How Do You Clean Felt Shoes | Clean Shoes in Minutes

Though felt shoes are not made for running, I have some in my collection for their ecological appeal.

I can bet you also love them. And if you have felt shoes you must know how to clean felt shoes properly.

Here we will discuss how to remove dirt that may be loose on the shoes and spot clean stubborn stains on the shoes. These steps are important for not only maintaining the look of your felt boots but prolonging their life span as well.

Let’s start with the fabric of felt shoes. 

Understanding Felt Fabric

Felt is a cloth made by compressing fibers together until they stick. This makes it different from other textiles, which are usually woven or knitted. Felt can be created from natural materials such as wool, or man-made substances.

It is thick, cocooning, and sometimes blocking water penetration making it an ideal material for shoe manufacturing.

There are some positive aspects to using felt in shoes. In cold weather conditions, felt shoes tend to be snug and warm. 

Besides that, natural felt is environmentally friendly because it decomposes naturally and can be regenerated.

Nevertheless, the felt gets dirty easily and may be hard to clean thoroughly. It is important to know this if we are to take care of our felt shoes properly. 

We should adopt mild cleaning techniques so that the felt stays attractive for a long time.

Getting Ready to Clean

Prior to starting the process of cleaning your felt shoes, you must get everything organized. The latter will facilitate the process and make it more effective. Here are simple steps to prepare:

Figure 1 – Getting Ready to Clean your felt shoes

Firstly, ensure that you have gathered all the necessary equipment. This saves time and makes it easier for one who is cleaning. Here is what you need:

• A smooth brush
• Gentle soap or detergent
• Soft pieces of cloth or sponges
• A bowl with lukewarm water
• White vinegar (optional, in case the stains seem challenging)
• Towel for drying
• Newspaper/paper towels as a cushioning agent

Lastly, arrange a neat well-lit work area which could be a kitchen counter, table top, or outside in case it’s sunny. 

Use old newspapers or fabric to cover your workstation so that it does not become dirty or stained.

Read More: How To Clean White Fabric Shoes

Brushing Off the Basics

Brushing your felt shoes is the essential step toward cleanliness and making them look great. 

This will help in getting dirt and other substances out of the surface hence preventing it from embedding into the fabric. This helps keep them looking good as well as prolonging their life span.

Firstly, you will need a brush with soft bristles. A toothbrush or a shoe brush with soft bristles works very well for the task at hand. 

The secret is to have something gentle enough so that the felt fibers do not get tampered with.

Hold the shoe firmly and then start brushing in one direction when you begin brushing. This technique removes dirt from the surface instead of pushing it further into the fabric. 

Use short light strokes rather than long hard ones. Thus cleansing the shoe meaningfully without inflicting any damage on its felt.

Seams and other embellishments on your shoes should also be looked at closely during brushing. 

Pay attention to these areas which are likely to collect more dirt while brushing them carefully. Should you see some stubborn debris, pick it up using a lint roller after brushing has been done.

Common Mistakes

• Brushing Too Hard: The felt ends up being spoiled since this makes it appear worn out.
• Using a Hard Brush: When used, they tear apart fiber thus exposing rough texture.
• Ignoring Stains: Stains cannot be removed by brushing. Therefore, any stains should be dealt with by use of specific gentle cleaning agents on that spot.

Perfect Cleaning Solution

You don’t have to complicate the process of cleaning your felt shoes.

Coming up with a mild cleanser at home is not difficult and it also ensures that you keep your shoes in excellent condition. 

But first, gather these simple components: weak dishwashing liquid, warm water, and a clean piece of soft fabric. 

Take a small dish and put several drops of weakly acid dish soap into warm water. This will eventually create a mild solution for felt fabrics which is suitable for them.

When it’s time to wash, immerse the soft cloth in soapy water then squeeze it out until no liquid comes from it anymore. 

Apply the cloth gently on any areas of the felted shoes that are stained or soiled. Here, you need to be delicate otherwise instead of improving its condition dirt will just move further inside.

When you have applied the formula, get rid of all the moisture by wiping it off gently using a dry fabric. 

The shoes should be allowed to naturally air dry out in a well-ventilated place that is not exposed to direct sunlight or heat because this can cause shrinkage or warping of felt.

Read More: How to Clean Cloth Shoes White [Simple Steps]

Common Mistakes When Cleaning Felt Shoes

• Usage Of Strong Chemicals: These chemicals can cause damage to the delicate fibers in felt.
• Soaking Your Footwear: Soaking distorts Felt material since it is very porous.
• Over Rubbing The Stains: Some may feel that pressing hard on stains would remove them but this only ends up pushing dirt deeper inside thus worsening the situation.
• Hot Water Washes: High temperatures through hot water cause shrinking as well as subsequently warping felt substances.
• Drying Near Heat Sources: Heat shrinks fabric into a misshape.

Spot Cleaning Like a Pro

It is pretty easy and fast to spot clean felt shoes. To do this, you will need a soft brush, a clean white cloth, mild soap, and lukewarm water. 

In the beginning, identify the type of stain it is. Mud or dirt is easily cleaned by brushing while dry. Stains from food or drink should be moistened.

Gently sweep away loose dirt. With a drop of detergent on them, wet the fabric slightly.

Apply slight pressure from outside to inside when removing patches after blotting them tenderly with the cloth; don’t rub as this might drive in more stains making it less effective for cleaning felt.

Common Mistakes

• Scrubbing Too Hard: This can damage the fibers of your felt material.
• Using Harsh Chemicals: Such chemicals may spoil the texture or shade.
• Overwetting the Fabric: It may cause deformation of your shoes.
• Ignoring Stains: Removing such spots later becomes difficult.

Full Shoe Cleaning Process

Preparation

Begin by sweeping away dust using a soft brush. It will make the cleaning process easier if you remove any loose dirt. Make sure that all your tools are within reach.

Washing

• Use lukewarm water to fill a bowl.
• Put some mild detergent into it and stir until well mixed.
• Dip a clean cloth into the soapy water and wring out excess moisture.
• Press the dirty part gently with it moving from outside lastly towards inside.
• For stains that prove stubborn, take it easy on your brush which is soft.

Drying

• Absorb the extra water from the shoes by using a dry cloth.
• To dry them, one should stuff them with paper so that they remain in their previous state.
• They should be kept at room temperature, away from sunlight or any heat source. Instead of sun or heaters, you can let them air-dry in cool places.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using Too Much Water: This may damage felt material and change the shape of these shoes.
• Scrubbing Hard: It can cause damage to fibers in felt materials.
• Using Harsh Chemicals: Such substances can destroy fabric color or texture.
• Rushing the Drying Process: Don’t use a dryer or heat source.

Read More: How To Clean Canvas Shoes? [3 Easy Ways]

Optional Protection: Waterproofing Tips

Do you want to keep your wet shoes safe? Well, all you need is waterproofing! Let’s see how.

How to Choose a Spray

First, select a waterproofing spray that is compatible with felt. Check for the one specified for delicate fabrics. Do not fail to read the label.

Spray Testing

That step cannot be avoided! The first thing that you should do is spray an inconspicuous part of the shoe. This will ensure that it does not damage the color or material.

Testing the Spray

• Hold the bottle about 6 inches away from your shoes.
• Smoothly apply it on them.
• Leave off until the initial coat dries completely.
• For more security add another layer of it.
• Place your shoes in a cool dry area and let them dry naturally

Points to Remember

• Ensure proper ventilation: make sure you are in an airy room or outside.
• Don’t use too much: excessive spraying can cause stiffness in felted material. It has to be done again every few months so as not to lose its strength against water protection.

Long-Term Care and Maintenance

Taking care of your felt shoes will keep them looking fresh and lasting longer. Here are some tips:

• To remove stains, use a wet cloth soaked in warm soapy water.
• Scratch at the dust using a brush that has fine bristles and moves it towards one side only.
• Avoid machine washing since this could damage the felt material.
• To prevent mold or mildew growth, store your felt shoes in a cool dry place.
• Do not leave them out in direct sunlight because they will fade away and deteriorate easily.
• Be careful when handling the footwear avoiding putting pressure on the wool fabric of each shoe during wear well.
• Insert shoe trees to maintain shape and reduce creasing whilst they are not being worn.
• With regular brushing, you can keep them looking as good as new even for an old pair of shoes that have seen better days.
• To preserve their structure, do not expose them to too much moisture.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Felt Shoe Cleaning

Can I Use a Washing Machine to Clean Felt Shoes? 

No, washing a machine is not recommended for felt shoes as it can ruin the material.

What if my felt shoes get wet?

Use mild soap and a damp cloth to softly blot the stain. Scrubbing too hard must be avoided.

How should I store my felt shoes?

A: A cold dry place devoid of direct sunlight will do. Keep their shape by using shoe trees.

Can I use a hairdryer to speed up drying?

A: Do not use a hairdryer because when heated it shrinks and damages the felt. They should be allowed to air dry naturally.

What should I do if my felt shoes get wet?

Take away moisture with a clean cloth and allow them to air-dry themselves. Ensure that they are not near heat sources.

How often should I clean my felt shoes?

A: Clean them often so dirt doesn’t build up on them. Blotch clean immediately there are any stained areas.

Is it okay to brush felt shoes?

Yes, soft bristle brushes eradicate loose dust.be wary so as not to destroy its surface texture

Is it okay to brush felt shoes?

No, use special products developed for felts rather than conventional shoe polishes.

How can I prevent odor in my felt shoes?

Air out after each use let them. You may also put some baking soda inside to absorb odors.

Final Words 

I hope this guide on How to clean felt shoes was helpful to you. Remember, don’t use a washing machine, and let your felt shoes dry naturally. Don’t push too hard otherwise, you will damage your shoes.