How To Clean White Shoes
How to clean white cloth shoes
Remove the laces and inserts (assuming you have them). If you are REALLY hurting for cleaning supplies, and you are a fan of lemons and/or limes, you can use a mixture of water and lime or lemon juice. A real fruit is preferred instead of the store bought variety because the artificial dyes can stain the shoe. You don’t need much: three parts water to one part juice. Pour this into a container, wet a rag, and wipe down the shoe. Use an old toothbrush to focus on any problem areas. Rinse the rag and use it to wipe the solution off the shoes. With cloth shoes, I do recommend you dry the shoe with a soft, dry towel. If you have bleach (and I recommend the Seventh Generation brand as opposed to name brand bleaches; name brand bleach is very harsh and can damage your shoe), add a capful of this to the solution, as well.
How to clean white canvas shoes
Once again, remove the laces and inserts. Then, fill a jar or glass halfway with water, add one full cap of bleach, and roughly the same amount of dish detergent. (Once again, use the Seventh Generation products in both cases as mixing products can be hazardous.) If you like, take a lemon wedge and squeeze its juice into the solution. The citric acid aids in the cleaning, and it smells nice, too. First, take a cloth and rub both shoes down with your cleaning solution. Again, an old toothbrush dipped in the solution will aid scrubbing any particularly dirty areas. Once complete, rinse out your cloth and wipe away the solution. Allow the shoes to air dry.
How to clean white leather shoes
Leather shoes are probably the easiest of the batch to clean. Repeat the steps cited for white canvas shoes, but with two exceptions: A) Do not add lemon juice, and B) Take care to dry the shoes thoroughly with a soft towel when you are done. DO NOT let your white leather shoes air dry. Leather tends to shrink, crack, and become brittle as it slowly dries, so save yourself the headache.
When you apply, be certain to dab the suede. DO NOT RUB. Of course, the trouble with this method is that your feet smell like vinegar. At least they look fantastic! In the case of staining, it’s probably best to get your white suede shoes professionally cleaned.
How to clean white shoelaces
Honestly, the easiest solution is to purchase new laces. However, if that isn’t in your budget, then you can try the following: Using the solution mentioned above (half a container of water, cap of bleach, cap of dish detergent), once you’re done cleaning your shoes, let your laces soak in the solution until your shoes have dried, which should take approximately two hours. Remove the laces from the solution and thoroughly rinse them under cool tap water. Feel free to squeeze them to expedite the process. You can leave them to air dry, but that tends to make them stiff. If you wish, place the laces inside a sock and run them through the clothes dryer with a dryer sheet with your next load of laundry.
How To Clean Silk
It is hard to clean silk. Silk garments often come with stern warnings to “dry clean only.” Don’t buy these silk garments. Like any other fabric, silk can be preshrunk before being sewn. It can also go through a process to keep the colors from running all over. You can take items to the dry cleaner, but they use harsh chemicals like perchloroethylene – a known carcinogen and all-around nasty substance. Well, don’t fret. In this article I will demonstrate how to clean silk using methods recommended by many silk vendors.
Gather your silk cleaning supplies
The sink is a perfect place to hand wash silk. If you have hard water, you’ll need Borax. For a silk cleaning solution, try Dr. Bronner’s Baby Mild Soap, which is gentle and organic. Your favorite shampoo (no two-in-ones, or moisturizing shampoos) will work too – just like your hair, silk is a protein fiber. If your silk is new (never been washed) and is multicolored, you may want to use a dye grabber (see right sidebar). For the rinse you’ll want distilled white vinegar. Lastly, you’ll need a towel for drying your silk and whipping your loved ones.
Wash silk
Fill your sink with cool or luke-warm water. If you have hard water, add a pinch of Borax to the wash before the cleaner. Next, add a splash of your cleaning agent, your silk, and then swirl and soak for no more than 3-4 minutes. You don’t need to clean silk angrily; don’t scrub, wring, or get rough while washing. Agitation can damage and shrink wet silk fibers. Just move it around. Like a small child, silk should never be left alone (or long) in the water.
Rinse in clean water
A drastic change in water temperature can damage silk. Try to match the temperature of the rinse to that of the wash. If you were using cold water (best for protein stains) then use cold water for the rinse. I rinse until the silk begins to feel like it is free of the soap. It generally takes a few minutes.
Rinse again adding ½ cup of distilled white vinegar
This will do a few things for your silk item. It will neutralize any soap residue that survived rinsing, prevent alkali damage, and it also revives and brightens silk. Again, swirl the silk rather than agitate. You have now learned how to clean silk, but we’re not quite finished.
Dry the silk with a towel
Think cinnamon roll. Place the silk item flat on the towel and then slowly roll it up. Give the towel a gentle, affectionate squeeze. This is the best method for drying delicates. The heat and agitation of the dryer will surely damage silk. Some higher-end machines have a “silk” or “fluff” setting that will work, but the towel method is safest. NEVER dry silk items on a clothes line or in direct sunlight. When most of the moisture is gone from your silk, hang it on a rust-proof hanger in a dry, cool place. If that proves awkward, lay it flat on a towel until dry.
How To Clean Glasses
The biggest mistake people make in terms of cleaning glasses lenses is not getting all of the big chunks off before wiping them down. Lenses have a nasty habit of attracting and collecting little particles of dust and other debris that can and do scratch the lenses if not safely removed before the big rubdown. So, before you do anything, turn the faucet on, get the water warm (not hot), hold your glasses by the earpieces, and run them under the warm water for about twenty seconds per lens. Do this for the front and back of both lenses.
Spray and wipe
Once the big scratchy chunks are all gone, it’s time to remove some of that built up grease and grime that’s been accumulating for the last year and a half. First, locate a cloth that is meant for cleaning glasses (probably came with your glasses), a soft cotton cloth, or a bit of old silk (perhaps from a necktie). Next, hold your glasses by the bridge piece and spray the inside and outside of each lens with eyeglass lens cleaner. With forefinger and middle finger on the outside of one lens, thumb on the inside, and the cloth between your fingers and the glass, rub gently in a back and forth motion across the first lens. Then do the same with other one.
Time for some cotton swab action
This is especially important if you are cleaning sunglasses or cleaning eyeglasses with plastic frames. With glasses such as these, the lenses are popped into place and there is generally a noticeable ridge around them that likes to collect grease and grime. Start by pouring a little rubbing alcohol into a shallow dish. Next, grab a cotton swab, dip it into the alcohol, and run it along that ridge where the nastiness has collected. You should use a clean swab with every swipe. To get the most from each swab, roll them between your fingers as you run them along the ridges of your glasses. Do this all around each lens on both the front and back.
Dry your glasses
After you clean your glasses, you’ll want to dry them before putting them on your face. There are several ways to do this. The most gentle way is to simply give them a couple little shakes over the sink, set them on a clean cotton towel, and allow them to air dry. If you’re the impatient type, set them on a towel and use a blow dryer set on the lowest temperature possible. If you have really hard water and don’t want to risk water spots on the lenses, use a soft cotton towel or a lens cleaning cloth, hold the glasses by the frames, and gently wipe them down.
Inspection time
After the process of eyeglass cleaning is complete, you’ll want to inspect your work. There’s nothing more irritating than taking the time to clean your glasses only to notice a smudge that you missed as soon as you step outside. So, grab your glasses, hold them by the earpieces up by the lenses, and hold them up to a light source.
How To Clean Uggs
Getting started cleaning Ugg boots
First things first—find a suede brush. If you don’t have one, go buy one. Any shoe store should sell them, and it will only set you back about five bucks. Once you’ve got your brush, use it to gently go over one of the sheepskin Ugg boots. This first brushing will help to remove some of the dust and dried-on dirt. Make sure to brush in one direction only. Next, pour some cold distilled water in a bowl, dip a new clean sponge into it, and lightly dampen the entire outer surface of your boot.
Make and apply cleaner
In a second bowl, combine one cup of your cold distilled water with one cup of white vinegar, and that’s it. You’ve got your Ugg cleaner. Grab a new clean sponge, dip it into the cleaner, squeeze a little of it out so it’s not too wet, and apply it to the boot. Work your way from the top of the boot to the bottom, and scrub very gently in a circular motion. Refresh your sponge frequently with fresh cleaner. If the stuff in the bowl starts to get extra nasty looking, make a fresh batch. If necessary, you can use a soft-bristled toothbrush dipped in your cleaner to get the area where the boot meets the sole. Let your boots dry slowly and away from heat sources like radiators, fireplaces, and even sunlight. If Uggs dry too quickly, they can pucker and crack. After your Uggs have dried, they will probably be a little snug. It’s OK. A little shrinkage is normal (just ask any man after he gets out of the pool), and they will stretch back out.
Rinse off your Uggs
Alright, it’s now time to dirty yet another bowl. This time, though, you’ll probably want to use a decent-sized mixing bowl. Once you’ve found your bowl of choice, pour about 3 or 4 cups of the cold distilled water into it. Excellent. Now grab yet another fresh clean sponge, dip it into the bowl, wring out most of the excess, and gently wipe your boots down. Again, start from the top and work your way down. Rinse your sponge in the bowl often so that you’re actually removing the cleaner and the last remaining dirt instead of just spreading it around.
Dry your Uggs properly
Now that you have nice clean Ugg boots, the last thing you want to do is ruin them through improper drying. The first thing you’ll need to do is stuff them with something so that they’ll retain their shape. Most people choose to use old newspaper. Don’t. Ink can and will transfer to the inside of your boots. I would recommend going to a craft or art supply store and getting yourself some blank newsprint instead. That, or use plain white paper towels. Let your boots dry slowly and away from heat sources like radiators, fireplaces, and even sunlight. If Uggs dry too quickly, they can pucker and crack. After your Uggs have dried, they will probably be a little snug. It’s OK. A little shrinkage is normal (just ask any man after he gets out of the pool), and they will stretch back out.
How To Clean Shoes
Clean white shoes
For cleaning white shoes, or to clean tennis shoes or other white athletic shoes, often the only things you need are a rag, some warm water, detergent, an old soft toothbrush, and some whitening toothpaste. Start by removing the laces and soaking them in some warm water and laundry detergent. Next, grab a soft rag, dip it in some warm water mixed with detergent, squeeze out the excess, and start wiping.
Re-dip often to rinse the dirt out of the rag. After that’s done, put a little whitening toothpaste on your old soft toothbrush and gently brush all of the white spots on your shoes in a circular motion. Do this for the soles as well as the uppers. When done, use a clean rag dipped in fresh water to wipe the toothpaste off with. Finally, remove your laces from the water/detergent mix, rinse them in the sink, allow them and the shoes to dry, re-lace, and enjoy.
How to clean leather shoes
Cleaning leather shoes that are smooth is really quite easy. If the shoes have laces, remove those first. Second, grab a soft shoe brush and use it to go over the entire surface of the shoe. This will help remove dust and dried-on dirt. After that, put about two cups of room temperature water into a bowl and add one good squirt of gentle pH-neutral hand soap like Method or Ecover. Gently stir in the soap. Grab a rag, dip it in the mixture, and squeeze out the excess so that it is only slightly damp. Next, re-dipping frequently and always using a clean section of rag, go over the entire outer surface of the shoe. Once it’s been completely wiped down, go over it again with a new rag dipped in straight fresh water to remove the soap. Using one more soft rag, wipe the shoes dry. Once dry, be certain to recondition the leather and, if desired, give it a good polishing.
How to clean canvas shoes
A pair of canvas shoes is one of life’s little necessities. They’re cheap, comfortable, easy to care for, and easy to clean. For dirty canvas shoes, start by removing the laces and clapping the soles of the shoes together outside to remove excess dirt. Fill a 2-cup measuring cup with warm water, add about a teaspoon of mild dish soap (Seventh Generation), and drop the laces in for a good soak. Next, grab a soft-bristled brush like those used for cleaning suede, and brush every surface of you canvas shoes to remove surface dust. After that, rinse your shoes inside and out in the sink with warm water.
Start by removing the laces and soaking them in some warm water and laundry detergent. Next, grab a soft rag, dip it in some warm warm water mixed with detergent, squeeze out the excess, and start wiping. Re-dip often to rinse the dirt out of the rag. After that’s done, put a little whitening toothpaste on your old soft toothbrush and gently brush all of the white spots on your shoes in a circular motion. Do this for the soles as well as the uppers.
How To Clean Cloth Diapers
After removing the soiled diaper from your child and replacing it with a clean one, secure the child someplace safe. If the diaper is just wet, proceed to the next step. Otherwise, flush the solid waste down the toilet. Usually a simple shake will do, but I have heard of it done with a rubber scraper or spoon that has been set aside specifically for this purpose. Do not leave solid waste in the cloth diaper as it will become increasingly more difficult to clean.
Child’s laundry
If you do not intend to do your child’s laundry at least every other day, you’ll want to find a diaper receptacle with a lid. Fill the diaper receptacle about halfway full of water and mix in ¼ cup of white vinegar or Borax. This will help keep odors under control, as well as making stain removal easier. If you find that you are doing laundry every other day or more, you can leave the receptacle dry. Make sure you seal the diapers very well. If the smell starts to get to you, pour a little baking soda on top of the mix to help absorb some of those odors.
Cloth diaper washing day
If you are using a dry receptacle, fill it with enough water to cover all the diapers. Let them soak for about 2 hours. After you’ve let them soak, or if you are using a wet receptacle, proceed to empty the liquid into the toilet, taking care not to lose any diapers. If you wish, you can put your soaked diapers through a spin cycle in your washer to help remove the excess liquid.
Running your cloth diapers through the wash
I recommend washing no more than 20–25 diapers at once. It is important to fasten any Velcro together so as to avoid long chains of diapers, otherwise known as a very messy magic trick. Also, use about half the recommended amount of detergent to avoid buildups in the extra absorbent cloth. Run your diapers through a cold wash and rinse cycle. When that has finished, immediately run them through a hot wash and cold rinse cycle. Adding a little vinegar to the second cycle will help keep your cloth diapers fresh.
Make sure you don’t have any lingering stains on your clean cloth diapers before putting them in the dryer. The heat from the dryer will cause the stains to set, and removing those stains is all but impossible. If you do catch any stains, run the cloth diapers through one more cold wash and rinse with a little more vinegar in the rinse cycle. If you can, use an extra long spin cycle.
Put your wet diapers in the dryer on high heat. Don’t worry too much about shrinking. Anything made to be a receptacle of human waste is made out of stern stuff. If you have a clothesline, or have a yen to set one up, make sure to hang your diapers in direct sunlight. This dries them faster, and that is, ultimately, better for them.
How To Clean Suede Shoes
Gather your cleaning supplies
If you can afford suede shoes, you can afford suede shoe cleaning supplies. First, I recommend picking up a suede brush, which usually sports a variety of bristle types for varying degrees of filth. The brush usually comes in a kit (a few bucks at shoe repair shops or department stores) with a suede eraser, which is great for lifting marks, dirt, and certain stains from suede shoes. Depending on your mess, you may also need a sharp blade, a sponge, and a soft towel. Most importantly, if your shoes have a care label or cleaning directions, you’ll want whatever suede shoe cleaners or tools they suggest this act.
Clean water stains with water
Many people who want to learn how to clean suede shoes are dealing with water or tide marks. Do what the professionals do. Apply water evenly over the entirety of each shoe (even if only one got wet) using a spray bottle or sponge, and then blot away the excess moisture. You’ll want to stuff the shoes with paper (nothing that leaches ink) to keep them from deforming. Let them dry. Hopefully, your suede shoes will be evenly colored, though a bit darker.
For dirt, scuffs, and shine
Use a suede brush or nail brush. Make short, deliberate strokes going in one direction. You should see some color return as the nap comes to life. For many people, a light brushing is all you’ll need to clean suede shoes. For “shine” – which is nap that has gotten flattened into a smooth surface – you may need to get tougher. Try using the suede brush in both directions. If that fails, carefully scrape the nap with a safety blade or rub it with fine-grade sandpaper.
You have to let mud dry
To clean suede shoes that are muddy, remove the excess mud without pushing too hard against the suede. Next, let it dry. You should now be able to break off the larger chunks. You can then use a suede brush (or nail brush) to break off the dirt particles and resurrect your suede’s color. Lastly, ask yourself, “Why did I go muddin’ in my suede shoes?”
To clean suede shoes with marks, spots, and some stains, use a suede eraser
Suede erasers are cheap and effective. Just like those math tests – start your erasing with moderate pressure and apply more as needed. It helps to curse while doing so. You’ll be able to see grime and filth lift off of the suede shoes and onto the eraser. If you’re too stubborn to go buy a suede eraser, a pencil eraser or some crepe rubber will have a similar effect.
If your shoes came with instructions, they would suggest suede cleaners and degreasers for disasters like this. Even if you don’t have care directions, now would be the time for suede cleaner. You may need to apply several applications. Sadly, your chances of cleaning suede shoes that are badly stained are 50/50 at best.
How To Clean A Purse
Most men are afraid of women’s purses based on what might lurk inside. The fear is legitimate. I have cleaned my purse during a blue moon and come upon items that are not recognizable as having originated on this planet. I know an older woman, a shut-in, whose purse got opened so infrequently it harbored a spider, complete with web. But more typical ingredients are three-year-old waterproof mascara the consistency of phenolic resin, contact lenses from 2007, a half tube of antacid tablets—the topmost layer suspiciously dark from kicking around inside my one-gallon, black velvet lifeline—and a collection of change that has migrated down through the lining into the bottom through a hole I have never been able to find. This last suggests evil alien activity.
Cleaning a purse requires tact, patience, and care
Instead of flipping the purse upside down over a table and dumping it out haphazardly, which could cause some items to end up hidden in the carpeting beneath the table, consider gentling tipping it on its nose over a flat, smooth surface and patting the bottom until all the oddments come tumbling out. This also ensures that any living thing will have a chance to creep away to safety.
The next step in cleaning a purse is to sort objects
Sort health and beauty items into one pile and mechanical/electronic items into another. This, of course, is where the sort function gets interesting because you will have to decide if a quarter (which can be used to screw down a loose battery terminal) is mechanical or (because the vending machine at work only takes quarters) a health item.
Post Sort Function
Once the sort-function portion of purse cleaning is complete, you can proceed with eliminating items that have passed their sell-by date. A plastic-wrapped chocolate bar whose label suggests it expired a year ago really doesn’t qualify because candy bars last forever, and we might someday be trapped in a blizzard with no other form of nourishment. However, the antibiotics you took in March of 2009 (it’s now September of 2010) do, but please don’t dump them down the drain. Take them to your nearest pharmacy, where they can be recycled. Also, please remember that this secondary sorting function is as much intuitive as logical (i.e., just like a woman).
Now that you have purse stuff sorted, take a minute to go over each item you plan to keep and wash, dust, or otherwise clean it. Yes, you can keep your old but much-loved shade of sherry lipstick, but wash the plastic cover with soap and water to remove chocolate fingerprints. Do the same with other items of makeup, electronics, plastic-wrapped containers, your artificial leather wallet, and even coins. Then sort everything one more time, into very specific categories.
I have cleaned my purse during a blue moon and come upon items that are not recognizable as having originated on this planet. I know an older woman, a shut-in, whose purse got opened so infrequently it harbored a spider, complete with web. But more typical ingredients are three-year-old waterproof mascara the consistency of phenolic resin, contact lenses from 2007, a half tube of antacid tablets—the topmost layer suspiciously dark from kicking around inside my one-gallon, black velvet lifeline—and a collection of change that has migrated down through the lining into the bottom through a hole I have never been able to find. This last suggests evil alien activity.
How To Clean Boots
You want your boots to last? Waterproof them. Especially if you live in a northern state like I do. Your only other option is to not wear boots during the snow, rain, or other watery states. And who knows when and where it’s going to precipitate? The only place you can get away with not waterproofing your footwear is in San Diego, California. Do you really want to risk it?
How to clean leather boots
If your leather boots have laces, take ‘em out first. Then, take a soft shoe or boot brush (or, in a pinch, a clean soft cloth) and go over the entire surface area of the boots to remove dust, excess dirt, and anything else you may have picked up on the way. Create a solution of mild dish soap and warm water. Dip a soft cloth into the solution and wring out the extra moisture so that the cloth is only damp. Proceed to scrub your boot, reapplying your cleaning solution frequently so to always be scrubbing with a clean section of cloth. Once you’ve done this, rinse by wiping with a clean cloth dampened with fresh water. Gently rub dry with still another clean cloth. Once that’s all done you’ll want to polish the leather so it’s all pretty again.
How to clean suede boots
People get all twitchy when talking about cleaning suede. My response to them is: Go into it informed and it’s really not that hard. However badly your boots are soiled, let them dry completely and then rub with a clean towel or suede brush. It’s important to remember to rub in one direction only: This will remove the dirt. Your next step depends on the nature of the soiling.
For scuffs you need only to go over it a few times with the suede brush rubbing back and forth (yes, this seems contradictory, but it works). For marks, you’ll have to use a suede eraser (which transfers marks from the shoe to the eraser). For water marks, dampen a cloth and wet down the entire boot. Use another cloth or sponge to remove the excess water, then stuff the boot with newspaper, tissue, or a boot-form. Let the boot dry in a cool, dry place away from the sun and any intense heat source (furnace vent, exhaust fans, etc.). Once dry, use your suede brush to restore the nap by brushing in one direction and reapplying suede protector.
For others dip a soft cloth into the solution and wring out the extra moisture so that the cloth is only damp. Proceed to scrub your boot, reapplying your cleaning solution frequently so to always be scrubbing with a clean section of cloth. Once you’ve done this, rinse by wiping with a clean cloth dampened with fresh water. Gently rub dry with still another clean cloth. Once that’s all done you’ll want to polish the leather so it’s all pretty again.
Your only other option is to not wear boots during the snow, rain, or other watery states. And who knows when and where it’s going to precipitate? The only place you can get away with not waterproofing your footwear is in San Diego, California. Do you really want to risk it?
How To Clean Wool
This is a waxy layer around the hair fiber that sheds and repels fluid. This also makes wool pretty stain resistant. The other reason is that wool has a neat antistatic property that keeps it from attracting dirt and dust. Don’t get me wrong, though; it does get dirty and sometimes your wool coat, wool sweater, wool hat, or whatever other piece of wool clothing you have needs cleaning. If you have just spilled something and need to spot clean wool, immediately grab a clean white cloth and blot (never rub) as much of it out of the wool as possible, and then proceed through this article. If you just want to clean wool, proceed at your own pace.
It sounds simple because it is. Sometimes you can clean wool, and prolong thorough washing of wool, simply by hitting it with a garment brush. Garment brushes work well for removing any dirt and dust that may have collected. It’s also good for getting rid of little crusties of unknown origin. Just take a few minutes and go over the entire wool garment with the brush. Make sure you are brushing lengthwise. Use a damp cloth for finer wool.
Washing wool
Wash wool by hand with a gentle detergent. Use any detergent that says “wool safe.” You can also use baby shampoo or dish detergent. Wash out the sink, fill it with cool to lukewarm water (never hot), and add your detergent. Stir the detergent in gently by hand and submerge the garment. Squeeze the wool very gently all over to make sure water gets everywhere, and allow it to soak for about five minutes. Depending on how soiled the garment is, you may wish to repeat this step with fresh water.
Rinsing wool
Nothing earth-shattering here. Remove the wool garment, set it aside, empty your soapy sink, rinse the sink out, and put the plug back in. Next, you’ll want to refill the sink. It is important, to avoid shrinkage, to get the rinse water as close to the same temperature as the wash water was as you can. For this reason, you may want to check the temp of the wash water before draining. Now put your wool garment in the fresh water and gently push it around. Consider it rinsed.
Drying wool
If the wool garment being washed is small enough, remove it from the rinse water and place it in a colander to drip dry for a few minutes. Then take it out and very gently squeeze some more of the water out. Never wring wool. If the wool garment is too large for a colander, skip to the squeezing. Always dry wool by laying it flat. Never hang it to dry. Allow 2-3 days for drying. It’s a good idea, before you begin the washing process, to lay your wool clothes out on a large sheet of paper and trace them. This is so you will have a guide to help you reshape the wool for drying.