The Best Way to Clean Your Satin Shoes

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Easy ways to remove stains & keep your shoes shining
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Satin is a common material for formal shoes, especially bridal and prom shoes. The material can pick up stains with regular wear, so you’ll need to clean your satin shoes from time to time. First, remove any loose dirt with a soft bristled brush. Then, gently dab the stains with a damp cloth. For tough stains, you can use hand soap. Always use a soft, clean cloth to dry the shoes as soon as you finish cleaning them.

Things You Should Know

  • Use a soft-bristled brush to gently brush off any loose dirt and debris.
  • Then, dampen a soft cloth in cool water and dab the stain. For stubborn marks, apply a pea-sized drop of liquid hand soap on the damp cloth.
  • Blot the wet mark with a dry cloth to remove as much moisture as possible.
Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Removing Dirt and Stains

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  1. Watermark wikiHow to Clean Satin Shoes
    Take a soft bristled brush and gently brush loose dirt from the shoes. Try using a brush with soft, nylon bristles. Make sure you remove all the loose dirt. Any debris or dirt left on the shoe will be rubbed further into the fabric when you clean the shoes. This can cause larger stains. [1]
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Clean Satin Shoes
    Take a soft cloth made of cotton or microfiber and dip it into a small bowl of cold or cool water. You will want to dampen the entire cloth. Wring any excess water from the cloth after you dampen it. [2]
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  3. Watermark wikiHow to Clean Satin Shoes
    Take the damp cloth and place it on the stain. If there are multiple stains, start with the one closest to the top of the shoe. Then gently blot the stain with the damp cloth, following the grain of the satin. [3]
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Clean Satin Shoes
    If the water removed the stain, you can then dry the shoe. Take a soft cloth and gently dab the shoe dry. Be careful you do not rub the satin with the cloth. Rubbing the shoe’s fabric can cause water streaks. Instead, dab the shoe with a cloth until you have removed as much moisture as possible. [4]
  5. If your shoes are made of a delicate material like satin or silk, you should not clean them in a washing machine. The machine could potentially damage the shoes. Always wash satin shoes by hand. [5]
  6. Look inside the satin shoe to see if there is a label with laundering instructions. There also might be instructions on the shoebox. You can also try contacting the manufacturer directly and ask them for instructions. If you locate instructions, follow them. [6]
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Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Treating Stubborn Stains

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  1. Liquid hand soap is gentle enough to be used on satin shoes. Apply a pea-sized drop of liquid hand soap to a damp cloth. [7]
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Clean Satin Shoes
    Once you apply hand soap to the damp towel, create a lather by rubbing. Try rubbing two sides of the cloth against each other to create a lather. [8]
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Clean Satin Shoes
    Starting at the top of the shoes, gently dab all the stains with the damp, soapy cloth. Do not rub the soapy cloth on the stains, as this can discolor the shoe. [9]
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Clean Satin Shoes
    After dabbing the soap on the stain, immediately rinse the area by using a separate, dampened cloth. Then take a soft, dry cloth and blot the wet spot until you remove as much moisture as possible. [11]
  5. You should only use cool or cold to clean tough stains from satin shoes. Hot water can discolor the shoes. Using hot water on the shoes could cause the fabric to shrink considerably, potentially altering the fit of the shoes. [12]
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    How can I get stains out of satin shoes?
    James Sears
    House Cleaning Professional
    James Sears leads the customer happiness team at Neatly, a group of cleaning gurus based in Los Angeles and Orange County, California. James and the team have nine years of experience and offer green cleaning, interior and exterior window washing, and general apartment cleaning services. He provides transformative cleaning experiences by reducing clutter and renewing your home environment. James is a Trustee Scholar at the University of Southern California.
    James Sears
    House Cleaning Professional
    Expert Answer
    A commercial cleaner will work best, but you can also try using hydrogen peroxide or baking soda.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.overstock.com/guides/how-to-clean-satin-heels
      2. ↑ https://www.cleanipedia.com/gb/laundry/how-to-clean-satin-shoes-sheets-clothes
      3. ↑ https://www.overstock.com/guides/how-to-clean-satin-heels
      4. ↑ https://www.cleanipedia.com/gb/laundry/how-to-clean-satin-shoes-sheets-clothes
      5. ↑ https://www.persil.com/uk/laundry/laundry-tips/fabrics/how-to-wash-shoes-in-the-washing-machine.html
      6. ↑ https://www.cleanipedia.com/gb/laundry/how-to-clean-satin-shoes-sheets-clothes
      7. ↑ https://www.overstock.com/guides/how-to-clean-satin-heels
      8. ↑ https://www.cleanipedia.com/gb/laundry/how-to-clean-satin-shoes-sheets-clothes
      9. ↑ https://www.overstock.com/guides/how-to-clean-satin-heels
      1. ↑ James Sears. House Cleaning Professional. Expert Interview. 28 August 2019.
      2. ↑ https://www.overstock.com/guides/how-to-clean-satin-heels
      3. ↑ https://www.cleanipedia.com/gb/laundry/how-to-clean-satin-shoes-sheets-clothes

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      If you need to clean a pair of satin shoes, use a soft-bristled brush to gently sweep any loose dirt from the shoes. Then, blot any stains with a soft, damp cloth, following the grain of the satin. If water isn’t enough to remove the stain, add a pea-sized drop of liquid hand soap to the cloth and massage it until it lathers up, then dab the stains with the soapy cloth. Once you’re finished, use a second damp cloth to rinse away the soap, then blot away any water with a soft, dry cloth. Keep reading to learn how to find the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions for your shoes!

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