Clean Flats

Flats are healthier for your feet and far more comfortable than high heels. They look great with a variety of outfits and can be worn during any occasion. Like any shoe, they need to be cleaned regularly, and they often become smelly with even minimal wear. Whether you have leather, canvas, or fabric flats, there are ways to make them clean and keep them fresh.

Steps

Cleaning Flat Leather Shoes

1. Wipe off the leather flats with a dry cloth. Begin by using a clean, dry cloth to wipe off the leather shoes. Go over every part of the shoe. You don’t have to scrub—just try to get off any loose dirt or debris.
2. Use a damp cloth to wipe once again. You can use the same cloth or start with a new, clean cloth. Dampen the cloth with a small amount of water. Wipe off the shoes again with the damp cloth.
3. Wipe off the shoes with baking soda. Rinse off the cloth you’ve just used. Sprinkle some baking soda directly on the cloth. Firmly wipe off the shoes until they began to appear clean.
4. Use a damp cloth to remove the baking soda. Rinse off the cloth one more time. Wipe down the shoes again to remove any remaining baking soda off of the shoes. Allow the shoes to air dry for a few hours.
5. Invest in a leather conditioner. You can find a leather conditioner online, at shoe stores, or at many supermarkets. A leather conditioner will preserve the leather and keep it looking shiny for longer. Put a little bit of conditioner on your finger, and rub it all over the leather on the outside of your shoe.
   • Condition your shoes every 4 to 6 weeks.
   • Use a dry cloth to remove any excess polish.

Washing Canvas Shoes

1. Remove dirt with a toothbrush. Make sure to use an old, dry toothbrush. Use the toothbrush to scrub all of the canvas shoe. Try to get off any loose dirt debris.
2. Clean the soles with baking soda. Pour baking soda and water in a bowl to create a paste. Dip the toothbrush in the paste. Scrub the shoes until stains begin to lighten. Then, wipe them off with a damp cloth.
3. Put the shoes in the wash. Turn the washing machine to a gentle cycle using cold water. Pour a gentle detergent into the washing machine when it is halfway filled with water. Put the shoes into the washing machine when it is three-quarters of the way filled with water.
4. Dry the canvas shoes in the sun. Allow the shoes to air dry. Preferably, put the shoes outside in the sun. This will allow the shoes to dry in the best condition possible.

Cleaning Fabric Flats

1. Fill a bowl with water and laundry detergent. Fill a bowl with lukewarm water. Pour a small amount of laundry detergent into the bowl. Use a toothbrush to thoroughly mix the detergent and water together.
2. Scrub the shoes with a toothbrush. Take the toothbrush out of the bowl of water and laundry detergent. Shake it off so that it’s damp. You want to get little water on your shoes as possible. Use the toothbrush to scrub the dirty parts of your shoes in a back and forth motion.
   • You can dip the toothbrush in the water as needed, but make sure to get most of the water off of it every time.
3. Use clean water and a toothbrush to scrub. Pour the soapy water out of the bowl, rinse it out, and refill it with clean water. Dip the toothbrush in the water, and again, flick off most of the water. Use the toothbrush to scrub in short, vertical motion. Continue until most of the detergent has been removed.
4. Dry with paper towels. Use paper towels to pat most of the water off the shoes. Stuff a few paper towels inside of each shoe to absorb excess moisture. Allow the shoes to dry in a well-ventilated area that is away from sunlight and heat.

Tips

• Use an odor-absorbing insole that can be inserted into the shoe to keep your shoes smelling fresh.
• Sprinkle baby powder or baking soda in your shoes each day to reduce moisture and eliminate odor.

Warnings

• If your shoes comes with a tag, check it for cleaning instructions before cleaning on your own.

Sources and Citations

See also

• Remove Dye from Suede Shoes
• Scuff Up New Shoes
• Clean Wrestling Shoes
• Scuff Up Boots
• Re‐Ice Shoe Soles
• Clean Muddy Shoes
• Clean Hiking Boots
• Clean Shoe Insoles
• Clean White Converse
• Clean White Shoes

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