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How Often You Should Clean Your Shoes
Reviewed by Zac Kieffer
Updated: September 10, 2025
Discover the ideal shoe cleaning frequency to keep your footwear fresh, durable, and looking great every day.
How Often You Should Clean Your Shoes
How Often to Clean Your Shoes
Everyday Use: If you're wearing your shoes daily and they’re your go-to pair for commuting or errands, it's smart to give them a light wipe or dust-off every 1-2 weeks to keep grime from building up.
Heavy Outdoor Activity: Shoes that take on mud, dust, or rain—think hiking boots or sneakers used on construction sites—can benefit from a quick clean every week or even after particularly messy outings. This frequency not only keeps them looking better but also extends their life by preventing abrasive dirt from damaging surfaces.
Special Materials: Delicate materials like suede or nubuck can show stains quickly, but over-cleaning can ruin the texture. For these, cleaning every 2-3 weeks is sufficient unless you notice visible dirt or odor. These intervals strike a balance between maintaining appearance and preserving material integrity.
Limited-Use or Formal Shoes: Shoes that are reserved for special occasions or infrequent wear typically only need cleaning before or after events. However, if stored for a long time, even these benefit from a gentle clean every month or so to keep dust and potential mildew at bay.
Indoor vs. Outdoor: Indoor shoes or slippers usually accumulate less dirt compared to those used outside. For indoor footwear, a routine weekly dusting is usually adequate unless you’re dealing with spills or pet hair.
Understanding the usage pattern is key. Regular cleaning prevents the build-up of bacteria and odors and also stops abrasive dirt from wearing down the material. By tailoring your cleaning schedule to the environment and material of your shoes, you'll be rewarding both your footwear’s appearance and its durability.
Consequences of Skipping Shoes Cleaning
Odor Overload: Shoes are like little sweat factories for your feet. Skip cleaning, and you’re basically inviting a stinky sock convention. Dirt, sweat, and whatever you stepped in (don’t ask) build up, leading to persistent odors that even air fresheners can’t mask.
Shorter Shoe Lifespan: Dirt and grime aren’t just ugly—they’re abrasive. Over time, they wear down the fabric, leather, or mesh, causing cracks, fading, and fraying. If you want your shoes to last, regular cleaning is non-negotiable.
Stains That Settle In: The longer you let mud, salt, or mystery stains sit, the harder they are to remove. Some stains can even become permanent, especially on lighter materials. Think of it like letting spaghetti sauce dry on your favorite white shirt—never a good idea.
Unwanted Guests (a.k.a. Bacteria and Fungi): Shoes are a cozy home for bacteria and fungi, especially when they’re damp and dirty. This can lead to things like athlete’s foot or just plain funky feet. Regular cleaning helps wipe away these unwelcome squatters.
Worn-Out Insoles and Interiors: Dirt and moisture can break down the inside of your shoes, making insoles lose their shape and support. That means less comfort and more aches for your feet.
Bad First Impressions: Like it or not, people notice shoes. Dirty kicks can send the wrong message, whether you’re at work, on a date, or just running errands. Clean shoes say you care—even if you’re just faking it till you make it.
Tracking Mess Indoors: Skipping shoe cleaning means you’re bringing the outside in. Dirt, pollen, and who-knows-what-else hitch a ride on your soles, making your floors dirtier and your cleaning routine harder.
Mix equal parts baking soda and white vinegar to form a paste. Apply the paste to your shoes using a soft brush or cloth, gently scrubbing any stains or dirt. Let it sit for a few minutes, then wipe clean with a damp cloth. This natural method helps remove grime and deodorizes your shoes.
Limited Deep Cleaning
Baking soda and white vinegar may not penetrate deeply enough to remove embedded dirt, stains, or odors from shoes, leading to limited cleaning results. This DIY method is often ineffective for thorough or deep cleaning needs.
Toothpaste and Soft Brush
Apply a small amount of toothpaste to a soft brush. Gently scrub the shoes in circular motions, focusing on stained or dirty areas. Wipe clean with a damp cloth to reveal refreshed, brighter shoes.
Residue Build-Up Risk
Using toothpaste and a soft brush can leave residue on shoes if not rinsed thoroughly. This residue may attract dirt, cause discoloration, or create a sticky surface, reducing the effectiveness and appearance of your cleaned shoes.
Lemon Juice and Salt Scrub
Mix equal parts lemon juice and salt to form a paste. Apply the mixture to the shoes using a soft cloth or brush, gently scrubbing stained or dirty areas. Let it sit for a few minutes, then wipe clean with a damp cloth. This natural scrub helps remove stains and brightens shoes.
Material Damage Potential
Lemon juice is acidic and can weaken or discolor shoe materials, while salt is abrasive and may scratch or damage delicate surfaces, leading to potential fading, roughness, or deterioration of the shoe’s finish.
Pour micellar water onto a cotton pad and gently wipe the surface of your shoes. The micellar water lifts dirt and grime without harsh scrubbing, leaving your shoes clean and refreshed. Suitable for most materials and quick for spot cleaning.
Ineffective Stain Removal
Micellar water and a cotton pad may not effectively lift or break down tough stains on shoes, leading to incomplete cleaning and visible residue, especially on deeply embedded or stubborn marks.
Our high-performance microfiber products simplify cleaning, making it quick, easy, and effective, so you can enjoy visible results without the fuss. No streaks, just results.
