How To Clean Velvet Shoes: The Complete Guide

Velvet shoes are stunning. And if you wear velvet shoes, you no doubt want to preserve them in their original state for as long as possible. But let's face it - with all the wear (and dancing) you put them through, they might get dirty. It's essential to learn how to clean velvet shoes if you're the proud owner of a pair to keep them looking amazing for years to come.

And today, that's exactly what we're going to do. We'll teach you how to routinely clean your velvet shoes and undertake more intense deep cleaning projects. You'll even learn how to protect velvet shoes from getting dirty in the first place.

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Why Learn How To Clean Velvet Shoes?

If you spent your hard-earned money on luxury velvet slippers or other velvet shoes, you know how incredible they look fresh out of the box. That first year is unlike anything else. You want to preserve them for as long as possible - but here comes the tricky part: you also want to wear them everywhere to show off.

All this wearing around town may lead to some dirt and grime accumulating. If you don't routinely protect and clean your shoes, this dirt and grime will become tougher and tougher to get out. But it doesn't have to be this way.

How To Clean Velvet Shoes Correctly: Step By Step

Because velvet is a unique material, cleaning it isn't as straightforward as cleaning canvas or suede shoes. You need to be more careful about the type of cleaning solution you use, how aggressively you brush, and more. Let's start with the materials and supplies you'll need:

What You'll Need To Clean Velvet Shoes:

• A soft-bristled, preferably horse hair, brush (a toothbrush works great if you don't have a shoe-cleaning brush suited for velvet)

• Velvet-safe shoe cleaner (or you can use baby shampoo if you're in a bind)

• Baking soda

Step 1) Freshen Up The Interior

We're going to start by freshening up the interior of your shoes. Many of us wear our velvet slippers the Italian way (without socks), so keeping the interior leather clean is essential. This is where the baking soda comes in.

You can sprinkle the interior of your shoes with baking soda. It will absorb and eliminate any odor. Then, dump out the excess baking soda. If something is still stuck inside the interior, loosen it with a brush and dump it. If some baking soda is still left inside the interior, don't worry - it won't hurt and will continue to absorb odors over time.

Step 2) Brush Away Dirt From The Outer Velvet Fabric

Once you've freshened up the inner fabric, it's time to give the exterior of your shoes some love. After all, this is the portion everyone sees and what most people think of when discussing cleaning their shoes. You can start by gently brushing your fabric to loosen any dirt trapped in the fabric. Start by brushing a small area of the shoe before moving to the rest of the shoe.

Step 3) Remove Stains On Velvet Shoes With A Cleaning Solution

If you spilled a drink or splashed mud onto your velvet shoes, you'll probably feel your heart drop when you first notice the stain left behind. It sucks. We've all been there. But the good news is there are products to help you safely lift these stains from velvet.

First things first—let's talk about what not to do. Do not use water to clean velvet shoes. This can damage the fabric, as velvet is not naturally waterproof. Sure, a little rain here and there is inevitable—and this moisture level won't cause much harm. But avoid soaking your shoes in water to clean them and scrubbing them with water.

Instead, find a velvet-safe shoe cleaner. There are plenty of options out there to choose from. As you did with your brush in step 2, start with a small, inconspicuous area on your shoes. This will help you determine how safe the cleaner is for your velvet. Once it passes the spot test, you can scrub the rest of your shoes with the cleaning agent. Make sure to wear both shoes, even if just one is dirty. This will keep them looking identical.

If you don't have access to a shoe cleaner and don't want to find one, try using a small dollop of baby shampoos - such as Johnson and Johnson. These shampoos have minimal ingredients and are generally regarded as safe for velvet.

After scrubbing your velvet material, let the suds sit for a few minutes to interact with deep-rooted stains. Then, take a clean microfiber cloth and wipe away any remaining soap. Allow the shoes to air dry. If, for whatever reason, your shoes are excessively wet, it is worth it to dry them quicker with a blow-dry. This will prevent moisture stains from accumulating. It will also prevent mold and mildew from developing.

You should be left with beautiful, like-new velvet shoes at the end of this process! They'll be restored to their original shine, and you'll be eager to debut them in all their glory.

Protecting Your Velvet Shoes: Tips & Tricks:

Now you know how to clean your velvet shoes. But an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. That's why we want to finish up by teaching you how to protect velvet shoes from getting dirty in the first place. Of course, common sense is your best asset here. Avoid wearing your shoes if conditions outside are dreary. Splashing through puddles and walking through a storm in your velvet slippers will lead to stains and, potentially, mold. Save them for a nice, dry, sunny day instead.

After each and every wear, please give them a soft brushing. It sounds like a hassle, but trust us. Getting home and taking a soft-bristled brush to the delicate fabric will prevent you from undertaking more intensive cleaning projects later on. Dirt and stains lift easily when they're fresh. The longer you let the cake on, the harder it will be to remove them.

Finally, consider adding a sealant or protectant to the velvet fabric as soon as you buy them. This will do wonders to help you protect velvet shoes from the elements. If you have already worn them after buying them, that's ok. You can still apply a sealant or protectant after a good cleaning. Just be sure to clean before using. Start by finding a velvet-safe protectant (look for ones safe for all fabrics). Just like velvet cleaners, you'll have plenty of options online. We recommend trying the protectant on a small, inconspicuous area before applying it to the entire shoe.

You can also take the shoes to a trusted local cobbler, who can expertly protect your shoes.

Final Thoughts On How To Clean Velvet Shoes

Well, there you have it. We've taught you how to clean velvet shoes and prevent them from getting dirty in the first place. Following the advice above, you'll keep your shoes looking (and smelling) fresh for years. If you're unsure about a specific cleaning agent or approach for your Italian men's shoes, don't hesitate to reach out - we'll offer some personalized advice. All of our velvet slippers are made of particularly durable velvet.

And the next time you shop for a pair of handcrafted Italian shoes online, stop by Del Toro for the best. We have a wide range of velvet shoes, but we also craft stunning leather and suede footwear for men and women alike. Look at what we have in store for you - and don't hesitate to reach out for anything.