Clean Soft Ballet Slippers

Ballet slippers or shoes quickly become soiled with frequent dancing and need appropriate cleaning to preserve their look. It is best to clean your ballet shoes regularly to ensure that they are maintained in the best of condition. If you are an amateur dancer, cleaning will help extend the life of your shoes. If you are a professional or very frequent dancer, your shoes will possibly wear out before regular cleaning can even be an issue. However, gauge this using your own commonsense and judgment.

Steps

Washing Leather Ballet Shoes

  1. Hand wash leather ballet shoes. Do not put them in the washer; otherwise, they will be completely ruined.
  2. Wear the shoes in while still slightly damp until they dry completely. That way, they will form to your foot. This method will help them to fit better and last longer.

Toothbrush and soap

  1. Leather ballet shoes can be cleaned using a combination of an old, soft-bristled toothbrush, water, and a few drops of dishwashing soap (ex: Dawn (R) - not Cascade (R). To clean your shoes:
    • Dip the toothbrush in the water and soap.
    • Gently scrub the shoe.
    • Wipe the dirt off with a lightly dampened cloth.

Paper towel and Windex

  1. Leather ballet shoes can also be cleaned with a paper towel and Windex.
    • Do not spray the Windex directly onto the shoe. Instead, spray it onto the paper towel before rubbing the shoe with it.

Clorox and other wipes

  1. Clorox and most kinds of cleansing wipes are faster ways to wipe down leather ballet shoes. Mr. Clean Magic Eraser also works well. However, avoid using this method too often. The wetness will dry out the leather and can lead it to crack. It helps to only clean leather when there is an audition or performance.

Milk

  1. Get a pint of milk and a soft sponge.
  2. Gently dab the ballet shoes with the milk. Concentrate most on the areas of the shoe that are partially dirty or well worn.
  3. Leave in a warm place to dry. Leave in indirect warmth. Do not leave underneath a heater or in direct sunshine, as these are too drying.

Washing Canvas Ballet Shoes

  1. Put canvas ballet shoes in the washer.
  2. Add mild detergent.
  3. Always wash on the delicate cycle and remove before spinning.
  4. Allow to dry on a towel suspended above a clothes drying rack.

Tips

  • Make sure you're aware of the type of ballet shoe (canvas or leather).
  • Professional dancers can go through a pair of pointe shoes per performance. It helps to appreciate the longevity of your own shoes if you remember this!
  • Do not only use water to wash the shoe. It will just make your shoes damp.
  • The more worn and dirty your ballet shoes, the more your teacher will notice how hard you have worked.
  • Also, while washing a canvas ballet slipper, put it in n your foot while damp because it will shrink at first but don't worry, it will stretch out.

Warnings

  • Never place the ballet shoes into a dryer.

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