How to Clean Children’s Leather Shoes: A Step-by-Step Guide

Keeping your child’s leather shoes clean not only maintains their shine but also prolongs their life. Here’s an easy step-by-step guide to clean leather shoes, so they stay looking sharp and ready for your next adventure.

Step 1: Gather your supplies
Make sure you have these items on hand:

• Microfibre cloth
• Soft-bristled brush, used toothbrush works well 
• Mild soap
• Small bowl of water
• Optional: Colorless leather polish

Step 2: Remove dirt and debris

Start by using the soft-bristled brush to gently remove any dust, dirt, or debris from the surface of the shoes, including the soles and creases. If the dirt is stubborn, use a damp cloth to help loosen it

Step 3: Clean with soap and water

Mix a small amount of mild soap with water. Dip the cloth into the solution, wring it out to make sure it’s not too wet, and gently wipe down the shoes including the inners of the footwear. Be mindful not to saturate the leather, as too much water can damage it. 

Step 4: Dry the shoes

Using a clean, dry cloth, pat the shoes gently to remove any remaining moisture. At this stage, you could also remove the footbed. Allow the footwear and footbed to air dry in a cool, ventilated area—keep it away from direct sunlight or heat sources, which can cause the leather to crack.

Step 5 (Optional): Condition the leather

Once the shoes are completely dry, insert the footbed back and apply a small amount of leather conditioner on the exterior of the footwear using a soft cloth. Rub it in using circular motions to hydrate the leather and restore its natural shine. We recommend using a colorless polish to avoid altering the color of the leather. Once the polish has dried, buff the shoe with a dry cloth to get some shine!