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Care & Cleaning of Your Boots and Shoes Published On: 2/12/2016

You might think that your favorite boots and shoes are ruined after a few weeks of dirt and grime have collected on them. The good news is that you don’t have to head to the shoe shop to replace your boots and shoes every few weeks or try to tread carefully to avoid getting them dirty. A thorough cleaning will restore the look of your footwear while adding months to their life.

Machine Washable Shoes

Leather, suede, sheepskin, and other natural materials should never be placed in the washing machine, along with patent leather, or any shoes with loose decorations like ribbons and bows. Most other footwear is fine for the machine.

Remove the laces and insoles from your shoes, and place everything together inside of a pillowcase or mesh bag. Add a few old towels to the washer to protect your shoes from too much agitation. Make sure to choose the delicate cycle in cold water, and use a small amount of mild detergent.

Once the wash cycle is complete, stuff your shoes with paper to help speed up the drying process and help them retain their shape. Place shoes, laces, and insoles away from direct heat and sunlight and let them dry for at least 24 hours.

Hand-Wash Only

If your favorite shoes and boots cannot be placed in the washing machine, here’s what you need to know to hand wash your items so they look (and smell!) like new again.

• Leather. Leather shoes should be cleaned every few months, and conditioned once a year. S tart by brushing loose dirt off with a soft brush. Use a soft, damp cloth to wipe the surface of your leather shoes with the grain to remove dirt and grime. If your leather is untreated, be sure to use saddle soap which is easily found in most shoe shops. Allow the leather to dry out of direct heat and sunlight, and then apply a quality cream polish in the same color as the shoe.
• Suede. Start by using a rubber pencil eraser to remove scuffs and smudges. Then using a suede brush, brush the shoes all over in one direction. Use a soft, damp cloth to remove stains (talcum powder can help remove greasy spots), and a dry cloth to blot away moisture. Allow to dry completely, and brush again once dry. Before wearing, spray with a silicone-based treatment.
• Sheepskin. Cleaning sheepskin boots and shoes such as UGG boots requires a bit of patience, but your time will be rewarded. Use quality products such as the UGG Care & Cleaning kit. Start by brushing the boots with a stiff brush to remove surface dirt. Use a sponge to dampen your boots with clean water. Apply a small amount of Cleaner & Conditioner to the sponge, and gently scrub your boots, and use a clean sponge to blot away dirt. Stuff your boots with paper to help them retain their shape, and allow to dry away from direct heat and sunlight for at least 24 hours. Be sure to follow up by spraying with Sheepskin Protector to keep them looking great.

From your kids' school shoes to your favorite winter boots, ensuring a long life means taking the time to clean and care for them properly. We carry a complete line of shoe care products including the UGG Care & Cleaning Kit, Aquatec Spray, and Doc Martin Wonder Balsam that's perfect for refreshing leather shoes.