Are your Beautiful Shoes Water Damaged? Here's What To Do

Water-Damaged Shoes

How to Save Your Shoes From Water Damage
By Craig Playstead, About.com Contributing Writer

Whether you get caught in a downpour or a three year old throws your favorite shoes into a swimming pool, at some point your shoes will have water damage. The important thing is to know how to save your shoes from water damage. It can be done.

Take these easy steps and you have a great shot at making sure your favorite pair of boots or loafers live to walk another day.

1. Cleaning the Insoles of Shoes Damaged by Water

The first thing you want to do when your shoes have water damage is to remove the insoles (assuming your shoes have removable insoles). If you think they can take a spin in the washing machine then give it a shot, but if they're just wet, hang dry them in the laundry room. Never put them in the dryer though. We don't want any direct heat on any part of the shoes.

2. Removing Dirt and Mud from Water-Damaged Shoes

The next thing you need to do is to remove any dirt or mud. Take a stiff brush and clean everything off of them. If it's mud, you might have to dab and then wipe them down with a rag first, and then really use the brush to get inside of the nooks and crannies. Especially where the leather meets the sole. That is a prime area that dirt and residue will gather.

3. Dry Soaked Shoes with a Newspaper

After you have them somewhat free of any dirt or grime, get a newspaper. Wad up smaller pieces and then stuff your shoes full. Yes, even use the sports page -- don't be bashful. The newspaper will draw out any moisture in your shoes and attempt to save them. Again, we don't want any direct heat on any part of the shoe so don't put them over a heater or in the dryer. It will dry out the leather and lead to cracking and ruin the shoe.

Now, have a little patience and let your shoes dry on their own -- they'll be good as new in no time. If you have sneakers that are really dirty and nothing else works, I've been known to throw them in the washing machine for a spin. I figure a good pair of running shoes has one good wash in them.

If you have nice leather or suede shoes, make sure you are protecting them with a suede or leather spray before going out into any harsh weather. That will make cleaning and getting them back to normal a snap.

MY THOUGHTS

i thought throwing my sneakers in the washing machine is pure laziness. i feel so much better i'm not alone. it works, you know.