Method1Cleaning Small Stains
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Method1
1Evaluate the dirt. Before you pop your shoes in the washing machine or use a harsh cleaning solution, estimate the stain or dirt. Some smudges can be easily removed with a damp cloth or suede cleaning brush. If your shoes have a bad odour, you need to clean only the insole rather than the entire shoe.
2Brush off the mud. If your shoes have mud stains, wait for it to dry. Spread a newspaper on a flat surface or just take the shoes outside to brush off the dried mud with a toothbrush or a shoe cleaning brush. You can follow it up by wiping the shoes clean with a damp cloth.
3Clean leather with a dirt-removing solution. Scuffs marks on Plae canvas or leather footwear can be cleaned with dirt removing solutions such as Mr. Clean Magic Erasers and acetone nail polish remover. Apply the solution on the dirt and let it sit for a while. Keep rubbing the stain with a cloth till it disappears completely.You can also make such a solution at home. Add 1 teaspoon of Borax and 1 tablespoon (14.8 ml) of baking soda to half a cup of hot water. Stir the mixture and place a melamine sponge to soak up the solution. Squeeze out the excess and start cleaning.[2]
This method is also effective to remove stains made by permanent markers and biodegradable substances such as grass, blood etc.
4Clean the insole with detergent. If the insoles are stained or have an unpleasant odour, remove them from the shoes for cleaning. Air the shoes with the tongue lifted up in a shaded, dry spot outside or place them under a fan. Soak the insoles in warm water with a few drops of detergent. Use a shoe brush to scrub them clean and then rinse. Clip them onto a clothesline to dry.Make sure the insoles are dry before you put them in.
Reduce the odour by placing strips of dryer sheets in each shoe overnight.
Wear clean socks with your footwear to avoid staining the insole.
5Hand-wash only the stained area with laundry soap and baking soda. If only a portion of your shoe is stained, you can do instant spot cleaning only for that part. Wet the dirty area with a solution of water, laundry soap and baking soda for 15-20 minutes. Then, use a toothbrush to scrub the dirt. After that, rinse the portion thoroughly and leave it to dry.
