Satin shoes can be beautiful, but they can also be high-maintenance! It can be easy to pick up dirt, dust, and stains, but you may be unsure of how to clean satin shoes without damaging the fragile fabric.
The good news is that getting your satin shoes back to their former glory is not difficult. All it requires is time and careful effort, and they’ll look like new once again.
Here’s what you need to know about satin shoes and how to clean them effectively and safely.
What Kind of Shoes Are Made of Satin?
Satin shoes aren’t just reserved for special occasions like weddings, prom, and formal events. Today, you’ll find satin shoes being worn on nights out, complementing a pair of jeans at brunch, or elevating your work attire.
You’ll find satin shoes across a wide range of styles, from sandals, pumps, mules, ballet flats, and heels, to court shoes. They also come in creative designs, embellishments, and various colors to suit any outfit in your closet.
While we love to wear our satin shoes, keeping them clean and stain-free can be challenging. But it’s not impossible!
Fortunately, you can clean your satin shoes at home using mild solutions that can help keep your shoes looking new.
How to Clean Satin Shoes
1. Check the Shoe Label
Before you start cleaning your satin shoes, check the care label inside the shoe to see if there are any specific cleaning instructions. Some satin shoes may be dry-cleaned only, while others may allow you to use a mild detergent to clean the shoes.
Make sure to check the box that your shoes came in for a care guide or instructions. If there aren’t any cleaning instructions, you can contact the manufacturer directly or move on to the following steps.
2. Get Rid of Loose Debris
Place your shoes on top of a piece of newspaper on the floor or tabletop. Then, using a soft cloth, dust the shoe from the top of the shoe and make your way down to the heel.
Once that’s done, take a soft-bristled brush—like a toothbrush—and gently brush the shoe, ensuring that you follow the natural lines of the fabric.
This will help remove any crusted-on dirt or any visible dirt on the shoe. It will also prevent dirt from being rubbed further into the shoe as you continue to clean them.
3. Dampen a Soft Cloth
Wet a soft microfiber cloth in cool water and then wring out any excess water. It’s important that the cloth is damp and not wet, as you don’t want to create a water stain as it dries.
4. Blot the Fabric Gently
Gently blot or dab the dirty spot or stain on the shoe with the damp cloth, making sure that you follow the natural lines of the fabric.
If multiple spots need to be cleaned on the shoe, you should always start with the spot closest to the top of the shoe.
Make sure not to rub the fabric, as this could rub the dirt further into the shoe, leading to a bigger and darker stain!
5. For More Stubborn Stains
For those stubborn stains on your shoes, apply a pea-sized amount of liquid hand soap to the damp cloth.
Then gently rub the cloth against itself until it produces a lather. Gently dab at the stains on the shoe. Don’t rub or smear the spot, as this can lead to the area of the shoe becoming discolored.
If you’re worried about the liquid soap and want to make sure that it’s mild, try mixing 2 parts cold water with 1 part mild detergent. This will create a gentle solution that will protect the satin from being damaged by the soap.
Once the shoe has been cleaned, rinse the shoe by using a new, dampened cloth and dab the soap off of the shoe.
6. Dab the Fabric Dry
Use a soft, dry towel and gently pat the shoe’s surface dry, removing as much moisture as possible. Don’t rub the fabric, as this can cause water streaks.
Once you’ve removed most of the moisture, it’s best to let your shoes air-dry overnight. However, if you’re in a bit of a rush, then you can use a blow dryer. Make sure you set it on the cool setting, so the fabric isn’t damaged by heat.
Tips for Cleaning Tough Stains
To remove tough, stubborn stains like wine, mud, or grass, you can try one of the following methods. But make sure that you test it on a less visible part of the shoe before attempting to clean the whole shoe!
1. Baking Soda
Mix some baking soda with some water to form a thick paste. Then apply the paste to the stain on the shoe and leave it to dry for 10 to 20 minutes before removing it.
2. Commercial Stain Remover
If there’s a very old stain, then you can use a commercial stain remover like OxiClean.
Mix 1 tablespoon of OxiClean powder with a teaspoon of water to make a paste. Then dip your cloth into the paste and apply it gently to the stain. Leave it on the stain for about a minute.
Then, use a gentle circular motion to remove the unwanted stain from the shoe. To remove the mixture, use a clean, damp towel and wipe down the shoe.
Leave your shoes to dry for a few hours before wearing them.
3. Keep the Satin’s Glossy Finish
If you want to keep the satin’s glossy finish, you can mix a small amount of white vinegar in a cool bowl of water. Dip a clean, soft cloth into the mixture and wring out any excess liquid.
Then dab the whole shoe with the mixture and leave it to dry overnight. This will help the shoe to maintain its glossy finish.
What Not to Do When Cleaning Satin Shoes
Use Hot Water
Always use cool or cold water when cleaning your satin shoes, as hot water can cause the fabric to shrink considerably. Not only can this potentially alter the shape of the shoe, but it can also cause discoloration of the fabric.
Rub the Fabric
You shouldn’t rub the fabric or go against this shoe’s natural lines.. This can lead to water streaks or large stains on the fabric.
Rubbing also causes friction, which can cause micro-tears that damage the fabric. This can leave your shoes looking older and more worn than they actually are.
Put Them In a Washing Machine
Unless specified by the manufacturer, you shouldn’t put your satin shoes into the washing machine. You should always handwash your shoes, as this will protect the delicate fabric of the shoe.
