How to Clean Dyeable Shoes

Dyeable shoes are typically made of silk or a silk-like material. They are often used for weddings or performances that involve dyeing shoes to match the dress or costume. The material for this type of shoe is very delicate, so be very careful when cleaning them. To clean dyeable shoes, prepare the shoes, clean them with gentle soap, and then finish the cleaning process by drying them with a towel.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Preparing the Shoes

1
Read the care label. Not all dyeable shoes will come with a care label, but many do. It is important to read the care label before attempting to clean the shoes. If the care label instructs you to take them to a professional, it is best to do so if possible.^{[1]XResearch source}
- If your shoes don’t come with a care label, you can do an online search for the type of shoes you have to see if there is any advice and/or instructions available.
- Invest in good quality shoes because they last longer.
- Try them and find the ones that fit you properly.
- In the morning, you are longer and fitter. Go to buy shoes towards the end of the day when you have walked for some time, and your weight is on your feet.
2
Use a fabric protectant spray if the shoes are dyed. This is not necessary if you haven’t dyed the shoes yet. If you have dyed the shoes, you will need to use a fabric protectant spray on them before cleaning them. This will keep the dye from fading or spotting.^{[2]XResearch source}
- Scotchgard is an example of a fabric protectant spray.
3
Wipe down the shoes with a nylon stocking. Remove any dust and dirt that may have built up on the shoes before cleaning them. Use a nylon stocking and put it over your hand. Rub the shoes in a circular motion until you have removed as much buildup as possible.^{[3]XResearch source}
- You can also use a soft bristled brush or dry cloth if you don’t have a nylon stocking.
You don’t have to do this if the bottoms of shoes are only slightly dirty. If necessary, hit the shoes against a hard surface—like the concrete outside. Or, you can use a dry brush to take off the dirt.^{[4]XResearch source}
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Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Cleaning the Shoes

Dampen a clean, colorless cloth with cold water. Begin to blot the dyeable shoes in a downward motion so that you follow the grain of the fabric. Gently blot any stains or visible dirt that wasn’t been removed with the nylon stocking. Make sure to dab the shoes and not rub.^{[5]XResearch source}
If the water alone has done the job, you can move on to the drying stage. If not, you can use a gentle hand soap. Pour a pea-size amount of hand soap onto a clean, damp cloth. Rub the cloth together until the soap begins to lather. Then, test the soap on a small portion of your shoe. If it doesn’t seem to damage the shoe, dab the shoe with the cloth until the stains begin to lift.^{[6]XResearch source}
If dabbing with mild soap doesn’t work, you can try a deeper cleaning by soaking the shoes. Fill a large mixing bowl with cold water and a few tablespoons of mild dish soap. Submerge one shoe, allow it to soak for five minutes, and remove. Then, repeat the process with the other shoe.^{[7]XResearch source}
After you’ve removed the shoes from the bowl, use a soft bristled brush to scrub them. Look for the softest brush that you can find. Scrub the shoes as gently as possible, targeting any visible stains.^{[8]XResearch source}
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Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Rinsing and Drying the Shoes

You will need to remove soap residue so that it doesn’t stain the shoe. Wet a clean cloth with cold water. Dab the shoes with the cloth until all of the soap has been removed.^{[9]XResearch source}
2
Stuff the shoes with paper towels. The shoes could lose their shape if they dry while wet. To prevent that, stuff the shoes with paper towels, white tissues, or blank newsprint. Make sure to stuff them with enough paper so that there isn't any empty space left inside of the shoes.^{[10]XResearch source}
- Do not use regular newspaper or colored paper. The color may come off on the shoes.
3
Use a hand towel to spot-dry. Air drying the shoes could cause water marks. Do not rub the shoes, as this could also cause water marks. Use the hand towel to blot off as much of the water as possible.^{[11]XResearch source}
- If blotting doesn’t remove all of the water, you can use a blow dryer turned to the lowest setting to gently dry the shoes.
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Tips

Take the shoes to a professional if you aren’t confident about cleaning the shoes or see a soap stain set in.
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Always test the gentle soap or cleaning product on a hidden part of the shoe before use.
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