Known for its one-of-a-kind creations and stylish designs, Steve Madden has certainly created quite a name for itself in the fashion world. Most fashion enthusiasts will agree that Steve Madden is the go-to brand for uber-chic, trendy, and comfortable footwear. But, like most people, you might be thinking “How to clean Steve Madden shoes?”
Steve Madden shoes are relatively easy to maintain and care for, so you can rest assured your shoes will stay an unforgettable part of your wardrobe for many years to come. You can clean your Steve Madden shoes manually or use the washing machine, but the latter is not always the best idea.
Like any other brand of shoes, it is essential to clean your Steve Madden shoes to maintain its longevity, durability, and new-found appearance. Keep reading to see how you can clean your Steve Madden shoes to keep them in their best condition.
How to Clean Steve Madden Shoes at Home
Like any other brand of shoes, it is essential to clean your Steve Madden shoes to maintain its longevity, durability, and new-found appearance. When maintaining and caring for your beloved Steve Maddens, it can help to consult with the official guidelines of the brand.
Having said that, here are the materials you will need to wash your Steve Madden shoes at home:
- Detergent or Mild soap
- Warm Water
- Towel
- A soft brush or toothbrush
- Clean cloth
Washing Machine Method
Steve Madden shoes are known for their style, comfort, and convenience. Hence, it’s crucial to evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of washing your shoes in the washing machine and proceed cautiously.
Step 1: Prepare the Shoes
Remove any parts that can be detached from the shoes and keep them in a separate bag so that they do not get tangled with each other.
Step 2: Place Shoes in the Laundry Bag
Keep each shoe in a separate laundry bag, preferably made out of mesh. This way, your shoes can stay protected from making direct contact with the agitator. Furthermore, it also reduces friction.
Step 3: Add Detergent
Put a tiny amount of mild laundry detergent to the washer. Do not forget to check out the manufacturer’s guidelines for the size of the load. Choose a mild, chemical-free, bleach-free, and color-safe laundry detergent. Harsh detergents tend to have an adverse impact on the color and material of the shoes.
Step 4: Select the Right Settings
Use cold water and the most gentle cycle setting available on your washing machine, such as “hand wash” or “delicate,” to reduce the impact on your Steve Madden shoes.
Step 5: Start the Washing Machine
After placing the shoes in the mesh laundry bags, put it inside the washing machine and begin the cycle.
Step 6: Air Dry
Once the cycle is completed, take out the shoes from the bag and reshape them gently (if required). Then, let the shoes dry naturally without using any heat sources or exposing it to sunlight. You can also add some crumpled newspapers or cloth to maintain their shape.
Note: Machine washing is certainly not appropriate for all types of shoe materials. Moreover, there’s a risk of color getting faded, shoe materials getting damaged, and shape getting distorted.
So, unless you are absolutely confident about machine washing, it is best to hand-wash your Steve Madden shoes to maintain their beauty, elegance, and longevity.
Manual Cleaning Method
If you do not prefer to put your Steve Madden shoes in the washing machine, don’t worry. Another method is to prepare a cleaning solution and then dip the cloth in it to gently rub the areas that have been affected. This can include cleaning different parts of the shoe such as the sole and upper.
Before you apply the cleaning solution, it is recommended to gather all the essential things for the cleaning process and get rid of any debris or dirt from the shoes with a piece of cloth or soft brush.
You can simply clean them manually by using a soft-bristled brush to get rid of the debris and dirt from the shoes’ surface.
One of the most common cleaning solutions is to prepare a mild soap and water solution. Then, dampen a piece of cloth and gently scrub the shoes’ surface with a tiny amount of mild soap.
It is up to you whether you want to use a soft cloth or a sponge to apply the soap-water solution on your shoes.
Finally, it’s vital that you rinse off the shoes thoroughly after manually cleaning them. If you own leather Steve Madden shoes, you will need to use a leather conditioner after cleaning it to protect their appearance.
Rest assured, the best way to ensure the cleanliness of your Steve Madden shoes is to prevent wearing them in muddy or wet conditions.
Having said that, each of these methods is well suited for different show materials and dirt levels. Hence, you should only opt for the method that best matches your situation.
Pros and Cons of Machine Washing
|
Pros |
Cons |
|
Saves time and effort |
Color fading and shape distortion |
|
Consistent results |
Detergent residue |
|
Thorough cleaning |
Potential damage |
Essential Tips for Machine-Washing
Read Care Instructions
Steve Madden offers constructive guidance on cleaning footwear. However, the brand also features disclaimers and warnings to make sure you perform the cleaning process cautiously.
At Steve Madden, you will see that if you use the wrong cleaning tools and techniques, your shoes can suffer from irreversible damage. The use of harsh chemicals, soaking the shoes in water, or over-scrubbing can result in material warping, color fading, and deteriorating in the overall look.
Since different shoe designs call for different approaches, it is important to view the care guidelines provided with the pair of shoes you own from Steve Madden. The care label might include the specific warnings or instructions you need to follow before washing.
Try it Out in a Small Area First
In addition, Steve Madden guides customers to test out a cleaning item on a tiny and unnoticeable part of your shoe before applying it on the whole shoe. This way, you can avoid unforeseen reactions that can potentially damage your footwear.
Do Not Rush
The best thing to do is to let your shoes dry fully before reusing them. However, you should avoid using direct sources of heat like hair dryers because the materials can warp or shrink.
Do Not Submerge
In general, you should avoid dipping your suede or leather shoes in water because this tends to damage the texture and shape altogether. Instead, spot cleaning is more preferable.
Use the Right Brushes
Always go for a toothbrush or soft brush to clean suede shoes to prevent damaging or scraping the shoe materials.
Stay Gentle
Whichever material the shoe is composed of, you should always keep a gentle hand while cleaning your Steve Madden shoes. If you scrub excessively, then you can expect the material of the shoe to degrade. Moreover, it can also lead to color fading.
Rest assured, if you follow these necessary precautions and steps, you can easily wash your Steve Madden shoes by hand and maintain their optimal style.
How Materials Can Affect Washability
The selection of shoe material plays a significant role in affecting the washability of Steve Madden shoes. As per the brand’s official stance, the washability of their shoes comes down to the material they’re composed of.
In general, the brand does not recommend you to submerge your suede or leather shoes in water. This is because it can distort the material and result in irreparable damage. Instead, the brand recommends you can use a damp cloth to wipe away the stains or dirt gently.
For suede or leather Steve Madden shoes, you will need to use special cleaning products for spot cleaning that are especially designed for those materials to maintain their distinctive textures.
However, fabric and canvas Steve Madden shoes can be washed gently using a soft brush and a mild soap and water solution. Regardless, it is crucial to prevent excess moisture and allow them to dry naturally in the air to prevent material deforming and color fading.
Therefore, by having a proper understanding of the particular material your Steve Madden shoes are composed of, you can determine the cleaning approach that best suits your needs.
At the same time, you must know that prevention is essential when it comes to caring for your shoes. By applying protective sprays regularly and storing your shoes adequately, you can significantly extend the lifespan of your shoes and minimize the cleaning frequency.
Now, I will talk about the different ways of how you can clean different types of Steve Madden Shoes. As a result, it is important to comprehend the materials a pair of Steve Madden shoes is composed of so as to appreciate their expertise and determine the best way to care for them.
Leather
Leather is an everlasting classic material that you will mainly find in the majority of Steve Madden shoe designs. In addition to offering extra durability, leather also radiates sheer sophistication, elegance, and grace.
Leather Steve Madden shoes are naturally water-resistant to some extent, making them unlikely to stain. Still, it goes without saying that you need to condition them regularly to avoid cracking and drying.
Suede
Suede is another kind of leather that is recognized for its mildly textured and soft surface. It gives off an interesting velvet-kind of an appearance, radiating luxuriousness. As a result, Steve Madden shoes made from suede material definitely have a touch of opulence to them.
Still, it is slightly more subtle than normal leather, which can be a drawback because it can often catch water and stain marks. These shoes require specialized suede cleaners and brushes for proper maintenance.
For a pair of suede Steve Madden shoes, you might require light sandpaper or a suede brush. This process will aid in loosening the dirt and raising the naps of the leather. By all means, do not use water on suede since the dissolved minerals can result in spotting.
For glue or paint stain marks, you can use fine sandpaper. Moreover, the soft side of an emery board or a gum eraser serves as an incredible tool for getting rid of spots.
Canvas
Canvas is relatively light in weight and breathable that is typically used in Steve Madden’s sporty and casual footwear collection. It is multipurpose and comfortable. This is why canvas material serves as an ideal choice for slip-ons and sneakers.
Even though canvas is a relatively easy material to clean, it is vital to prevent warping, color fading, and exposing it to excessive moisture.
Synthetic Materials
Finally, Steve Madden also includes the use of a vast range of synthetic materials like mesh, faux leather, etc., in its shoe designs. These materials provide you with impressive textures, added flexibility, and a variety of color options.
In general, synthetic materials are relatively easy to clean compared to natural materials. However, you must still treat them with care to prevent damage.
4 Reasons You Need to Clean Your Steve Madden Shoes
There are multiple factors that can lead to the need for cleaning or washing Steve Madden shoes, including accidental spills, daily wear, and the longing to look your finest for a special event.
If you clean your shoes regularly, you can significantly prevent the buildup of dust, dirt, and grime, and maintain their original shape and look.
Some of these are just proactive measures to caring for your Steve Madden shoes to make sure they continue looking stylish and fresh and their overall longevity is extended.
Whether you are investing in suede, leather, synthetic materials, or canvas, a slight amount of attention and caring can go a long way in maintaining your Steve Madden shoes’ elegance and charm.
Having said that, here are just a couple reasons why you may need to clean or wash your Steve Madden shoes.
Accidental Spills and Stains
We all have encountered unexpected accidental moments, and stains and spills are often a part of it. Regardless of how much you try to stay careful, accidental spills and stains are almost unavoidable.
A coffee disaster, an unexpected rain shower, or a blob of spilt ketchup can certainly leave the worst of the worst stain marks on a pair of shoes. And if those pairs of shoes happen to be Steve Madden, even the best of us will start panicking.
As distressing as it can be, you don’t need to worry. These marks do not have to be permanent. As long as you know the right techniques of cleaning for the shoes’ material, anyone can deal with these minor stain marks easily and restore the original look and glory of their shoes.
Getting Ready for Special Occasions
Steve Madden shoes are often worn on special occasions, mainly because of their chic and stylish designs. Steve madden shoes serve as the ideal footwear for weddings, anniversaries, formal parties, and other festive celebrations.
Still, in order to make your grand debut, it is important to make sure that your shoes are in their best condition.
An in-depth cleaning session is bound to get rid of any dust, grime, or scuffs that might have built up since you last wore your Steve Madden shoes. This way, you can rest assured you will radiate with confidence as you step into the limelight.
Maintaining your Shoes’ Longevity
Apart from these visual benefits, cleaning your Steve Madden shoes can also significantly add to their durability. Dust, debris, and dirt often accumulate into the shoes and weaken the fibers with time.
As a result, frequent cleaning can prevent them from seeping into the materials. By taking these issues into account and caring for your Steve Madden shoes, you can certainly prolong their lifespan and savor their luxurious appeal for a much longer time.
Caring for Different Materials
The reasons for cleaning and washing Steve Madden shoes tend to vary, depending on the shoes’ material. For instance, if your shoes are made of suede or leather, they can vastly benefit from spot-cleaning and consistent conditioning to maintain their shine and softness.
On the other hand, fabric and canvas shoes are more prone to noticeable stains and dirt, usually because of their lighter tones. This is why it is important to clean them regularly to maintain their fresh look.
Conclusion
Steve Madden shoes are certainly popular among fashion enthusiasts and they are exclusively designed to be bragged and enjoyed. But, like all types of footwear, Steve Madden shoes are also subjected to wear and tear.
If you plan to step out in style, then you are bound to experience some extent of wearing away in your shoes. Whether you are casually taking a stroll on the streets under the city lights or swaying to the tune of your favorite music, your Steve Madden shoes can gather up some dust, dirt, or minor scrapes and scuffs over time.
As a result, it is crucial for you to maintain the cleanliness of your shoes to extend its longevity and overall appearance. Moreover, if you want to get your hands on the most stunning looking Steve Madden shoes, head over to freakyshoes.com and shop your hearts out.
