How To Clean Faux Leather Shoes the Right Way
Faux leather garments are becoming more and more popular, from jackets to bags. Shoes, on the other, have been in the game for quite some time now. They are durable and stylish, but they also need proper care to maintain their quality.
Unlike genuine leather shoes, you do not need expensive leather cleaners or conditioners to care for faux leather shoes. With a few simple steps and some household items, your faux leather shoes can look as good as new.
Here’s how to clean your faux leather shoes the right way.
Gather Your Materials
Before you begin cleaning your faux leather shoes, make sure you have all the necessary materials ready. The items that you’ll need are:
- A soft-bristled brush or a clean, lint-free cloth
- Warm water
- Mild soap or detergent
- Baking soda or cornstarch (optional)
- A towel or microfiber cloth for wiping and drying
- Vinegar (optional)
- Mink oil (for dark-color faux leather shoes)
- Coconut oil (optional)
What Are Faux Leather Shoes?
Faux leather shoes, also known as vegan leather, fake leather, or artificial leather, are made without using any animal products. Instead, they're made from synthetic materials like PU leather (polyurethane) or PVC (polyvinyl chloride).
These shoes may look and feel like real leather, but they're not. The big difference is, that faux leather shoes are kinder to our animal friends. There's another plus too. They're often less expensive than shoes made from real leather.
So, if you love the look of leather but want to make choices that are good for animals and your wallet, faux leather shoes could be just right for you!
Read related article: What Is Faux Leather Shoes? Is It Real Leather?
Wipe Off The Dirt
Synthetic leather shoes are often easy to clean. First, use a clean cloth, soft cloth, or microfiber to wipe off any loose dirt or dust. Taking care of your shoes this way can also be done with a faux leather jacket and other faux leather clothing. For a tougher stain, using a soft-bristled brush might be the way to go. With gentle strokes, the stain will start to fade.
Remember, too much force might harm your shoes or clothing. So, always stay gentle when cleaning faux leather. This method is a quick and effective way to keep your faux leather items looking their best.
Get your horsehair brush here!
Soap And Water Method
When it comes to washing your faux leather shoes, always use mild soap. It's a gentle yet effective way to get rid of any stubborn dirt. Simply mix a little mild soap with warm water in a bowl. Then, dip a clean cloth into the mixture and gently wipe the shoes. To clean and care for faux leather shoes even more deeply, you can use a cleaning brush.
But remember to be gentle as too much pressure can damage the material. Once done, wipe your shoes with a dry towel. This method will leave your faux leather shoes feeling supple and looking clean and fresh. Make sure to do this regularly to keep your shoes in top shape.
Baking Soda and Cornstarch Method
Another great way to clean your faux leather shoes is to use baking soda or cornstarch. This can be really handy if your shoes have a bad odor, or if your favorite faux leather sofa needs a freshen-up.
Baking soda and cornstarch are awesome because they're natural cleaners. They can help to deodorize and clean faux leather without using any harsh chemicals.
Just sprinkle a little bit onto the area you want to clean, then use a dry, clean cloth to gently rub it in.
After about 15 minutes, you can dust off any leftover powder. You'll see that not only does it help clean your faux leather, but it also helps to get rid of any bad smells.
And the best thing is, it's a super cheap and easy way to keep your faux leather items looking and smelling great!
For an all-natural deodorizer, check out Stone and Clark's Shoe Deodorizer Spray here!
Remove Stains With Vinegar
If you have stubborn stains on your faux leather footwear, you can use a mixture of vinegar and water to remove them. Gently scrub the stain with this mixture using a soft brush or cloth, then wipe it clean.
Sometimes, your faux leather shoes can get wet. If this happens, it's important to dry them the right way. After washing your faux leather shoes, hang them on a hanger. Let them air-dry in a cool, well-ventilated area. Never put them near a heat source or in direct sunlight, which can damage the material. If you need to speed up the drying process, you can use a hair dryer.
Just remember to hold the hair dryer 6–12 inches (15–30 cm) away from the shoes. This helps to prevent heat damage.
Use Mink Oil and Coconut Oil for Dark-Colored Faux Leather Shoes
Mink oil works best to waterproof your dark-colored faux leather shoes. It's a thick, fatty oil that is often used to protect and condition leather products.
To apply mink oil, brush off any dust or dirt from your shoes first. Then use a clean cloth to gently rub the oil onto your shoes in small circular motions. This will cover the material with a protective layer that repels water.
Coconut oil can also be used as a natural conditioner for faux leather shoes. It not only softens and moisturizes the material, but it also gives your shoes a shiny finish. Simply use a clean cloth to apply a small amount of coconut oil onto your shoes.
Leave them overnight or until the next day before lightly wiping off any excess oil with another clean cloth.
Key Takeaways
While faux leather shoes are not as high maintenance as genuine leather, they still require some care and attention to keep them looking their best. Regularly cleaning and conditioning your faux leather items will help prolong their lifespan and keep them in good condition.
Remember to use gentle cleaning methods and avoid harsh chemicals. With the right care, your faux leather shoes can last for years to come. And with these tips, you can keep them looking clean, fresh, and stylish.
