How to Clean Flats

Flats are healthier for your feet and far more comfortable than high heels. They look great with a variety of outfits and can be worn during any occasion. Like any shoe, they need to be cleaned regularly, and they often become smelly with even minimal wear. Whether you have leather, canvas, or fabric flats, there are ways to make them clean and keep them fresh.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Cleaning Flat Leather Shoes

  1. Image titled Clean Flats Step 1
    1
    Wipe off the leather flats with a dry cloth. Begin by using a clean, dry cloth to wipe off the leather shoes. Go over every part of the shoe. You don’t have to scrub—just try to get off any loose dirt or debris.
  2. 2
    Use a damp cloth to wipe once again. You can use the same cloth or start with a new, clean cloth. Dampen the cloth with a small amount of water. Wipe off the shoes again with the damp cloth.
    Advertisement
  3. 3
    Wipe off the shoes with baking soda. Rinse off the cloth you’ve just used. Sprinkle some baking soda directly on the cloth. Firmly wipe off the shoes until they began to appear clean.
  4. 4
    Use a damp cloth to remove the baking soda. Rinse off the cloth one more time. Wipe down the shoes again to remove any remaining baking soda off of the shoes. Allow the shoes to air dry for a few hours.
  5. Image titled Clean Flats Step 5
    5
    Invest in a leather conditioner. You can find a leather conditioner online, at shoe stores, or at many supermarkets. A leather conditioner will preserve the leather and keep it looking shiny for longer.[2] Put a little bit of conditioner on your finger, and rub it all over the leather on the outside of your shoe.
    • Condition your shoes every 4 to 6 weeks.
    • Use a dry cloth to remove any excess polish.
    6. Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Washing Canvas Shoes

  1. 1
    Remove dirt with a toothbrush. Make sure to use an old, dry toothbrush. Use the toothbrush to scrub all of the canvas shoe. Try to get off any loose dirt debris.[3]
  2. 2
    Clean the soles with baking soda. Pour baking soda and water in a bowl to create a paste. Dip the toothbrush in the paste. Scrub the shoes until stains begin to lighten. Then, wipe them off with a damp cloth.[4]
  3. Image titled Clean Flats Step 8
    3
    Put the shoes in the wash. Turn the washing machine to a gentle cycle using cold water. Pour a gentle detergent into the washing machine when it is halfway filled with water. Put the shoes into the washing machine when it is three-quarters of the way filled with water. [6]
  4. Image titled Clean Flats Step 9
    4
    Dry the canvas shoes in the sun. Allow the shoes to air dry. Preferably, put the shoes outside in the sun. This will allow the shoes to dry in the best condition possible.[7]
    5. Advertisement
Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Cleaning Fabric Flats

  1. Image titled Clean Flats Step 10
    1
    Fill a bowl with water and laundry detergent. Fill a bowl with lukewarm water. Pour a small amount of laundry detergent into the bowl. Use a toothbrush to thoroughly mix the detergent and water together.[9]
  2. 2
    Scrub the shoes with a toothbrush. Take the toothbrush out of the bowl of water and laundry detergent. Shake it off so that it’s damp. You want to get little water on your shoes as possible. Use the toothbrush to scrub the dirty parts of your shoes in a back and forth motion.[10]
    • You can dip the toothbrush in the water as needed, but make sure to get most of the water off of it every time.
  3. 3
    Use clean water and a toothbrush to scrub. Pour the soapy water out of the bowl, rinse it out, and refill it with clean water. Dip the toothbrush in the water, and again, flick off most of the water. Use the toothbrush to scrub in short, vertical motion. Continue until most of the detergent has been removed.[11]
  4. 4
    Dry with paper towels. Use paper towels to pat most of the water off the shoes. Stuff a few paper towels inside of each shoe to absorb excess moisture. Allow the shoes to dry in a well-ventilated area that is away from sunlight and heat.[12]
    5. Advertisement

Expert Q&A
Did you know you can get expert answers for this article? Unlock expert answers by supporting wikiHow

  • Question
    How can I deodorize and disinfect my flats?
    Marc Sigal
    Marc Sigal
    Shoe Care Specialist
    Marc Sigal is the Founder of ButlerBox, a dry cleaning and shoe care service based in Los Angeles, California. ButlerBox places custom-designed, wrinkle-resistant lockers in luxury apartment buildings, class A office buildings, shopping centers, and other convenient locations so you can pick up and drop off items 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Marc has a BA in Global and International Studies from the University of California, Santa Barbara.
    Marc Sigal
    Marc Sigal
    Shoe Care Specialist
    Expert Answer

    Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

    There are shoe sanitizers you can buy like Sterishoe and Mycomist sanitizer that will deodorize and sanitize your shoes. You could also just spritz any kind of antibacterial spray into your shoes for a quick fix.
  • Question
    How do you get moisture out of shoes?
    Marc Sigal
    Marc Sigal
    Shoe Care Specialist
    Marc Sigal is the Founder of ButlerBox, a dry cleaning and shoe care service based in Los Angeles, California. ButlerBox places custom-designed, wrinkle-resistant lockers in luxury apartment buildings, class A office buildings, shopping centers, and other convenient locations so you can pick up and drop off items 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Marc has a BA in Global and International Studies from the University of California, Santa Barbara.
    Marc Sigal
    Marc Sigal
    Shoe Care Specialist
    Expert Answer

    Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

    Try putting crumpled paper in your shoes. This can help you dry them out faster.
Advertisement

Warnings

  • If your shoes comes with a tag, check it for cleaning instructions before cleaning on your own.
    ⧼thumbs_response⧽
Advertisement

You Might Also Like

Wash Shoes in a Washing Machine
How to
Wash Shoes in a Washing Machine
Clean White ShoesThe 4 Best Ways to Clean White Shoes
How to Clean and Remove Stains from White Air Force 1s
Are Your White Converse Dirty? Here’s How to Get Them Looking Fresh
The Best Ways to Clean Suede Shoes without Ruining Them
How to
Clean Vans
Clean Skechers Shoes
How to
Clean Skechers Shoes
Clean Crocs
How to
Clean Crocs
Clean Mesh Shoes
How to
Clean Mesh Shoes
6 Easy Ways to Clean Your Converses
How to
Wash Shoes
How to
Clean Black Vans
How to
Clean Shoe Insoles
How to
Clean Dr. Martens Shoes
Advertisement

References

  1. ↑ Marc Sigal. Shoe Care Specialist. Expert Interview. 15 January 2020.
  2. ↑ Marc Sigal. Shoe Care Specialist. Expert Interview. 15 January 2020.
  3. ↑ http://cleanmyspace.com/clean-your-canvas-shoes-toms-keds/
  4. ↑ http://cleanmyspace.com/clean-your-canvas-shoes-toms-keds/
  5. ↑ Marc Sigal. Shoe Care Specialist. Expert Interview. 15 January 2020.
  6. ↑ http://cleanmyspace.com/clean-your-canvas-shoes-toms-keds/
  7. ↑ http://cleanmyspace.com/clean-your-canvas-shoes-toms-keds/
  8. ↑ Marc Sigal. Shoe Care Specialist. Expert Interview. 15 January 2020.
  9. ↑ http://thedreamstress.com/2013/05/tutorial-how-to-clean-fabric-shoes-with-leather-linings/
  1. ↑ http://thedreamstress.com/2013/05/tutorial-how-to-clean-fabric-shoes-with-leather-linings/
  2. ↑ http://thedreamstress.com/2013/05/tutorial-how-to-clean-fabric-shoes-with-leather-linings/
  3. ↑ http://thedreamstress.com/2013/05/tutorial-how-to-clean-fabric-shoes-with-leather-linings/
  4. ↑ https://www.glamour.com/story/your-style-problems-solved-how-6
  5. ↑ https://www.glamour.com/story/your-style-problems-solved-how-6

About This Article

Marc Sigal
Co-authored by:
Marc Sigal
Shoe Care Specialist
This article was co-authored by Marc Sigal. Marc Sigal is the Founder of ButlerBox, a dry cleaning and shoe care service based in Los Angeles, California. ButlerBox places custom-designed, wrinkle-resistant lockers in luxury apartment buildings, class A office buildings, shopping centers, and other convenient locations so you can pick up and drop off items 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Marc has a BA in Global and International Studies from the University of California, Santa Barbara. This article has been viewed 32,505 times.
2 votes - 50%
Co-authors: 8
Updated: September 16, 2022
Views: 32,505
Categories: Cleaning Shoes | Shoes
Advertisement