how to wash shoes

Shoes are a fundamental part of everyone’s fashion regimen. The desire to always look stylish and trendy while improving on comfort and style has made shoes a focus for many in the fashion industry. Companies like Crocs and TOMS have turned traditional concepts on their head by taking the lace-off approach to creating shoes that look like they’ve been dipped in chocolate but don’t weigh a ton.

If you’re looking for ways to improve your shoes' looks without sacrificing too much on the style front, check out these tips on how to wash shoes.

Get Them Dry-cleaned

The first thing you should do is get your shoes cleaned. There are many different companies that offer professional cleaning services for shoes, so make sure you choose a service that is reputable and offers the kind of expertise you need for the particular type of shoe you have.

Dry-cleaning your shoes can help prevent water damage and staining. This is especially important if you plan on wearing the shoes outdoors or where they’ll be exposed to the elements. You can also do this at home if you’re feeling adventurous!

Use Deodorizers

Just as with our clothing, our shoes need regular washes to keep them looking good as new. The best way to make sure your shoes look perfect is by regularly applying a deodorizer. Many individuals don’t realize the effect that perspiration has on their shoes. Moisturize your shoes with a few drops of moisturizer, and then spray them with a few sprays of deodorizer. You’ll be amazed at how good they look and how easy they are to wear.

Never Wax Or Shine Them

Whether you use wax or shine on your hair, you don’t want to use these products on your shoes. The best way to preserve the original look of your shoes is by avoiding any sort of waxing or shining. If you’re using a shine product, make sure that it’s completely dry before wearing them. You can also buff off any excess shine with a bit of chalk.

Only Use The Insole

The insoles of your shoes are responsible for providing comfort and support to your feet as you walk or run. Because your shoes are a crucial part of your outfit, it’s important to only remove the insoles when you need to clean them. Some individuals like to simply wash their shoes with soap and water to maintain the original look.

Avoid Using Detergents

Detergents are important for removing dirt and oil from our bodies, but they’re not meant for our shoes. If you use detergents on your shoes, they’ll likely end up being too slippery to walk in confidently. Use lukewarm water instead, and then a bit of shampoo for additional cleansing.

Overnight Mask Is Your Friend

Sometimes, all we need is an overnight stay in the nearest hotel to get inspired for the day. If this happens to you, take a quick trip to the hotel’s restaurant for breakfast, and then go straight to your room for a power nap. When you wake up, you’ll be feeling refreshed and ready to take on the world. Not only will this help you to look great during the day, but it’ll also give your feet a break from walking so that they don’t hurt as much on the day of the wedding.

Use Natural Products

Many people avoid using products on their shoes because they feel like they’ll end up ruining the look of the shoes. While this may be true for conventional cleaners, many products that claim to be green in nature are actually harmless to your shoes. You can use eco-friendly, natural products such as lemon juice, white vinegar, and coconut oil to achieve the look you’re going for.

Layering Is The Key

When it comes to creating the perfect beach day look for your shoes, going a little bit wild and using multiple layers is key. You can start with a pair of socks, a pair of sandals, and then top it all off with a pair of sunglasses — all while using layering as an opportunity to showcase your outfits style!

The best thing about using multiple layers for your shoes is that you’ll be able to take them off when you need to. If you’re at the beach, you can take your first layer off to reveal your sock and then add a tad more style to the outfit with your sunglasses. If you’re going somewhere more formal, you can take your first layer off to reveal your sock and then your second layer to dress up your outfit with your sunglasses.

Don’t Forget The Laces

One of the most fundamental things you need to do when it comes to ensuring your shoes look perfect is to remember to lace them up. You can do this by either wearing the shoes with the laces up or down, or by tying the laces in a double knot. Make sure that you do this before you leave the house! Lacing up your shoes the night before your wedding is a must if you want to look flawless in the photos.