How to Clean Used & Thrifted Shoes

used thrifted shoes that need to be cleaned

Picture this: you’re browsing through a consignment shop or online thrift store, and you've just snagged a pair of used shoes that scream your unique style, but they’re a tad bit dusty and worn. No worries! With a bit of elbow grease and the right know-how, you can transform those finds into refreshed footwear.

Ready to get those soles looking their best? Let’s dive into the step-by-step guide on how to clean used shoes, making them not just wearable but delightful to show off!

Prepping for Perfection

Inspect the Shoes

Before getting into the specifics of how to clean second hand shoes, it’s important to start with a solid foundation. Proper preparation is the key to successful restoration, ensuring that each step of the process is as effective as possible. Begin by giving your new finds a comprehensive inspection to identify any damage that might go beyond surface dirt and require more extensive repairs.

Gather Your Cleaning Supplies

Once you've assessed your shoes, gather all the necessary cleaning supplies. This proactive approach will streamline your efforts, allowing you to focus fully on rejuvenating your footwear with ease and efficiency.

Here’s what you’ll need to start:

Microfiber cloth or soft towel: To gently wipe surfaces
Old toothbrush: For detailed scrubbing
Mild detergent or specialized shoe cleaner: For safe and effective cleaning
Suede brush: To tackle delicate suede materials
White vinegar or baking soda: To address tough stains and neutralize odors
Magic eraser: To remove stubborn scuff marks
Leather conditioner: To restore and protect leather shoes.

Equipped with these tools, you’re all set to handle various materials and stains, ensuring each thrifted shoe gets the best care possible.

Tailored Techniques: How to Clean Used Shoes by Material

Certain materials require a bit more TLC than others, so keep that in mind when thrifting for clothes and shoes.

Leather

Cleaning leather shoes requires gentle products and methods to preserve their luxe look. When shopping for leather shoes, it’s helpful to know the brands to look for at thrift stores that are known for their quality and durability, as these are more likely to withstand the cleaning process.

Start by wiping away any loose dirt with a soft cloth dampened with water mixed with a little liquid dish soap. For stubborn stains on leather shoes, apply a small amount of white vinegar on a cloth and gently rub. Once clean, apply a leather conditioner to keep the material supple.

Suede

To clean suede shoes, you’ll want to take a gentle touch. Use a dry suede brush to remove surface dirt and scuff marks. For persistent stains, gently rub with a clean eraser or a clean cloth dabbed in vinegar. Avoid water, as it can stain suede permanently.

Canvas

Canvas shoes can often withstand a more vigorous cleaning. Remove loose dirt with a brush, then mix warm water with a teaspoon of dish soap or shoe cleaner to treat the fabric. You can use an old toothbrush to scrub the canvas sneakers gently. If they’re super grubby, popping them in a washing machine on a gentle cycle might be an option—just check the care label first!

Synthetics

For synthetic materials, a simple solution of warm water and detergent works wonders. Use a cloth or brush to apply the solution, scrubbing gently to remove grime and stains. Rinse with a damp cloth and let air dry.

Deodorizing and Sanitizing Used Shoes

Nature’s Best Deodorizers

Sprinkle baking soda inside your shoes and let it sit overnight to absorb odors. In the morning, just tap out the powder and enjoy the freshness!

Germ-Free Sanitization

When it comes to understanding how to disinfect used shoes, start by lightly spraying them with a mixture of water and white vinegar (50/50 ratio). This not only helps kill germs but also removes odors without using harsh chemicals.

Special Tips for Difficult Stains

Treating and maintaining your thrifted shoes requires a keen eye for detail and proper care techniques. For those tough spots, a magic eraser can be your best friend, especially on the soles of white sneakers. Gently rub the eraser on the problem area until the stain lifts. For grease marks, applying a small amount of cornstarch overnight can absorb the grease, making cleaning easier the next day.

The Finishing Touches: Maintaining Your Refreshed Finds

Now that your shoes are clean and look like new, it's important to focus on maintenance to keep them in prime condition for as long as possible. Proper storage is crucial in extending the life of your shoes. Using shoe trees can be incredibly beneficial; they help maintain the shape of the shoes, prevent creases, and allow any lingering moisture to evaporate naturally.

Always store your shoes in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to avoid fading and material degradation.

In addition to using shoe trees, consider the following tips to keep your thrifted shoes in top shape:

Rotate Your Shoes: Try not to wear the same pair every day. Rotating between different shoes allows them ample time to air out and reduces wear and tear.

Use Protective Sprays: Especially for leather or suede shoes, using a water and stain-repellent spray can protect your shoes from the elements. This is particularly useful if you live in an area with unpredictable weather.

Spot Cleaning: Incorporate regular spot cleaning into your routine. Address spills and stains immediately to prevent them from setting and becoming more difficult to remove.

Dry Out Moisture: If your shoes get wet, stuff them with newspaper and let them dry away from direct heat sources. The newspaper helps absorb the moisture and maintains the shape of the shoes as they dry.

Odor Control: Keep your shoes smelling fresh by sprinkling baking soda inside them overnight once in a while. Just remember to tap out the baking soda the next morning.

Implementing these care strategies for how to clean shoes from a thrift store ensures that your footwear remains a cherished and stylish part of your wardrobe, always ready to complement any outfit you put together.

Thrift Smart, Wear Proud

By following these steps on how to clean thrifted shoes, you're doing much more than reviving a pair of stylish kicks; you're actively participating in a larger, impactful movement toward sustainable fashion. Each step you take in rejuvenating these shoes underscores a commitment to environmental stewardship and preserving a rich history woven into every thread and leather stitch—much like the mission at ShopGoodwill.com, where your purchases support community programs.

So, when you lace up your refreshed sneakers or step into your polished dress shoes, feel proud knowing that these shoes carry a history and a promise for the future. By wearing your cleaned shoes, you're not just showing off your style—you're making a statement about sustainable living and thoughtful consumerism. Enjoy the sense of accomplishment from giving these shoes a new life and step forward confidently, knowing you're part of a movement that values our planet as much as fashion.

Experience the benefits of thrifting today and start shopping on ShopGoodwill.com for used shoes.

Sources:
MasterClass. How to Clean Leather: 8 Tips for Cleaning Leather Properly. https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-clean-leather

Vogue. How to Clean Suede Shoes, No Matter the Stain. https://www.vogue.com/article/how-to-clean-suede-shoes