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Taking care of your shoes and keeping them always clean helps to preserve them for much longer. But each type of material requires a different treatment. Insoles, laces, and soles cannot be forgotten either! Both the inside and outside of the shoes must be properly cleaned.
There are so many cares, that there are laundries specialized only in shoe cleaning, but if you want to clean your shoes at home, you don't have to worry. We have separated a list of tips on the maintenance and cleaning of the most different materials. Take a look:
Natural leather shoes
Leather shoes are beautiful and, when well cared for, will last a lifetime. But, for this, extra attention is needed. This type of material cannot go into the washing machine and, therefore, must be washed by hand.
The first step is to remove all the dust. To do this, use a leather brush on the entire shoe. Next, dilute a little neutral detergent in water and lightly wet the brush in this mixture. Then just pass the brush in small parts of the shoe and then rub a damp towel in the same area to remove the soap residue.
Do the same process on the inside and then apply a deodorizer. Finally, let them dry in a ventilated place away from heat sources.
For those who want an extra shine, it is possible to apply a little moisturizer, which will help to enhance the color and shine, giving the shoes a new look.
Leather or synthetic leather shoes
Cleaning synthetic leather shoes can be done with the help of a sponge and a mixture of water and a little neutral detergent. Dip the sponge in the mixture and carefully rub the shoes. Then just wipe them with a soft damp cloth to remove the detergent. Let them dry in the shade in a ventilated place.
Fabric shoes
Fabric shoes can not get wet, otherwise there is a risk of staining the fabric, so the tip is to use a soft brush (it can even be a baby's hair brush) slightly wet with a mixture of water and two drops of vinegar.
Suede or nubuck shoes
Suede or nubuck shoes cannot come into contact with water, otherwise they will spoil, so avoid wearing them on rainy days.
To perform the cleaning, you will need a brush for this type of material, just look for it in shoe stores and markets. With the help of the brush, apply a nobuck and suede cleaner on the shoes. If you don't have one at home, you can replace it with a homemade mixture of water with a little bit of hair conditioner. The movements must be soft and always in the same directionThen let it dry in a ventilated place away from the sun.
To remove the toughest stains, the tip is to gently rub a white school eraser. This will remove the heaviest dirt without ruining the fabric.
Plastic or rubberized shoes
Plastic and rubber are durable and easy to clean! Wet the shoe and clean it with the help of a brush and bar soap - it can even be a toothbrush. Glitter models are the most delicate, so it is best to leave the brush aside and rub a damp cloth.
Shoes with varnish
Shoes made of varnish can scratch easily, so when cleaning, be careful and use light movements. Use a soft, damp cloth and rub some varnish lubricant. If you don't have any at home, you can use a furniture polish or cream. Another essential tip is that the product should not be applied directly on the varnish, always put it on the cloth first and then rub the cloth on the shoe.
Velvet shoes
Velvet is a delicate material and, for this reason, requires double attention when it comes to cleaning. Ideally, dry cleaning should be done by gently rubbing a soft brush all over the shoe, always in the direction of the fabric.
If the stains persist, you will need the help of water and neutral detergent and a 2 liter plastic bottle. Fill the bottle with water and a tablespoon of detergent, then shake until foam is formed. Put some of the foam on the brush and brush the velvet without pressing, in gentle movements. Then remove all the foam with a clean and slightly damp cloth and wait for the shoedry completely.
Satin shoes
To clean satin shoes, you will need only water, neutral detergent, and a soft flannel. With the help of the cloth, apply water with detergent directly on the stain. Do not rub too much or use too much strength, the ideal is to give it little strokes, always in the direction of the fabric's fiber. When you finish cleaning, leave the shoes to dry in a ventilated place.
See_also: Inspirations, cultivation and tips to have philodendron at homeRope shoes
Rope shoes should be cleaned gently and softly to avoid the rope becoming frayed and loosening threads. Use a damp cloth with mild soap and rub gently. When you are done cleaning, if the material is still wet, use a blow dryer with a cold wind to make sure no parts get wet.
Insoles and laces
It is not only the external part that needs cleaning; insoles and shoelaces also deserve attention and must be washed separately from the shoes. To do so, put them in a protective bag and take them to the washing machine. Then put them to dry in a ventilated place and they are done.
Soles
The sole is the dirtiest part of the shoe, and often the most forgotten when it comes to cleaning. To sanitize this area, make a homemade mixture of water, a little bit of neutral detergent and a cap of alcohol. Put the mixture in a spray bottle and rub it on the sole with the help of a brush or cloth. Wait for it to dry completely before storing.
Products to help you clean your shoes
In addition to learning the right way to clean each shoe, it is important to know which product to use on each one, so we have put together a list to help you find the essential products to clean your shoes safely and efficiently. Check it out:
Product 1: Colorart glossy spray varnish. Buy it at Tropikanas.
Product 2: Moisturizing cream for leather shoes. Buy at Sandro Moscoloni.
Product 3: Limpanobuck. Buy it at Novax.
Product 4: Zap Sneaker Cleaner Buy at C&C.
Product 5: Large horsehair brush. Buy it at Novax.
See_also: Tea Party Decor: 80 Ideas and Tutorials to Celebrate LoveProduct 6: Magic sponge for shoes, buy at Posthaus.
Product 7: Palterm Odor Free Shoe Deodorant, Buy at Shoe Company.
Product 8: Foam Cleaner, Buy at World Pés.
Product 9: Waterproofing agent for multicolor smooth leather - Buy at Walmart.
Product 10: Double brush for nubuck and suede, Buy at Shoe Company.
After these tips it is now easy to take care of each type of shoe and material, isn't it? So, always take the time to clean them, so they will stay beautiful and preserved for much longer! Take advantage and also learn the several (correct) ways to clean sneakers!
