Last updated on May 12th, 2024 at 08:32 pm
Synthetic leather famously pronounced as artificial, faux, or vegan leather is nowadays a common material for shoes. However, it is not as long-lasting as real leather but because of its pocket-friendliness and great look, it is famous.
According to research by Transparencymarket, in 2020 the global market for synthetic leather was $84 billion and it is expected to reach $174 billion by the end of 2031. It represents the demand for synthetic leather shoes shortly.
A synthetic leather shoe with an average lifespan of 2 to 3 years is much shorter than a pure leather shoe. So, if you take good care and keep it clean always then you can extend its life span, and also a cleaned shoe is a professional’s identity.
Today‘s question is how to clean synthetic leather shoes or we can also say how to protect synthetic leather shoes. Read the article completely to know everything about it. A step-by-step process is discussed with some instructions you need to follow.
Let’s start,
PU Leather VS PVC Leather
PU and PVC both are common fake leathers mainly used for shoemaking.
PU leather means polyurethane leather also known as vegan leather widely used for shoes. A kind of plastic material that is easy to make and also less time required.
Shoes made from PU leather are very stiff and they don’t have the property to absorb water like pure leather. So, there is no way to make the fabric softer by using any product.
On the other hand, PVC leather means it is made from petroleum products. It is softer than PU leather, which is why its demand is also higher.
Instructions Before You Clean Shoes
- Cleaning faux leather shoes is not difficult but when you are willing to do it try to find a clean workspace somewhere outside of your home.
- Use a hand glove to avoid stain marks on your hands.
- Under the shoes use clean paper or cloth to avoid dirt on the ground.
- Gather some initial supplies before you start like,
- A bowl of water
- A brush
- Cotton sticks
- A clean and soft cloth
- Detergent Powder
- Vinegar and Isopropyl Alcohol
- Shoe Cleaner
- Shoe polish or conditioner
How to Clean Synthetic Leather Shoes
1. Clean Dust and Mud Stains
Synthetic leather never absorbs water so, it quickly gets dirty or muddy in the presence of moisture on the surface. By brushing and using shoe polish regularly you can avoid this kind of issue.
However, sometimes the stains get old and become difficult to remove due to neglecting some days.
Procedure to Clean Mud Stains
- For formal or shiny imitation leather shoes: Use a clean cloth dipped in water and gently rub the surface and clean the stains. Make the shoe dry apply the shoe conditioner and then polish it to get a mirror shine.
- For sneakers, casual, or sports shoes: Normal stains can be easily removed by using detergent and water (1:2 ratio). However, to remove tough stains use a good shoe shampoo (2 to 3 drops with water) and create a foamy structure. Make the shoe dry and it is ready like a new one.
2. Clean Fungi Patches
Fungi or mold patches are the enemies of shoes. These patches easily damage the shoe fabric if you ignore them sometimes.
If you notice visible white, grey, or yellow patches then you need to follow the below steps as soon as possible,
How to Clean Mold Patches from Synthetic Leather
- Use vinegar and water (1:2 ratio) and with a cloth clean those patches and make the shoe dry. Vinegar is a proven home remedy used to kill fungi spores.
- Use a container so that the air cannot enter and keep the shoes when you are not wearing them to avoid this issue.
On the other hand, you can use Isopropyl alcohol and water in the same ratio to remove the mold patches. You can keep shoes daily under the sunlight to avoid this to some extent.
You Can Also Read: How to remove mold from leather shoes
3. Remove Smells from Shoes
The breathable property in shoes helps feet less sweaty and that means less stinking. Since most vegan leather shoes are not as breathable as genuine leather shoes, they stink more due to sweat.
If you are using socks whenever wearing shoes then that reduces smells by more than 50%. Keep in mind, never keep socks inside the shoes.
Also, sweat invites fungus inside the shoes which can easily damage the fabric because the inner fabric is more sensitive and softer.
How to Clean Stinky Shoes
- Clean socks every day with detergent to eliminate smells.
- To remove smells from shoes keep shoes every day under the sunlight.
- Also, a shoe deodorizer is a good alternative to instantly remove the smells.
4. Remove Marks or Scratches
What will happen if you notice someday, that your lovely shoe is full of scratches or marks, unimaginable right? It can happen maybe for some reason.
You notice this if you are using a formal shoe or casual shoe with a leather finish. But the question is not why this happened but how to get rid of this.
How to Remove Scratch Marks from Synthetic Leather Shoes
- Clean the shoe first with a brush and remove dirt stains.
- Take a small piece of 320 grit sandpaper and rub it on the affected area but do it gently. Now after rubbing it 2 to 3 times the marks will vanish.
- Now take a cloth and clean the shoe again and polish the shoe as you always do.
- Now this sandpaper technique can be worse if marks are tough, so you have the second option, use a vinyl and leather repair kit.
This kit has different colored compound tubes that effectively work not only to remove scratches but also to hide and repair cuts. After cleaning the shoe with isopropyl alcohol apply the compound according to the color of the shoe and make it dry.
5. Clean Shoe Laces
Most people ignore cleaning the laces since people look at them first, it does not feel good if it is not clean. Moreover, it is not a hard task because mostly it is of a threaded structure.
How to Clean Shoe Laces
- Take detergent powder of 1 part and water of 2 part and dip laces into it for 5 to 6 minutes.
- Now use your hands to rub it gently make it dry and use it again.
6. Clean Shoe Soles
The sole of the shoe is the most used and messy part. That’s why it is damaged the most quickly. So, when you are cleaning shoes also pay attention to the shoe soles.
Most people ignore cleaning it just because it is the toughest part of the shoe, but they are wrong. Most shoe soles are glued to the shoe, so if not maintained for a while it may come off.
Also, it is very important always to pay attention to the sole of the shoe does not tear or cut in any way. If you wear shoes in such a condition, your feet may hurt and you may feel severe pain.
How to Clean Shoe Soles
- Now because the sole of the shoe is very congested, only a cloth or a brush will not work.
- First of all, take a cotton stick and take out the mud stuck on the bottom of the shoe.
- Now also clean the mud on the edge of the shoe sole with a cloth.
- Now dip a cloth in detergent water (use slightly more detergent) and clean the surface of the bottom. You can also use a shoe shampoo.
- Make the sole of the shoe dry and apply the shoe conditioner with a brush or cloth.
- If there is a cut or tear at the bottom of the shoe, then rub the area with sandpaper and make it soft. If the tear is serious and big then changing the sole is the only way.
How to Wash Sports Shoes in Washing Machine
Most sports shoes are made up of a combination of fabrics (cotton, leather, etc.) and synthetic materials (polyester, nylon, etc.). They can be washed in the washing machine by following some steps.
Steps to Wash Sports Shoes in Washing Machine
- First, remove the laces and insoles from the shoe.
- Take an unused toothbrush dip it into a bowl of warm detergent water and clean the outer sole to remove the mud, and dirt completely, and make it dry.
- Now the shoe is ready to go into the washing machine.
- It would be great if you could put the shoe in a laundry bag and then put it into the washing machine.
- The modern washing machine has a special shoe cycle, if your machine has then choose it.
- The ideal temperature should be between 25 to 30 degree celsius for 30 seconds. Spinning should be turned off.
- Make sure to turn on the extra rinse.
- To wash the insoles and laces take warm water and detergent in a bucket and keep them in for 15 to 20 minutes. Now wash it as you wash clothes.
- Take out the shoes and laces and make them dry in the sunlight.
- Sprinkle some talcum powder or anti-itching powder on the insoles and put them in the shoes.
- Now the shoe is ready as new.
Final Thoughts On How to Clean Synthetic Leather Shoes
Choosing the right type of shoe that depicts your personality does not need much money. It doesn’t matter if you are wearing a costly shoe or not. I know everyone has their advantages.
Synthetic leather shoes in look and feel are in no way less than pure leather shoes, except for some other advantages.
In my opinion, if there is a small problem with the shoes, it should be solved rather than buying a new one. With proper care, your shoes can get a long life, and the mirror shines till used.
The probable problems people face with their shoes and solutions I mainly discussed in this article. All processes are very easy to do, also you do not need any high-end products.
Please let me know in the comments, what was your experience after applying the all solutions to your synthetic leather shoes.
Thanks For Reading This Article……………..
FAQ on How to Clean Synthetic Leather Shoes
Are Synthetic Leather Shoes Good or Bad?
It depends upon you, compared to genuine leather shoes synthetic or faux leather shoes are quite pocket-friendly but at the same time less a life span. But to be honest you will not get any compromisation in look and feel.
Can We Wash Synthetic Leather Shoes with Water?
Washing the shoe with water or dipping the shoe into water is not a good idea but you can use soap and water solution to clean the dirt area. Also, shoe shampoo can be a great option.
Are Synthetic Leather Shoes Waterproof?
Yes, they are, but they do not have the water-absorbing properties of pure leather. So, you can not make synthetic leather shoes soft like pure leather shoes also it does not develop a patina.
Are Synthetic Leather Shoes Breathable?
No, Because they are made up of petroleum products or kinds of plastic materials. But it can be breathable by the combination of other breathable materials.
Does Synthetic Leather Peel?
Yes, this peel happens and it starts after a very short time. Because after all it is made of plastic, after some time the shiny part starts coming off.
Hey, I am an Electrical Engineer by profession and the Founder cum writer at PRE LEATHER. I share the knowledge and experiences that I gained, through PRE LEATHER. It is a passion for me, Read More