SIMPLE SHOE CLEANING HACKS THAT SAVE YOU MONEY

From baking soda pastes to freezer tricks, footwear experts reveal the household cleaning hacks that can extend the life of your favourite shoes.

As wetter weather sets in and muddy conditions become harder to avoid, many shoppers are rethinking how they care for their footwear.

With replacement costs rising and environmental concerns growing, the focus is shifting towards practical, affordable ways to keep shoes looking fresh for longer.

Footwear specialists at Elevate Your Sole say more people are searching for simple at-home cleaning solutions rather than investing in costly specialist kits or replacing worn pairs too quickly.

DIY shoe cleaning solutions that actually work

You do not need expensive products to revive tired footwear. According to experts, the key lies in using the right technique for each material and sticking to common household ingredients already found in most kitchen cupboards.

White trainers, for example, can be refreshed with a paste made from baking soda, white vinegar and warm water.

Applied gently with a soft brush, such as an old toothbrush, the mixture helps lift stubborn dirt and restore brightness. Removing laces before cleaning is also recommended to prevent dirt transfer and ensure a more even finish.

Rubber soles can benefit from another unlikely hero. Non-gel white toothpaste can help remove black marks when lightly scrubbed and wiped clean with a damp cloth.

For tougher scuffs, a small amount of acetone nail polish remover can be dabbed onto a cotton pad, but it should never be used on fabric.

Even potato starch has a place in footwear care. Rubbing the cut side of a raw potato over scuffed trainers can help lift stains and restore shine without harsh chemicals.

Taking care of suede

The Footwear specialists at Elevate Your Sole commented: “Suede requires a much gentler approach than other materials, and immediately cleaning with water is often the biggest mistake people make.

Suede requires a far more delicate approach than other materials

Always start by dry brushing with a suede brush or soft toothbrush, moving in one direction to avoid damaging the nap. For stains, lightly dab a tiny amount of white vinegar on a cloth, but never soak the suede, then allow it to dry naturally before brushing again to restore its texture.

You can even use steam from a kettle to lift flattened fibres before brushing. However, most importantly, never place suede shoes on radiators or direct heat, as this can cause shrinkage and hardening."

How to maintain leather

Leather shoes also require gentle care to prevent long-term damage. Experts advise wiping away dirt with a damp cloth and a diluted mild soap solution or a vinegar-and-water solution, followed by conditioning to maintain suppleness.

Leather shoes should always be cleaned gently to avoid damage, and care should be taken not to soak the material.

Start by using a damp cloth with diluted mild soap or a vinegar-and-water solution to wipe away dirt and stubborn marks.

After cleaning, apply a leather conditioner to prevent cracking and maintain suppleness, especially during colder months.

For an extra boost, a small drop of olive oil can restore shine, so make sure to apply sparingly and buff well with a soft cloth.

Always finish with a dry cloth to buff the leather and apply a protective spray before heading out in the rain to prevent staining and long-term damage.”

Freshening up smelly shoes

Household items can also help combat unpleasant odours. The specialists noted: “To tackle odours in shoes, simple household tricks can be highly effective. Sprinkle bicarbonate of soda inside the shoe and leave overnight, then shake out the next day to absorb lingering smells.

"Dry tea bags can also be placed inside shoes to naturally absorb odours.

"For a deeper clean, pop shoes in a sealed bag and freeze them overnight, as this kills odour-causing bacteria and helps keep footwear fresh.”

The common mistakes to avoid

A common mistake includes washing trainers in the washing machine.

While many cleaning methods can extend the lifespan of shoes, experts warn that everyday mistakes can cause lasting damage.

They said: "Some of the most common mistakes we see when it comes to shoe care include washing trainers in the washing machine. This can weaken adhesives, distort their shape, and damage the cushioning.

"Also, using harsh chemicals or bleach on white materials often leads to yellowing or permanent discolouration, so it’s much better to use baking soda and white vinegar solutions instead.

“Drying shoes directly on radiators can also cause leather to crack, warp, or shrink, so it’s recommended to let shoes dry naturally. Scrubbing suede with water flattens the nap and leaves visible marks. "

Furthermore, storing damp shoes without allowing them to fully dry creates an environment for mould, odours, and material breakdown.

These seemingly small mistakes can have a major impact on the durability and appearance of footwear, ultimately significantly shortening the lifespan of shoes and turning what could be long-lasting pairs into a short-term fix.”