Easy Ways to Clean Shoes at Home Fast and Effectively

Editor: Hetal Bansal on Jul 22,2025

 

Maintaining clean shoes should not be a hard and tedious process. Whether it's dust, an unpleasant smell, or tough stains, you can wash your shoes at home with homemade tools and minimal hassle. This article will tell how to clean shoes at home and even offer some useful advice in case of various materials and circumstances. Let us get into it!

Why Cleaning Your Shoes Matters

Having a clean pair of shoes not only makes you look good, but also they last longer and your feet stay healthy. The wear and tear of the shoes as a result of the daily use makes the shoes accumulate dirt, sweat, and bacteria, which also produces bad odors and may even break. Cleaning works out with you and your shoes out of the stinkiness, stains, and worn-out look of the shoes you fancy.

What Can I Use to Clean My Shoes at Home?

There is no need for fine tools and products. A good majority of the at-home shoe cleaning products can be found in the kitchen or even in the bathroom. From baking soda to toothpaste, these resulting things come as very tough, good things in disguise.

Baking Soda and Vinegar

In one tablespoon of baking soda, put two tablespoons of white vinegar and warm water. Use a soft brush to apply this mixture to your shoes. It is a miracle in canvas cleaning and bad odor elimination.

Toothpaste

Toothpaste (white, non-gel type) is a great option for cleaning white rubber soles. Rub it in using a toothbrush and wipe clean with a damp cloth.

Dish Soap

Mild dish soap mixed with water is safe for most materials. It’s gentle, effective, and perfect for general cleaning.

Laundry Detergent

A small amount of laundry detergent mixed with water can be used for cleaning fabric shoes. Just make sure to rinse thoroughly.

How to Clean White Shoes in 5 Minutes

White shoes get dirty quickly, but are easy to clean if you act fast. Here’s how to clean white shoes in 5 minutes using quick home methods.

Use a Magic Eraser

A magic eraser is perfect for scuff marks and dirt on white rubber or leather shoes. Just wet the eraser and rub it gently.

Spot Clean with Toothpaste

Apply toothpaste to the stained area, scrub with a toothbrush, and wipe with a damp cloth. It works fast and brightens the white color.

Baking Soda Scrub

Mix a spoon of baking soda with water, apply it to the shoe, scrub for 1–2 minutes, and rinse. It’s a quick and chemical-free method.

How to Remove Smell from Shoes

Smelly shoes are a common problem, especially after long wear. Luckily, you can clean stinky shoes and freshen them up using easy household items.

Baking Soda Deodorizer

Sprinkle baking soda inside your shoes and leave it overnight. It absorbs odor and moisture effectively.

Tea Bags

Place dry tea bags in your shoes to soak up bad smells. They leave behind a fresh, clean scent.

Rubbing Alcohol Spray

Mix equal parts water and rubbing alcohol in a spray bottle. Spray lightly inside your shoes and let them dry. It kills bacteria that cause odor.

Best Way to Clean Shoes at Home Based on Material

Different materials require different cleaning techniques. Here’s the best way to clean shoes at home, depending on whether your shoes are leather, canvas, suede, or mesh.

How to Clean Leather Shoes

  • Wipe dirt off with a dry cloth.
  • Mix mild soap with water and wipe gently using a soft cloth.
  • Use a leather conditioner afterward to keep the leather soft and shiny.

How to Clean Canvas Shoes

  • Remove the laces.
  • Scrub with a toothbrush dipped in a baking soda and detergent mixture.
  • Rinse with a wet cloth or sponge.
  • Let them air dry completely.

How to Clean Suede Shoes

  • Use a suede brush to remove surface dirt.
  • For stains, rub gently with a white eraser or use white vinegar with a soft cloth.
  • Avoid using water as it may leave marks.

How to Clean Mesh Shoes

  • Remove loose dirt with a brush.
  • Mix a bit of laundry detergent with water and scrub gently with a toothbrush.
  • Rinse using a clean, damp cloth.
  • Stuff with paper towels to maintain shape while drying.

Sneakers in a wash basin with soapy water. Washing the dirty sneakers, cleaning the shoes.

How to Clean Shoelaces and Insoles

Shoelaces and insoles also collect dirt and sweat. Don’t forget to clean them too when you wash your shoes.

Cleaning Shoelaces

  • Remove and soak laces in warm soapy water for 10-15 minutes.
  • Scrub gently with your hands or a brush.
  • Rinse and air dry.

Cleaning Insoles

  • Take the insoles out of your shoes.
  • Mix equal parts water and vinegar.
  • Wipe the insoles with a cloth dipped in the mixture.
  • Let them dry completely before putting them back.

Drying Your Shoes Properly

After you clean your shoes at home, drying them correctly is essential. Avoid tossing them into a dryer or placing them in direct sunlight, especially if they are made of delicate material.

Best Drying Tips

  • Stuff the shoes with newspaper or paper towels to absorb moisture.
  • Keep them in a well-ventilated, shaded area.
  • Use a fan or place them near a window for faster drying.
  • Avoid using direct heat sources like hairdryers or heaters, as they can damage the glue and materials of the shoe.

Preventing Dirt and Smell in the Future

Once your shoes are clean, a few good habits can help keep them fresh longer.

Use Shoe Deodorizers

Keep deodorizer balls or baking soda sachets in your shoes overnight to prevent odor buildup.

Rotate Your Shoes

Wearing the same pair every day doesn’t give them time to air out. Rotate between 2–3 pairs to extend their life.

Keep Shoes in a Clean, Dry Place

Moisture and dirt contribute to shoe damage and odor. Store shoes in a clean, dry place—preferably with some airflow.

Fast Cleaning Tips for Busy Days

When you're short on time, these quick fixes can help you clean shoes at home without much effort.

Use Baby Wipes

Keep a pack of baby wipes handy to quickly clean off dust and dirt before it sets in.

Dry Brush Dirt Away

Use a dry brush or toothbrush to remove dry mud and dust from the shoe surface.

Dry Shampoo for Smell

Spray a little dry shampoo inside your shoes and leave it for a few hours. It absorbs sweat and leaves a fresh smell.

Final Thoughts

You do not have to clean your shoes expensively or cope with complexities. It is not difficult to clean shoes at home and make them presentable with ordinary household items, and just some time to use them at home. Trying to clean your stinky shoes? Washing off a hard stain? All you want is to know how to clean white shoes in 5 minutes? These simple tricks will do the job.

Knowing how you might go about the process of how to clean shoes at home and having a definite answer to the question how do I clean my shoes in my house, you will find out how to keep all of them clean, free of smell, and durable at the same time white or otherwise sneakers, sueded boots or loafers leather, they will all be long-lasting.


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