How To Clean Shoes

To preserve the appearance and longevity of shoes or boots, apply a water and stain-repelling product every few weeks and clean them regularly.
Wipe dirt and mud from shoes and boots as it accumulates. Use the blunt edge of a knife and a
sponge on most leather, and a soft brush on suede and other fabrics. If shoes become wet, let them air-dry and clean as soon as possible to remove dirt and grime that might damage the shoe. To ensure shoes made of soft leather and fabric keep their shape while drying, stuff them with paper towels or newspaper.

A quick and effective way to shine leather shoes and boots is to apply polish with a soft cloth, let it soak into the leather, and buff with the same cloth. Wipe patent-leather shoes clean with a soft cloth and polish with an instant-shoe-shine pad. Treat leather shoes and boots regularly with one of the many conditioners available; these waterproof the leather and keep it supple. Leave the conditioner on for 12 hours or so, then buff. lf leather shoes are scratched, apply polish directly to the area and buff. Repeat until the scratch is no longer noticeable.

Use a commercial stain remover to take oil and grease stains out of suede shoes, repeating the application several times if necessary. Test it first on the tongue to make sure it doesn't leave a mark. To restore flattened nap, hold the shoe 3 inches from the spout of a steaming (not boiling) kettle, then brush in a circular motion. Use an emery board or a blunt knife to raise small areas of badly flattened nap. You can purchase products that restore color to faded suede.

Clean fabric shoes and canvas sneakers with a commercial upholstery cleaner, following instructions on the container. You can also handor machine-wash canvas sneakers; remove the laces, place the shoes in an old pillowcase to protect the washing drum, and wash in cold water and mild detergent on

a gentle cycle. Hand-wash sneakers made of leather and syn. thetic materials in a solution of warm water and sneaker shampoo or dishwashing liquid, using a soft brush to remove grime and reach into crevices. Stuff the sneakers with paper towels or newspaper and let them air dry.