How to Clean and Maintain Sneakers and Boots by Material
Keeping your shoes in shape comes down to matching the cleaning method to the material. Leather, canvas, knit, and suede all have different needs. Regular brushing and the right sprays go a long way, and using shoe trees while drying helps hold everything together. It's worth taking the time to do this right so your footwear lasts.
What you need
- Horsehair brush
- Suede brush
- Toothbrush
- Shoe cleaner
- Adjustable shoe tree
- Mesh laundry bag
- Mesh cooling rack
- Waterproof spray
- Suede cleaning solution
- Protective spray
Steps
- Remove the laces before you start. Clean shoes regularly to stop dirt from building up. When you're done wearing them, store your footwear in a cool, dry place.
- Use a horsehair brush with a shoe cleaner to scrub the surface. Wipe away residue with a damp towel and let the shoes air dry. Once dry, apply a waterproof spray. Insert an adjustable shoe tree to help the shoe keep its shape.
- Treat canvas much like leather, or place the shoes in a mesh laundry bag and run them through the washing machine on cold. Air dry them afterward. A waterproof spray is a solid addition here, too.
- Scrub gently with a cleaning solution. You can hand wash these, though a gentle machine cycle in a mesh bag works as well. Always air dry knit footwear.
- Brush off surface dirt with a suede brush. Apply a suede cleaning solution and allow the footwear to air dry. Finish by spraying with a suede protector to shield the material.
- Leather, canvas, and knit usually take one to two days to dry fully. Suede requires about 30 minutes to an hour for cleaning, then needs several hours or overnight to dry completely.
Why it works
Why gentle care matters for leather
Gentle cleaning preserves leather fibers, and waterproofing spray helps prevent future damage.
Canvas durability and protection
Canvas is sturdier and can handle more vigorous cleaning, but waterproofing still adds value.
Protecting knit structure
Knit materials are delicate; gentle cleaning and mesh bags protect the mesh from wear during the process.
Preserving suede texture
Suede has a nap that damages easily; gentle brushing and specific solutions keep the texture intact.
Related on Shoes Bible: How to Waterproof and Maintain Winter Boots, How to Clean and Maintain Suede Footwear, How to Waterproof Your Boots, How to Clean and Polish Leather Shoes.
If it goes wrong
Conflicting advice on knit cleaning
Advice varies here. Some recommend hand washing, while others allow a machine on a gentle cycle with a mesh bag. If you're unsure, hand washing is the safer route.
Suede cleaning disagreements
There's mixed info on suede. Some advise avoiding water entirely, while others allow limited water use. For stains, a baking soda and vinegar paste is suggested, though Saphir solutions are recommended by others. Stick to the dedicated solution for routine care and watch how your specific pair reacts.
