how to clean a leather jacket

Our shoes put up with a lot: walks through the pouring rain, spills while making dinner, and, oh you know, getting trampled all day long. That's why it doesn't take much time for them to start looking dingy. But if you follow these tricks from our experts in the Good Housekeeping Institute, you can restore your sneakers, boots, and heels to their original glory.

How to clean suede shoes

Kate Bennis

If you want to clean a mud stain or any other kind of mark off your suede shoes, use an emery board to buff it out. Or, if it's really matted, hold the shoe a few inches above the spout of a steaming tea kettle for a few seconds, then brush up the nap with your emery board.

How to clean patent shoes

Kate Bennis

First, try rubbing marks out with an eraser. For marks that are more resistant, dab with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol, then wipe with an absorbent cloth. For routine maintenance, use a damp cloth and mild soap, like Dawn Ultra Dishwashing Liquid Dish Soap ($2, amazon.com), and water. Buff with a smooth, soft cloth.

How to clean white shoes

To clean white sneakers, make a paste out of three tablespoons baking soda and two tablespoons of water, then use a toothbrush to scrub the shoes clean. Another option: Hand wash them with a mild soap, like Dawn Ultra Dishwashing Liquid Dish Soap, and water. Then, for the rubber soles and sides, clean them with Good Housekeeping Seal holder, Mr. Clean Magic Eraser ($9, amazon.com).

How to clean leather shoes

Kate Bennis

In a pinch, use moisturizer to polish and brighten dull leather. Just put a little face or body moisturizer on a clean towel and apply to your shoes. For bigger messes, carefully rub in mild soap, like Dawn Ultra Dishwashing Liquid Dish Soap, or leather cleanser, like Good Housekeeping Seal holder Weiman Leather Cleaner & Conditioner ($9, amazon.com), onto your shoe with a damp paper towel. Let it sit several seconds, then wipe it clean. Let air dry afterwards.

How to clean salt stains

Kate Bennis

Before winter strikes again, get rid of last year's salt line by making an at-home cleaner with equal parts white vinegar and water. Soak a rag in the solution and dab the shoes. Rinse with a water-dampened cloth and wipe with a dry towel. Let shoes air dry.

How to protect

Carolyn Forte, director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Cleaning Lab, says there's one last step for delicate materials: "Treating leather and suede regularly helps them look their best." Our recommendation? Try Kiwi's Protect-All ($14 for two, amazon.com).

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