Essential Tips To Clean & Protect Your Favorite Shoes

September 29 2025 , by Chiappetta Shoes , 7 min reading time

How to Properly Clean Your Dirty Shoes

Taking care of your shoes is about more than appearances. It helps them last longer, perform better, and saves you money in the long run. Whether you’re dealing with muddy sneakers, scuffed leather, or white soles that just won’t stay bright, knowing how to clean shoes the right way makes all the difference.

At Chiappetta Shoes, Nick Chiappetta shares expert advice on cleaning and protecting shoes. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown you can follow at home.

Step 1: Gather the Right Shoe Care Supplies

A proper clean starts with the right tools. Nick recommends keeping these essentials on hand:

Lincoln EZ Cleaner – A versatile cleaner safe for suede, nubuck, leather, canvas, and more.
Angelus Spot Remover – Perfect for scrubbing dirt off white rubber soles.
Weather Protector Spray – Shields your shoes from stains, rain, and snow after cleaning.
Foamtex Cleaner – Especially effective for bright white athletic shoes.
Venetian Shoe Cream – Hydrates and protects leather of all colors, from black to burgundy.
Other options: Polishes for shine and mink oil for winter wear.

With these supplies, you’ll be ready to clean shoes of almost any material.

Shoe Care Collection

Step 2: Clean Shoes Step-by-Step

Quick Surface Clean

Start by brushing away loose dirt and dust with a dry cloth or brush. This prevents scratches and prepares the shoe for deeper cleaning.

Deep Cleaning the Uppers

Apply Lincoln EZ Cleaner with a brush or sponge. Scrub firmly but carefully. This cleaner is designed to lift stains while being safe for most materials. Let the shoes air dry afterward.

Tackling White Soles

For tough grime on athletic shoe soles, use Angelus Spot Remover. In a few minutes of scrubbing, dirt and stains disappear, restoring that bright, crisp look.

Step 3: Protect Your Shoes

Once your shoes are clean, add a layer of protection:

Spray with Weather Protector to guard against stains and moisture.
For leather shoes, apply Venetian Shoe Cream to keep them hydrated and crack-free.

This extra step means you won’t have to clean shoes as often, and they’ll stay fresher for longer.

Step 4: Maintain Them Regularly

Use colored polishes to revive faded leather and adjust the level of shine.
In winter, apply mink oil to boots and shoes to protect against salt, snow, and slush.

Why Clean Shoes Matter

Keeping your shoes clean isn’t just about style. It’s about confidence, comfort, and longevity. Crisp sneakers help kids fit in, while polished leather keeps you looking sharp and professional.

At Chiappetta Shoes, you’ll find all the products mentioned here, along with expert advice to make shoe care simple and effective.

Shoe Care Collection