Cleaning FAQ
How do you deep clean shoes without ruining them?
Identify the material first, then clean in zones (upper, midsole, outsole) with a soft brush, a little mild cleaner, and minimal water. Keep suede dry, condition leather, never soak or use heat, and air dry. For valuable or delicate pairs, professional cleaning avoids the risk entirely.
Do it by material, in zones
Start by working out what each part of the shoe is made of, leather, suede, mesh, canvas, or rubber, because each needs a different approach. Then clean in zones rather than all at once: remove laces, brush off loose dirt, clean the upper gently, then do the midsole and outsole separately.
Use a soft brush, a small amount of mild cleaner, and as little water as possible. Keep suede and nubuck dry or barely damp, and condition leather afterwards so it doesn't dry out and crack.
What to avoid
Don't soak shoes, don't use bleach or harsh household chemicals, and never use direct heat or a radiator to dry them, which warps soles and cracks leather. Always air dry at room temperature, stuffed with paper to hold their shape.
If a stain doesn't shift with gentle cleaning, stop. On suede, leather, and designer pairs, harsher attempts usually cause permanent damage.
When to leave it to a professional
For expensive, designer, suede, or sentimental pairs, the safest deep clean is a professional one. Our Clean 'Em service deep cleans by hand with material-safe products, treats odour and stains, and includes a free authentication check, all for a flat £60 with tracked shipping both ways.
Book the Clean 'Em deep clean
Flat £60, free tracked shipping both ways, and a free authentication check, anywhere in the UK.