes.
- Wood cleaner: Even though wood cleaner is a furniture cleaner, it also rubs off stubborn stains on shoes. To clean the shoe, pour some cleaner into a cap, then rub it on the shoes. Once you finish, you can wipe it off.
- Laundry detergent: Ensure that you u
- se a mild detergent. Abrasive soaps can easily damage the shoe.
- Hair conditioner: Hair conditioner cleans stubborn stains on rubber parts. To clean the stains, apply the conditioner on the shoes, then scrub with a rough sponge. After washing, rinse off with tap water.
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Can I Wash My Shoes In A Sink?
Yes! Although washing shoes in a machine is easy, we recommend that you clean them in a sink instead. Washing shoes in a sink is the easiest and safest way to attain clean wear.
Some shoes consist of delicate materials such as satin, suede, silk, leather, and velvet. A washing machine can easily damage these materials and also damage the construction of the shoe. Therefore, it is always best to clean your shoes in a sink.
Shoes can also damage the washing machine if not loaded correctly. If you don’t put the shoes in special bags, they are likely to clog the drain. We all love the washing machine’s speed; however, in this case, the speed is likely to cause damage.
Final Thoughts
As mentioned in the above article, not all shoes can endure the spins in a washing machine. Therefore, most manufacturers discourage people from putting shoes in a washing machine.
In addition, washing machines have abrasive detergents that can damage the soles of the shoe. Therefore, you need to read the manufacturer’s instructions before cleaning and putting the shoes in the washing machine.
To avoid all these hustles, you should handwash your shoes in a sink. Washing shoes in a sink is easy and quick. Furthermore, your shoes will be safe from the excessive heat that can damage their shape. Now, you can enjoy washing your shoes in the sink!
