We all love a pair of beautiful shoes. From the quality sports shoes that enhance your athletic performance, the practical work shoes that reduce pain in your feet when you are running around all day long to the fancy shoes that boost your confidence and make you look spectacular on a special day.
You probably want to get the most use from your shoes, not just because you paid a lot for these shoes but also because the perfect style and fit can be hard to come by. Shoes get dirty all the time and giving them a regular clean is necessary for keeping them looking sharp but it’s important to note that you cannot clean all shoe types the same ways. Here are a few things you should never do to your shoes when you are giving them a good clean.
Don’t Wash These Shoes in the Machine
Some shoe types are perfectly fine in your washing machine as long as you keep it on a gentle spinning cycle but some shoes will be completely ruined by your machine. Never toss leather, patent leather, high heels, suede shoes, cork shoes or velvet shoes into your washing machine. Instead, consult with a professional, like Brite Dry Cleaners who offers women or mens shoe cleaning and restoration services.
To simply remove dirt from these types of shoes, it is best to wipe down your shoes using a damp cloth and a mild detergent. If this cleaning method won’t get rid of stains and grime then hand these shoe types in at our dry cleaners for a proper clean.
Don’t Wash Your Shoes on a Rough Setting
If you are washing some shoes like your flip flops, running sneakers, canvas shoes or sheepskin boots in the washing machine then always put your machine on a gentle setting. Shoes are not designed to handle the rough spinning action of washing machines. Quick spinning action can rip your shoes apart. If a gentle setting doesn’t get the job done then try handing these shoes over to Brite Dry Cleaners for a proper clean.
Don’t Leave Shoelaces in Sneakers
If you are washing your shoes in the machine then be sure to remove shoelaces. Laces always get tangled and often tear out at the holes. Remove shoelaces and wash them apart.
Don’t Use Harsh Cleaning Chemicals
It is important to never use harsh chemicals on any shoe types, especially on fine quality shoes such as leathers and heels. Harsh chemicals can burn or discolour your shoes. If you are cleaning running shoes or other types of casual wear shoes then you can grab a toothbrush and scrub the soles with a chemical cleaner such as detergent, toothpaste or bleach to whiten the soles. Rinse these shoes properly before adding them to the machine for a good wash.
Never Toss Muddy Shoes Into the Machine
Be sure to rinse your shoes properly before adding them to your washing machine. Mud and other messes underneath your shoes can settle inside the machine or can get caught in the shoe fabric. Always scrub dirt from your shoes before giving them a good wash.
There are quite a few ways to get rid of dirt on your shoes at home but don’t resolve to extreme measures if these DIY hacks just don’t work. Instead of risking ruining your beautiful shoes, give them to the experts at Brite Dry Cleaners to take care of. Our specialist team are the best at cleaning all sorts of delicate garments and shoes and will fully revive your shoes so you can shine.