Kids will be kids – they will run around, play games all day, splash in puddles, and get messy. That’s what makes childhood special. However, their shoes can take a good beating in the process and get dirty in the wink of an eye. So, as a parent, knowing how to wash kids’ shoes is important, if you want the pair to keep looking good and being comfortable for a long time. Besides, dirty shoes encourage germ infestations, which can affect your child’s health. So, try and keep them fresh and clean at all times. Now, depending on the material, different types of shoes need different treatments. If you are keen to know all about it, read on.

Canvas and Polyester Shoes

These are easy to wash shoes for kids as you can use your hands or the washing machine for the job. First, take a look at the manual technique:

• Take out the insoles and shoelaces (if any) to clean them separately. Remember though that leather shoelaces shouldn’t be washed. You can wash the ones made of nylon, cotton, or polyester.
• Brush off loose dirt and soil from the pair, but ensure the shoes are dry and use a nylon brush. This is especially vital for kids’ outdoor shoes.
• Prepare a cleaning solution to pretreat stains visible to the naked eye.
• Dip the nylon brush in the solution and start scrubbing the exterior of the shoes. Start at the upper part or the top and continue to scrub your way down. Scrub in circles and clean one shoe at a time before you rinse the pair.
• To rinse, run the shoes under flowing water and keep at it until the cleaning solution completely goes away.
• Next, use the cleaning solution and brush to scrub the outsoles and midsoles. Once again, rinse the shoes.
• Stuff the insides of the wet shoes with paper towels and place them in a warm room (away from sunlight) for air drying. A nearby fan can hasten the drying process. Keep replacing the paper towels periodically and remove them completely when they stop getting wet anymore.
• Next, use the nylon brush and cleaning solution to gently scrub the insoles. Rinse them afterwards and allow them to air-dry.
• As far as the shoelaces are concerned, soak them in the cleaning solution for an hour, rinse, and air-dry.  

Now, if you are wondering ‘can I wash kid shoes in the washing machine’, the answer is yes for canvas and polyester pairs. However, check the label to be doubly sure. Here are the steps:

• Just like in handwashing, remove the insoles and laces from the shoes and brush off loose grime and dirt.
• Next, use a stain remover to pretreat stubborn stains, if any.
• Put the shoes in a mesh laundry bag next, so they don’t bang around in the washing machine during the cycle.
• Add a bit of detergent and run a cold water cycle. Make sure you don’t put any clothes in at the same time.
• In the meantime, use your hands to scrub and clean the insoles with soap and water.
• Once the machine is done with its job, remove the shoes from the same. Then separately air-dry the footwear, insoles, and laces. Avoid putting the shoes in a dryer as the heat can be harmful.

Suede Shoes

These are more delicate than their canvas or polyester counterparts, so if you are wondering ‘do I wash kids’ shoes made of suede in a machine’, the answer is no. Here is what to do instead:

• Get rid of the grime and dirt with a suede eraser, for starters. When you scrub, the pressure should be gentle and even. Hard rubbing can damage the material.
• Next, use a brush with soft bristles to clean the shoes’ surface better. To keep the suede’s texture intact, brush in one direction.
• In case you can still spot stubborn stains, use a mix of gentle soap and warm water to clean those areas particularly. For applying the solution, use a soft sponge or cloth, but don’t get the material wet.
• Next, allow the shoes to dry up naturally and avoid using any heat source. Otherwise the suede can become stiff or shrink.
• After the shoes dry completely, give them a final gentle brush.

Leather Shoes

If you are wondering how to wash kids’ shoes crafted with leather, then remember to keep them away from the washing machine just like suede shoes. Follow these steps instead:

• Get rid of the grime and dirt from the surface with an old toothbrush. Use gentle strokes and reach into all the crevices to remove any visible dirt.
• Next, to remove scuffs, make an old towel slightly wet and rub on the affected areas gently.
• Then, take a horsehair brush featuring soft bristles and brush the leather shoes with gentle strokes. This will help eliminate any remaining dirt and restore original shine without scratching the material.
• Once the cleaning is done, pat dry the shoes with an old towel. Avoid exposing the pair to a direct heat source as leather tends to crack.
• Use a leather conditioner to polish the shoes after they are dry. This will protect them against marks and scuffs in the future.

Additional Tips

Apart from the shoe washing tips for kids shared above, remember that sprinkling a bit of baking soda inside a pair and letting it sit overnight can get rid of nasty odors. For white canvas sneakers that are yellowing, make a paste of warm water and baking soda, apply it on the shoes, let it dry, and then use a toothbrush to scrub away the hard paste. To remove tough stains from tennis shoes, use a cleaning solution of laundry detergent, vinegar, and warm water. 

Keep Your Kids’ Shoes Clean and Fresh Easily

In a nutshell, knowing how to wash kids’ shoes depending on the material can help increase their longevity and get you your money’s worth. Just always check the label on the shoes that mentions care instructions, before getting started. And for any delicate type, opt for handwashing rather than a washing machine.

In case a pair is way past its prime and it’s time to shop for new shoes, check out the baby and toddler collection from Jack & Lily. You can also get in touch with the experts here for guidance on styles, designs, colors, and more.