Like any other art form, fashion gives an individual the freedom to creatively express themselves in an original and authentic way. However, some essential pieces of your wardrobe are so timeless that they belong everywhere and suit everyone. One example of this is a pair of white shoes. Whether they are made of leather, canvas, or mesh, they are a classic addition to your wardrobe that you can always rely on.
But wearing them even once in the monsoon can stain them beyond belief, and it can be a huge pain to restore them to their original state. Even with hours of effort, it is hard to wipe off the off-white tint that the dirt may leave behind. To get through this tedious task with minimum effort and household supplies, stylist Isha Bhansali gives us a DIY shoe cleaning guide!
Material and specific cleaning tips:
First thing to note before trying to clean your shoes on your own is the material they are made of. Using the wrong cleaning agent on a particular material can cause irreparable damage to your shoes.
– Mesh: Mesh based shoes are the easiest to clean. You can create a cleaning solution by mixing a few drops of dishwasher liquid in warm water. Then you can use a brush (or a soft toothbrush) to rub the solution on your shoes.
– Canvas: Canvases are slightly more delicate than mesh, so you can use any white toothpaste and rub it gently with a brush on the shoe for an instant clean look!
– Leather: Using a small amount of white body lotion and wiping it off with a clean cloth can make your leather shoes look as good as new.
Toothbrushes can be used to clean canvas or mesh shoes. (Source: Unsplash)
Machine washability of shoes
A lot of people are unaware of this, but many shoes can also be cleaned using a washing machine. You can just make room in your laundry for a pair of shoes, add some detergent and give it a spin.
However, not all shoes are machine washable. You should take a look at the care label that comes along with your shoes and also check whether your washing machine is safe for shoes. In case you are confused about any of these labels, you may contact a professional cleaner for guiding you with the process.
