Caring for your fabric shoes can greatly extend their lifespan and keep them looking fresh. Properly cleaning them requires a careful approach, especially if they are lined with leather. Here’s how to effectively clean your fabric shoes while protecting their integrity.

Materials Needed

To start, gather the following items:

• Your fabric shoes (best for flat styles; avoid velvet or brocade)
• Lukewarm water
• A soft toothbrush
• Delicate liquid laundry detergent (fragrance-free options like Earthwise are suitable)
• Paper towels
• A bowl

Cleaning Process

1. Prepare the Cleaning Solution
   Fill your bowl with lukewarm water. Apply a small amount of laundry detergent onto your toothbrush. Then, swish the toothbrush in the water until the detergent is fully dissolved.

2. Dampen the Toothbrush
   Shake off most of the water from the toothbrush. The goal is to keep your shoes as dry as possible during cleaning. Using the slightly damp toothbrush, scrub the soiled areas of your shoes with gentle back-and-forth strokes that follow the fabric's grain. This method creates suds and helps lift dirt.

3. Focus on Heavily Soiled Areas
   Brush over the entire surface of the shoe, paying special attention to areas that need more scrubbing. It’s acceptable to occasionally dampen the toothbrush in your cleaning solution again, just avoid soaking the shoes.

4. Rinse the Shoes
   After cleaning, rinse both the bowl and the toothbrush thoroughly, then fill the bowl with clean, non-soapy water. Gently brush the shoes again using a barely damp toothbrush to remove any remaining detergent. Use short, brisk strokes, moving from the back of the shoe toward the front.

5. Ensure Cleanliness
   Constantly rinse your toothbrush to eliminate any leftover detergent as you clean. This step helps prevent residue from remaining on your shoes.

6. Drying Your Shoes
   Once you are done brushing, pat and wipe the shoes with paper towels to absorb excess moisture. Then, wad up some paper towels and stuff them inside the shoes to help them maintain their shape while also absorbing extra moisture.

7. Final Drying
   Place your shoes in a well-ventilated area, avoiding direct sunlight or heat sources. Allow them to dry completely before wearing them again.

Result

After the cleaning process, you may notice a significant improvement in the appearance of your shoes. This ensures they not only look cleaner but also enhances their overall aesthetic appeal.

Regular cleaning can make a noticeable difference and contribute to maintaining the quality of your fabric shoes. Consider this method as an essential part of your shoe care routine.