How to clean second hand shoes? Cleaning Hacks

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Suddenly you choose to buy a second hand shoe. And now you want to make it like brand new. Thinking about how to clean second hand shoes? Well, you’re in the right place! I have got some killer cleaning hacks that’ll have your useful treasures looking spick and span.

In this guide, I will share expert tips, tricks, and innovative hacks to help you refresh, sanitize, and restore pre-loved footwear. Discover the art of sole rejuvenation and step confidently into a world where your second-hand shoes look as good as new!

The Importance of Cleaning and Disinfecting Second-Hand Shoes

Okay, imagine you find cool second-hand shoes. Exciting, right? But here’s the deal – they might be carrying germs and smells from their previous owner. That’s where cleaning comes in. I learned it the hard way – cleaning isn’t just about making them look good; it’s about keeping your feet healthy and comfy. So, let’s dive into why cleaning used shoes is super important – my own experience taught me that it’s not just a choice; it’s a must-do for a happy and healthy shoe adventure!

How to clean second hand shoes

So, you’ve stumbled upon a pair of second-hand shoes and can’t wait to make them your own, right? You have to know how to clean second hand shoes. Well, let me share my experience on how to give those treasures a proper clean.

1. First Look:

So, I got these shoes, but they were kind of dirty. I checked them for any obvious mess like mud or stains.

2. Taking Apart:

I took out the inside stuff like the soft part and the laces. It just made sense to clean them separately.

3. Tough Stains:

Some spots didn’t want to go away. I put a little bit of soapy stuff on them and let it sit for a while – like a superhero treatment for stains.

4. Cleaning Time:

Depending on what the shoes were made of,

• Leather and Suede: Wiped them down with a damp cloth. Didn’t want to soak them to avoid any damage.
• Canvas and Fabric: Some handwashing with mild soap or a machine run if they could take it.
• Athletic Shoes: Gave them a good brush to remove excess dirt and tossed them in the machine if the care label agreed.

5. Special Care for Inside and Laces:

The soft inside and the laces needed their own spa day. Soaking in soapy water and a gentle scrub did the trick.

6. Washing Off:

Rinsed off all the soap, making sure there was no soapy stuff left. For some shoes, I just wiped them clean.

7. Drying Drama:

Let them dry in the air, not in the sun. Stuffed them with newspaper to keep their shape – it’s like letting them take a nap.

8. Smell-Be-Gone:

Put a bit of baking soda inside and used a special thing to keep them smelling nice.

9. Leather Love:

If your shoes are leather (like fancy shoes), give them a little lotion once they’re dry. It keeps them soft and happy.

10. Last Check:

Once everything was dry, I looked them over one more time. Any spots I missed? Any weird smells left? I gave them a final wipe if needed.

Now, my shoes aren’t just clean; they’re like brand new.

How to Machine Wash Second Hand Shoes

Okay, let me also share how I tackled machine washing some second-hand shoes. It worked out pretty well, so here’s the rundown:

1. Get Them Ready:

First off, I gave the shoes a little shake to get rid of loose dirt. Took out the insoles and laces too.

2. Look for Instructions:

Checked if there were any care labels or instructions on the shoes. It’s crucial to know if they’re up for a spin in the washing machine.

3. Fight the Stains:

Found a couple of stubborn spots. Put a bit of mild detergent on them and let it sit for a bit. It’s like giving them a pre-wash spa treatment.

4. Protective Gear:

Tossed the shoes into a mesh laundry bag. This protects them from getting roughed up in the machine.

5. Set the Machine Right:

Used the gentle cycle and cold water. No hot water – don’t want the colors to go wonky.

6. Mild Detergent Only:

Poured in a bit of mild laundry detergent. No bleach or harsh stuff – we want clean shoes, not damaged ones.

7. Balancing Act:

Threw in a few towels to balance the load. This keeps the shoes from bouncing around too much.

8. No Spinning Allowed:

Skipped the spin cycle. It can be a bit too rough on the shoes.

9. Post-Wash Care:

After the wash, took the shoes out. Stuffed them with newspaper to help them keep their shape and soak up extra water.

10. Air Dry Time:

Let them air dry in a breezy spot. No direct sun or heaters – they need a gentle drying session.

11. Insole and Lace TLC:

Cleaned the insoles and laces separately. Soaked them in a mix of mild detergent and water, then let them air dry.

12. Final Check:

Once fully dry, gave the shoes a once-over. Any missed spots? Any damage? Wiped them down with a damp cloth for a polished finish.

So, that’s how I machine washed my second-hand shoes. They came out looking good, and it wasn’t too much of a hassle!

Is it okay to get shoes from a thrift store?

Buying shoes from a thrift store can be okay, but it’s smart to be careful. Here’s how:

• Check the shoes for any problems, like damage or signs that they’re too worn out.
• Make sure the shoes aren’t dirty or smelly. You can clean them, but it’s good to know.
• Take a peek at the inside part of the shoes. If you can take it out, see how it looks. You can get new insoles if needed.
• Different materials need different cleaning. Leather and fabric can usually be cleaned well, but sports shoes might need special care.
• If you can, try the shoes on. See if they feel good and if there are any problems.
• Check the bottom part of the shoes for signs of wear. Too much wear might mean they’re too old.
• Some brands make really good shoes. If you see a good brand, it might mean the shoes were good quality to begin with.
• Once you buy the shoes, clean and disinfect them well before wearing. This helps get rid of any germs or smells.
• If you feel unsure about the shoes, it’s okay to skip them. Your comfort is the most important thing.
• Make sure the shoes are the right size for you. Even if they’re a great find, if they don’t fit well, they won’t be comfortable.

So, be careful, clean them up, and enjoy your new-to-you shoes!

Extra Tip: Hey, here’s a neat trick I tried after cleaning my second-hand shoes: So, I had a lemon, right? Peeled off a bit of the outside part, the zest. I put a small piece into each shoe. Left it there overnight. Next day? My shoes smelled all citrusy and fresh. Just remember to take out the citrus before putting your shoes on. It’s like a little fruity magic to keep things nice and smelling good!

Conclusion

Alright, let me wrap up my shoe-cleaning journey with some easy-to-follow thoughts:

So, after enter into the world of cleaning second-hand shoes, I’ve got to say, it’s been quite a ride. From checking for stains to giving them a spin in the washing machine, we’ve covered the whole thing.

Now, armed with these simple tricks, my shoes are looking snazzy! It’s all about being gentle, using the right stuff, and having a bit of patience. Leather, canvas, sports shoes – we’ve got them all covered.

So, how to clean second hand shoes? When it comes to cleaning up second hand buying shoes or your pre-loved kicks, remember these easy steps. Your shoes will not only look cool but also feel super fresh. Time to step out and show off those revamped treasures!