How to Clean and Maintain Kids' Shoes: Complete Care Guide

Children have an extraordinary talent for getting their shoes dirty. From muddy puddles to grass stains, playground scuffs to food spills, kids' shoes face challenges that most adult footwear never encounters. Proper cleaning and maintenance not only keeps shoes looking presentable but also extends their lifespan, saving money and ensuring continued comfort and support for growing feet. This guide covers everything you need to know about caring for your children's footwear.

Daily Maintenance Habits

Prevention is the best medicine when it comes to shoe care. Establishing simple daily habits can significantly reduce the need for deep cleaning and extend shoe life.

After-School Routine

When your child comes home, make it a habit to check their shoes. Knock soles together outside to remove loose dirt and debris. For muddy shoes, let mud dry completely before brushing off – wet mud smears and stains, while dried mud brushes away easily.

Use a soft brush or old toothbrush to remove dirt from crevices and seams. A quick wipe with a damp cloth removes surface dust and prevents buildup. This daily maintenance takes just a minute or two but prevents the need for intensive cleaning later.

Proper Storage

Store shoes in a well-ventilated area, not crammed in school bags where moisture builds up. Shoe racks or dedicated shelving allows air circulation, which helps shoes dry between wears and prevents odour development. Avoid storing shoes in direct sunlight, which can fade colours and dry out leather.

For wet shoes, stuff with newspaper to absorb moisture and help maintain shape while drying. Replace the newspaper every few hours until shoes are dry. Never use direct heat sources like hair dryers or radiators, as heat can damage adhesives and warp materials.

Cleaning Leather Shoes

Leather school shoes are a significant investment and require proper care to maintain their appearance and durability throughout the school year.

Regular Cleaning

For routine cleaning, start by removing laces if present. Use a soft, damp cloth to wipe away surface dirt. For stubborn marks, use a mild soap solution – a drop of dish soap in warm water works well. Apply with a soft cloth, working in circular motions. Rinse the cloth and wipe away soap residue. Allow to dry naturally away from direct heat.

Conditioning and Polishing

Leather needs conditioning to stay supple and prevent cracking. After cleaning and drying, apply a quality leather conditioner using a soft cloth. Work it into the leather in circular motions and allow it to absorb for 10-15 minutes before buffing with a clean cloth.

Polish adds shine and provides a protective layer. Choose a polish colour that matches your child's shoes. Apply with a soft cloth or brush, let dry, and buff to a shine. For school shoes, a weekly polish routine keeps them looking smart.

Dealing with Scuffs

Scuffs are inevitable with active children. For light scuffs, a good polish often covers the damage. For deeper scuffs on black shoes, a black permanent marker can help disguise the damage before polishing. Leather scuff removers are available for stubborn marks.

Cleaning Canvas and Fabric Shoes

Canvas sneakers and fabric shoes are popular for casual wear. They can often be machine washed, but hand cleaning is gentler and extends shoe life.

Hand Cleaning Method

Remove laces and insoles. Mix warm water with a small amount of mild laundry detergent. Use a soft brush or old toothbrush to scrub the canvas, working the soapy water into stained areas. Rinse thoroughly with clean water, ensuring all soap is removed. Stuff with newspaper and air dry.

Machine Washing

Check the manufacturer's label first – not all fabric shoes are machine washable. For those that are, remove laces and insoles, and place shoes in a mesh laundry bag or pillowcase. Use cold water on a gentle cycle with mild detergent. Add towels to balance the load and cushion the shoes. Never put shoes in the dryer – air dry only.

White Canvas Care

White canvas shoes show every mark but can be restored to brightness. For whitening, make a paste of baking soda and water. Apply to the canvas with a toothbrush, scrub gently, and let sit for 30 minutes before rinsing. For stubborn stains, add a small amount of hydrogen peroxide to the paste. Commercial canvas whiteners are also effective.

Cleaning Sports Shoes

Athletic shoes face unique challenges, from sweaty interiors to grass and mud on outdoor surfaces.

Exterior Cleaning

For mesh and synthetic uppers, use a soft brush to remove dried mud and debris. Clean with mild soapy water and a soft brush, rinsing well. For leather or synthetic leather elements, wipe clean with a damp cloth.

Interior Cleaning

The inside of sports shoes can harbour bacteria and odour. Remove insoles and wash separately in soapy water. Wipe the interior with a cloth dampened with a mixture of water and white vinegar (equal parts), which helps kill odour-causing bacteria. Allow to dry completely before reinserting insoles.

For persistent odour, sprinkle baking soda inside shoes and leave overnight, then shake out before wearing. Commercial shoe deodorisers and antibacterial sprays are also effective.

Sole Cleaning

Rubber soles can be scrubbed with an old toothbrush and soapy water. For white soles that have yellowed, a paste of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide applied with a toothbrush can help restore brightness. Rinse thoroughly and dry in shade.

Special Situations

Gum Removal

Place the shoe in a plastic bag and freeze for several hours. Once the gum is frozen solid, it should pop off or scrape away easily with a butter knife or old credit card. Any residue can be removed with a small amount of peanut butter or eucalyptus oil worked into the area, then wiped clean.

Salt Stains

Winter salt stains on leather can be removed with a solution of equal parts water and white vinegar. Apply with a soft cloth, let sit for a few minutes, then wipe clean. Condition leather after removing salt stains to restore moisture.

Grass Stains

For canvas shoes, pre-treat grass stains with white vinegar or a paste of dish soap and baking soda. Work into the stain, let sit for 30 minutes, then wash. For leather, try wiping with a solution of equal parts water and rubbing alcohol.

Waterproofing and Protection

Preventive treatments help protect shoes from stains and water damage. Waterproofing sprays create a barrier that repels liquids, giving you time to wipe away spills before they stain.

Apply waterproofing spray to clean, dry shoes in a well-ventilated area. Hold the can 15-20cm from the shoe and spray evenly. Allow to dry completely before wearing. Reapply every few weeks for continued protection, or more frequently for shoes that get wet regularly.

When Professional Cleaning is Worth It

Sometimes DIY cleaning isn't enough. Consider professional shoe cleaning for expensive shoes that need restoration, stubborn stains you can't remove at home, suede or nubuck leather that requires specialist care, or shoes with sentimental value that you want preserved.

Professional cobblers can also repair damage that extends beyond cleaning, such as re-gluing separated soles, replacing worn heel tips, and conditioning severely dried-out leather.

Creating a Shoe Care Kit

Keep these items on hand for regular shoe maintenance: soft cloths and brushes, mild soap or shoe cleaner, leather conditioner and polish, suede brush and eraser, waterproofing spray, baking soda for odours, and white vinegar for cleaning solutions. A dedicated shoe care kit makes maintenance easier and more likely to happen regularly.