Rack with five sets of shoes, each in a different stage of care: dusting, polishing, cleaning, storing, and protecting

How to Take Care of Shoes When Not in Use? 5 Easy Steps

Keeping your shoes in good condition doesn’t have to be a chore. With these five simple steps, you can keep your shoes looking and feeling their best when not in use.

Cleaning and drying them before storage, storing them in a cool, dry place, stuffing them with newspaper or tissue paper, using cedar shoe trees, and protecting them with bags or boxes are all easy ways to ensure that your shoes stay pristine until the next time you wear them.

Key Takeaways

  • Cleaning and drying shoes before storage is essential to prevent damage and maintain their condition.
  • Storing shoes in a cool, dry place helps to extend their lifespan and reduce wear and tear.
  • Stuffing shoes with newspaper or tissue paper helps maintain their shape and preserve their appearance.
  • Using cedar shoe trees not only maintains the form of shoes but also eliminates odor and protects leather from cracking.

Clean and Dry Shoes Before Storage

Before putting your shoes away, it’s important to make sure they’re clean and dry. Start by removing all dirt with a damp cloth or brush. Then, use a shoe cleaning solution to get rid of any tougher marks.

After that, stuff the inside with newspaper and let them dry in an airy spot for at least 24 hours before storage. Doing this will ensure your shoes remain in great condition when you take them out again!

Store Shoes in a Cool, Dry Place

Put your shoes in a cool, dry place when they’re not in use. Not only will this help prevent damage from moisture and insects, but it’ll also reduce the risk of wear and tear.

Here’s a few things to keep in mind:

  1. Avoid direct sunlight; UV rays can cause cracking and discoloration of leather surfaces.
  2. Polish leather shoes periodically to keep them looking fresh and new.
  3. Rotate pairs regularly so they don’t develop creases or misshaped areas due to overuse.

Storing your shoes correctly helps extend their life!

Stuff Shoes With Newspaper or Tissue Paper

Stuff your shoes with newspaper or tissue paper to help keep them in shape while they’re not being worn. This simple cleaning technique can preserve the look of your shoes and improve their longevity. When using newspaper, be sure to stuff it into the toe area as well as the sole for maximum protection.

Tissue paper is a good alternative and is especially helpful when storing delicate fabric shoes such as velvet or satin. Taking this extra step will ensure that you can enjoy your shoes for years to come!

Use Cedar Shoe Trees

Invest in cedar shoe trees to keep your shoes in great shape! Regular maintenance with cedar shoe trees helps maintain the form of the shoes while allowing for air circulation.

Here are 3 benefits:

  • Keeps the shape of shoes intact
  • Eliminates odor
  • Protects leather from cracking

Protect Shoes With Bags or Boxes

Storing shoes in bags or boxes is a great way to keep them protected and looking new. To ensure your shoe’s longevity, make sure you polish leather and condition suede before storing them away.

If you can find a dust bag that fits your shoes, use it! For extra protection, you can wrap the shoes in tissue paper before putting them into the bag or box. This will help keep dirt off of the material and prevent any damage while they’re not being worn.

Taking these steps will guarantee your shoes stay looking as good as new for years to come!

Frequently Asked Questions

How Often Should I Clean and Dry My Shoes Before Storage?

Clean and dry your shoes regularly to help maintain their quality. Use polishing techniques to keep leather looking its best. Monitor shoe humidity, as too much moisture can cause damage. Store in a cool, dry place to protect them when not in use.

What Other Materials Can I Use to Stuff My Shoes?

You can stuff your shoes with socks, newspaper, or fabric scraps to help them keep their shape. Applying a coating of wax or conditioner to the exterior of your shoes before storage can also help protect them from dirt and dust.

How Do Cedar Shoe Trees Help Protect My Shoes?

Cedar shoe trees help protect your shoes by keeping them in proper placement and providing climate control. They absorb moisture, eliminate odor, and maintain the shape of your shoes when not in use.

What Types of Bags or Boxes Can I Use to Protect My Shoes?

You can use shoe bags or storage containers to protect your shoes. Look for ones that are breathable and don’t cause moisture buildup. Make sure they fit your shoes snugly to keep out dust and dirt.

How Long Can I Store My Shoes For?

You can store your shoes for a long time, as long as you make sure they have proper ventilation and are air drying. Make sure the area is cool and dry to avoid any damage to your shoes.

Conclusion

You can keep your shoes looking great for years to come with just a few easy steps.

Clean and dry them before you store them, store them in a cool, dry place, stuff them with newspaper or tissue paper, use cedar shoe trees to help maintain their shape, and protect them with bags or boxes.

With just a little extra effort, you can keep your shoes looking like new for many years!

Leave a Reply

Share this post

You May Also Like