Aside from making school shoes look scruffy, a build-up of dirt can also age them much more rapidly due to the salt and acidity in the dirt. The same goes for damp shoes. A warm, moist environment like Malta’s is the perfect breeding ground for bacterial growth, causing that all too familiar odour that we’re sure all shoes can do without.
Luckily, shoes are something really relatively easy to clean. If you know of a pair of shoes in need of an urgent refresh, check out these tips for how to get them super shiny! ✨
Black is the most common colour for school shoes, however contrary to popular belief they can be one of the most challenging colours to keep clean. There are however a few things that can be done to help make life easier.
If the shoes are leather, use a damp cloth (not dripping!) to remove any excess dirt. Apply an even coating of shoe polish, making sure to match the colour of the shoe. Buff up with a cloth until the surface turns from matt to polished. Leave the polish to dry naturally with newspaper inside to assist in soaking up moisture.
Be careful not to use any artificial heat sources to dry the shoes as this may ruin the leather. Leave the shoes to air dry inside as this avoids sun damage.
Trainers, runners, gym shoes, whatever you wish to call them are a lifesaver in the summer months, as they allow active feet to breathe. However, you have probably already noticed they quickly amass dirt. One of the most tempting solutions to get shiny shoes is to toss them into the washing machine. Although it may seem like a quick fix, it can be too rough and cause unnecessary wear on your shoes.
Alternatively, a simple soap and water bath using a soft bristle brush to remove the dirt can also do the trick. As with leather, always air dry to maintain the integrity of the shoe. If you genuinely want your shoes looking like new again, you’ll need to remove the laces and wash them separately.
Whites can be a real pain to clean, even after a good scrub, they can still seem a little off colour. One quick trick to get them looking brand spanking new in no time is to mix a simple solution of baking soda mixed with water. Then use a toothbrush to work it into the shoe and wash as usual.
OK, so what about those super tough stains?
Try Vileda’s magic eraser, also known as Miraclean! Made from melamine, the Vileda Miraclean Eraser will get your shoes looking bright and clean again in just a few seconds. Its hexagonal shape is fab for cleaning those hard to reach areas.
You don’t need any extra chemical cleaners or soaps, just water. After cleaning the shoes, rinse with water to remove any residue.
We often clean the outside of our shoes; after all, this is the part that people see. But do we ever think about how to clean shoe insoles? Probably not as often as we should. Using a mixture of 2 parts vinegar and 1-part hot water, soak the insoles for a few hours. Vinegar is a natural disinfectant and will work to kill the bacteria hiding in the shoes.
Another popular trick is to freeze them. Yes, that’s right! This works surprisingly well, especially for shoes that shouldn’t get wet. Place the shoes in a clean freezer bag (I’m sure you don’t want shoe germs all over your food!) and let the cold kill the bacteria for 24 to 48 hours.
It’s no secret, school shoes can be costly. But did you know keeping shoes fresh and clean can help maximise their lifes as well maintain healthy feet?ell. With these easy-care tips as well as using great cleaning weapons such as the Vileda Miraclean eraser (you can find it in all leading supermarkets in Malta and Gozo), there are really no more excuses to untidiness!
