How to Clean Leather Shoes – Full Restoration Guide

June 23, 2020 Freaky Shoes

Cleaning leather shoes isn’t hard if you know what to use. The good news? There’s no need for expensive tools or fancy cleaning creams.

To clean leather shoes, wipe off dirt and use saddle soap or a mild cleaner. After this, dry the leather shoes naturally, and apply leather conditioner to keep them soft and looking new.

Want a step-by-step guide?

Here, we’ll show you how to clean leather shoes safely and easily. Whether they’re dirty, wet, stained, or even smelly, we’ve covered it all.

Key Points

Saddle soap is the best way to deep clean leather shoes without damage.
Baby shampoo is safe for soft and delicate leather.
Olive oil and vinegar can work when you don’t have polish.
Use baking soda and water to clean leather with home products.
If your shoes get wet, stuff them with newspaper and air dry them.
Use baking soda overnight to remove bad smells from leather shoes.
Never wash leather shoes in a machine — always clean them by hand.

How to Clean Leather Shoes – Saddle Soap and Soft Cloth Method

Cleaning leather shoes with saddle soap is one of the most effective ways to remove dirt. It helps restore softness if you follow the right steps:

Dust Removal: Use a soft brush or cloth to gently remove dust and dirt from the surface of the shoes.
Dampen Cloth: Dampen a clean cloth with lukewarm water and wring it out so it’s just slightly wet.
Create Lather: Rub the damp cloth over the saddle soap in small circles. Do this until it creates a light foam.
Clean the Leather: Gently rub the lather into the leather using circular motions.
Wipe Off Soap: Wipe off the soap using a clean cloth that is damp with plain water.
Air Dry: Let the shoes air dry naturally in a shaded, well-ventilated area. Do not place them near heaters or in direct sunlight.
Condition Leather: Once dry, apply a leather conditioner to keep the leather soft and prevent cracking, especially if it feels dry to the touch.

How to Clean Soft Leather Shoes at Home

Baby shampoo and water is a gentle cleaning method that works well for soft or delicate leather. It cleans without drying out or damaging the surface.

Step 1: Use a dry soft cloth to wipe off any loose dirt or dust from the leather surface.
Step 2: Add a few drops of baby shampoo into a small bowl of lukewarm water and mix well.
Step 3: Dip a clean cloth into the soapy water, then wring it out so it’s damp, not dripping.
Step 4: Wipe the leather gently with the damp cloth, using light pressure and smooth strokes.
Step 5: Use another cloth dipped in clean water to wipe away any leftover shampoo from the shoes.
Step 6: Pat the shoes dry with a clean towel, pressing gently to absorb excess moisture.
Step 7: Leave the shoes in a cool, dry area to air dry completely. Avoid heat or sunlight while drying.
Step 8: Once the shoes are fully dry, apply a small amount of leather conditioner if the leather feels stiff.

How to Clean Leather Shoes Without Polish

When you don’t have shoe polish, olive oil and vinegar can be used as a natural cleaner to clean leather shoes. Here’s what to do:

Remove Dust First: Wipe off dust and dirt using a dry soft cloth until the leather surface is clean.
Mix Cleaner: Mix two parts olive oil with one part white vinegar in a small bowl and stir to combine.
Spot Test: Test the mixture on a small hidden area of the shoe to make sure it doesn’t darken the leather.
Apply Mixture: Dip a clean soft cloth into the mixture, then rub it gently into the leather using circular motions.
Let It Soak: Let the mixture sit on the shoes for 10 to 15 minutes so the leather can absorb it.
Buff Shoes: Use a clean dry cloth to buff the shoes and remove any extra oil left on the surface.
Repeat If Needed: If the leather still looks dull, repeat the process using a small amount of oil.

How to Clean Leather Shoes with Household Products

Using baking soda and water is a simple and cheap way to clean leather shoes at home.

Step 1: Brush or wipe off any dirt or dust using a dry soft cloth or brush to prepare the surface.
Step 2: Mix one tablespoon of baking soda with a small amount of warm water to form a thick paste.
Step 3: Use a cloth or soft toothbrush to gently apply the paste to dirty or stained parts of the shoe.
Step 4: Let the paste sit on the leather for five minutes so it can lift dirt and absorb oils.
Step 5: Wipe away the paste using a clean damp cloth, making sure no residue is left on the shoe.
Step 6: Pat the shoes dry with a towel and let them finish air drying in a cool place, away from heat.
Step 7: If the leather looks dry after cleaning, apply a thin layer of conditioner to keep it soft.

How to Clean Leather Shoes Inside

Cleaning the inside of leather shoes helps remove odor, sweat, and bacteria. A mild soap and water solution is safe for inner lining.

Follow these seven steps to clean leather shoes from inside:

Step 1: Remove the insoles if possible and set them aside to clean separately.
Step 2: Mix a few drops of mild soap (like dish soap or baby shampoo) in a bowl of warm water.
Step 3: Dip a microfiber cloth into the solution, then wring it out so it’s just slightly damp.
Step 4: Gently wipe the inside of the shoe with the damp cloth, focusing on heel and toe areas.
Step 5: Use a clean cloth dampened with plain water to wipe away any soap residue.
Step 6: Leave the shoes open in a well-ventilated space to fully air dry before wearing again.
Step 7: For extra freshness, sprinkle a small amount of baking soda inside after drying.

How to Clean White Leather Shoes (White Toothpaste and Soft Brush Method)

White toothpaste is a quick and easy way to clean white leather shoes at home. It lifts stains, removes scuffs, and brightens the leather without harsh chemicals. Just follow these steps:

Remove Dirt: Use a dry cloth to wipe away any surface dirt or loose dust from the shoe.
Apply Toothpaste: Apply a small amount of non-gel white toothpaste directly onto stained or dirty spots.
Scrub Gently: Use a soft toothbrush or cloth to gently scrub the toothpaste into the leather using circular motions.
Wait: Let the toothpaste sit on the leather for about 5 minutes to lift the dirt.
Wipe Clean: Wipe off the toothpaste with a damp cloth until no residue is left.
Air Dry: Let the shoes air dry naturally in a cool place.

Even after cleaning with toothpaste, your leather shoes might still look creased. Here are the best ways to remove wrinkles from leather shoes.

How to Clean Leather Nike Shoes?

Nike leather shoes should be cleaned using a safe method that won’t damage their finish. If you don’t have Nike’s own cleaner, a simple dish soap and water solution works well for regular cleaning.

Step 1: Use a dry brush or cloth to remove dust and loose dirt from the shoe surface.
Step 2: Mix a few drops of mild dish soap into a small bowl of lukewarm water.
Step 3: Dip a clean cloth or soft sponge into the soapy water, then wring it out until just damp.
Step 4: Wipe the leather areas of the shoe gently, working in sections from front to back.
Step 5: Use a new damp cloth with plain water to remove any leftover soap.
Step 6: Let the shoes air dry at room temperature, away from heaters or direct sunlight.
Step 7: If you have Nike leather conditioner or protectant, apply it once the shoe is fully dry.

How to Clean Leather Shoes with Vinegar

A mix of vinegar and water is an easy way to clean leather shoes at home. It removes salt stains, sticky spots, and built-up grime.

Remove Dirt: Use a soft cloth or brush to wipe off loose dirt or dust from the shoe surface.
Mix Cleaning Solution: Mix equal parts white vinegar and warm water in a small bowl or spray bottle.
Dampen Cloth: Dip a soft cloth into the vinegar solution, then wring it out so it’s just damp.
Clean Leather: Gently rub the cloth over the leather, focusing on stained or dirty areas.
Rinse: Use a separate damp cloth with plain water to remove any leftover vinegar.
Dry Shoes: Pat the shoes dry with a towel and leave them to air dry completely in a shaded spot.

How to Clean Leather Shoes That Got Wet

If leather shoes get soaked, drying them the right way is key. Here’s what to do:

Step 1: Remove the insoles and laces from the wet shoes to help them dry faster and evenly.
Step 2: Use a clean cloth or paper towel to blot out as much water as possible from the leather.
Step 3: Stuff the shoes with crumpled newspaper to help absorb moisture and hold shape.
Step 4: Leave the shoes in a cool, dry spot to air-dry naturally for at least 24 to 48 hours.
Step 5: Replace the newspaper every few hours until it stops soaking up water.
Step 6: Once the shoes are fully dry, apply a leather conditioner to restore softness and prevent cracks.
Step 7: Let the conditioner soak in for a few hours before wearing or storing the shoes.

How to Clean Leather Shoes That Smell

Baking soda is one of the easiest and safest ways to get rid of odor in leather shoes. It absorbs moisture and neutralizes bad smells without harming the leather.

Step 1: Make sure the inside of the shoes is dry before you begin.
Step 2: Sprinkle 1 to 2 tablespoons of baking soda directly inside each shoe.
Step 3: Tilt the shoes back and forth to spread the powder across the insole.
Step 4: Leave the shoes in a cool, dry space overnight, or for at least 12 hours.
Step 5: In the morning, dump out the baking soda and tap the shoes to remove any powder left inside.
Step 6: Wipe the inside with a dry cloth to clean up any remaining residue.

How to Wash Leather Shoes in the Washer

Leather shoes should never go in the washing machine. Water and agitation can ruin the leather. Instead, always clean them gently by hand to protect their shape and quality. Similarly, Washing leather shoes in a machine is not safe. The water, heat, and spinning can warp the leather and cause cracks. Cleaning should always be done by hand using safe materials.

You can also give your cleaned-up leather shoes a second life by turning them into mules. Find out how to turn leather shoes into mules.

How to Clean Leather Shoes Before Painting

Before painting leather shoes, it’s important to remove any finish or wax from the surface. Acetone or leather deglazer helps strip the leather so the paint sticks better and lasts longer.

Step 1: Clean the shoes first with a cloth to remove dust, dirt, or grease.
Step 2: Pour a small amount of acetone or leather deglazer onto a clean cotton pad or cloth.
Step 3: Rub the solution gently over the leather surface using light, even strokes.
Step 4: Focus on all areas you plan to paint, making sure to remove the shiny finish.
Step 5: Let the shoes dry completely after deglazing for at least 15 to 30 minutes.
Step 6: Once dry, the leather should look matte and ready for paint application.
Step 7: Only start painting when the surface is dry and fully stripped of any coating.