The right way to clean shoes depends on what they’re made of: brush suede dry and never soak it, hand wash or machine wash canvas and synthetic sneakers on a gentle cold cycle, wipe leather with a soft cloth and a mild soap or vinegar solution then polish, and treat white shoes with a baking soda paste or diluted bleach. The one universal rule is to keep leather and suede out of the washing machine. Below, we walk through each material step by step.
The moment new shoes leave the box they start collecting dirt, stains, and germs — and it’s worth keeping them clean for more than just looks. A University of Arizona study led by microbiologist Dr. Charles Gerba found that nearly a third of shoes (27%) carried E. coli on their soles from contact with human or animal fecal matter, so regular cleaning helps keep those disease-causing germs out of your home. Cleaning shoes is also one of many small health benefits of a clean home.
Since different materials need different care, this guide covers suede, canvas, leather, sneakers, velvet, white shoes, and machine washing.
How to clean suede shoes
What you’ll need
- Suede brush
- Suede eraser
- Shoe brush
- Suede cleaner
Suede has a reputation for being hard to clean, but it’s manageable if you’re careful. The key rule: avoid soaking suede or pouring water on it, which causes discoloration and damages the texture.
If you notice a stain or dirt, let the shoe dry completely first, then use a suede brush or any soft-bristled brush to wipe it away, always brushing in the direction of the nap. For scuffs and marks, gently rub the surface with a block eraser or suede rubber.
A couple more tips:
- For stubborn or larger stains: use a microfiber cloth dipped in white vinegar or alcohol, or a nail file.
- For wet stains: blot the moisture with a cloth or paper towel, let the shoes dry completely, then brush with a suede brush.
For more, see our detailed guide on how to clean suede shoes.
How to clean canvas shoes
Canvas shoes can be hand washed or machine washed, though it’s best to hand wash any pair with leather or suede accents, beading, or rope soles. You can also spot clean if you need them quickly. Here’s the hand-wash method:
- Make a cleaning solution: mix a small amount of liquid laundry detergent into warm water.
- Unlace the shoes: wash the laces separately — soak them in the cleaning solution (or a diluted bleach solution for white laces), then rinse and air dry.
- Pretreat stains: apply detergent directly to any stains, work it in with a brush or your fingers, and let it sit about 15 minutes before washing.
- Scrub with a sponge or cloth: dip a sponge or washcloth in the solution and scrub the whole shoe; a melamine sponge handles scuff marks on the soles.
- Rinse: wipe off the soapy residue with a cloth dipped in clean water.
- Air dry: let the shoes and laces dry completely before re-lacing.
How to clean leather shoes
Leather stains easily, so it pays to clean it regularly — but avoid hard scrubbing, which damages the material.
What you’ll need
- Shoe polish
- Horsehair brush
- Polishing cloth
Steps:
- Brush away dirt, dust, and debris with a horsehair brush.
- Mix warm water with white vinegar or a little liquid soap, dip a soft-bristled brush in it, and clean the shoes gently.
- Let them air dry, then buff with a clean, dry cloth.
- For scuffs, dampen a cloth, dip it in baking soda, and rub gently; stubborn scuffs respond to a melamine sponge or a little petroleum jelly.
- A commercial shoe polish also covers scuffs, marks, and stains.
For white leather, see our guide on how to clean white leather shoes.
How to clean sneakers
Sneakers attract dirt every time you wear them, so a regular clean keeps them looking fresh.
What you’ll need
- Microfiber cloth
- Laundry detergent
Steps:
- Brush off loose dirt and debris with a brush or cloth so it doesn’t build up.
- Unlace, and soak the laces in a bowl of hot water and laundry detergent for about 30 minutes; scrub them, then dry with a microfiber cloth.
- Rinse the soles under running water or wipe with a damp cloth, then dip a clean cloth in detergent solution and scrub any stains until they’re gone.
- Wipe off the soapy residue with a cloth dipped in clean water, then air dry.
How to clean velvet shoes
What you’ll need
- Microfiber towel
- Soft brush
- Liquid soap
Velvet is delicate and marks easily, but these steps will revive it:
- For mud or dirt: let the shoes dry completely first — dry mud is easier to remove — then brush it away with a soft brush, working in the direction of the nap.
- For wet stains or spills: gently dab the area with a microfiber cloth or absorbent towel to soak up the spill before it sets. Make a solution of dishwashing soap and water (or lemon juice and baking soda), dip a soft brush or cloth in it, and gently scrub the stain. Then air dry or blot dry with a microfiber cloth.
- A protective spray made for velvet can help prevent future stains.
How to clean white shoes
White shoes show stains easily and are harder to get clean than darker colors. If you’ve given up on a stained pair, try one of these methods.
What you’ll need
- Bleach
- Baking soda
- Laundry detergent
- Vinegar
- Soft brush
- Soap and water: brush off dust, make a soapy solution with detergent and warm water, scrub the stains with a soft brush or cloth, wipe off with a clean damp cloth, and air dry.
- Bleach: in a well-ventilated area, dilute bleach in water, dip a brush in it, and scrub the stained areas. Wipe off with a damp cloth and dry in a well-ventilated spot. (Always dilute — never apply bleach undiluted, and never mix it with other cleaners.)
- Baking soda: make a paste of baking soda, vinegar, and hot water, apply and gently scrub, let it dry on the shoes, then brush off the residue.
How to clean shoes in the washing machine
Can you wash shoes in the machine? Yes — but not all of them. Shoes made from synthetic materials like nylon, cotton, or polyester hold up fine, while leather and suede should never go in the washer. Check your shoes’ care instructions first.
What you’ll need
- Old towels
- Mesh garment bag
- Liquid laundry detergent
- Old newspapers
- Soft brush
Steps:
- Remove the laces — wash them in a mesh garment bag, or hand wash them after soaking in detergent solution.
- Use a soft brush to remove debris from the soles; a toothpick helps with dirt stuck in tight areas.
- Remove the insoles — don’t machine wash them, as they get waterlogged and take days to dry. Wipe them with a damp sponge or soapy rag, rinse, sprinkle with baking soda to absorb moisture, and let them dry fully before returning them.
- Place the shoes in the mesh bag along with a few old towels to cushion the load.
- Run a gentle cycle with cold water and a slow or no-spin setting, using liquid detergent (powder can leave residue).
- When the cycle’s done, remove the shoes and stuff them with old newspaper or paper towels to absorb moisture and hold their shape.
- Air dry in a well-ventilated area — this can take a few days.
