Good for: canvas sneakers, many casual trainers, faux leather panels.

Steps:

1. Knock off loose dirt, then gently brush with a soft brush.
   
2. Remove laces and insoles.
   
3. Make a paste of baking soda and a little water, or mix 1 tablespoon liquid laundry detergent with 1 cup warm water. If you use vinegar, expect fizzing with baking soda; rinse thoroughly.
   
4. Work the mixture into stains with a soft toothbrush using small circular motions. Don’t scrub aggressively.
   
5. Wipe with a damp cloth and let air-dry 6-8 hours. Repeat if needed.
   
6. For machine-safe canvas, place shoes in a laundry bag or pillowcase with a couple of towels, use a gentle cycle and cold water, then air-dry.
   

Tips: For stubborn scuffs on rubber midsoles, a magic eraser or a paste of baking soda and water works well.

Safety note: If you consider bleach, dilute carefully - one part bleach to five parts water - and never mix bleach with vinegar or ammonia. Use bleach sparingly, in a ventilated area, and test first.

Good for: white leather sneakers, dress shoes with white leather panels.

Steps:

1. Remove surface dirt with a soft brush or cloth.
   
2. Mix 1 teaspoon dish soap with 1 cup warm water.
   
3. Dampen a cloth or soft brush, gently clean scuffs and dirt. Avoid soaking leather.
   
4. Wipe with a damp cloth to remove soap residue.
   
5. Allow to air-dry away from direct heat.
   
6. Finish with a leather conditioner to restore oils and prevent cracking.
   

Tips: For white rubber soles, use a magic eraser or a toothbrush with baking soda paste.

Good for: breathable running shoes and trainers.

Steps:

1. Remove laces and insoles.
   
2. Mix a small amount of laundry detergent with warm water.
   
3. Use a soft cloth - do not use stiff brushes that can snag mesh - and gently rub soiled areas.
   
4. Rinse cloth and wipe away soap residue.
   
5. Air-dry at room temperature.
   

Tip: For tough midsole stains, use a magic eraser after the upper is clean and dry.

Good for: delicate white suede sneakers and dress shoes.

Important: Do not use water to soak suede, it can set stains and mark the nap.

Steps:

1. Brush off loose dirt with a suede brush.
   
2. Use a suede eraser or a clean pencil eraser on scuffs.
   
3. For set-in stains, lightly dab with a cloth moistened with white vinegar, then allow to air-dry. After dry, restore the nap with a suede brush.
   
4. Protect with a suede/nubuck protector spray once clean.
   

Tip: If leather or suede is oil stained, a professional cleaner or cobbler is the safest option.

Steps:

1. Soak in warm water with laundry detergent. For heavy stains, soak 5-10 minutes in a diluted bleach solution (one part bleach to five parts water).
   
2. Rinse and machine-wash with like colors, then air-dry.
   

1. Remove dirt and dust with a soft brush.
   
2. Dampen a cloth with a mild soap and water solution, gently wipe the cork surface - do not soak.
   
3. Wipe away soap residue with a clean damp cloth, then air-dry away from direct sun.
   
4. Condition any leather or suede uppers with appropriate care products.
   

1. Clean and dry the cork thoroughly.
   
2. Lightly sand rough or flaking areas with fine-grit sandpaper to create a smooth surface. Wipe away dust.
   
3. Apply cork filler or a flexible cork repair compound to cracks, smoothing with a small spatula. Let cure fully.
   
4. Sand lightly to blend the repair, then apply a cork sealant or varnish to protect the surface and restore water resistance. Follow product cure times.
   
5. For loose or separated cork edges, a waterproof contact adhesive can reattach pieces; clamp or press until set.
   

Products: Birkenstock Deluxe Shoe Care Kit contains footbed cleaner and a cork sealant (sealant may be sold separately). Many brands offer cork filler kits for at-home fixes.

• Apply a water and stain protector suitable for the material (sprays for suede, creams for leather).
  
• Use leather conditioner for smooth leather to prevent drying.
  
• For cork, always finish with a cork sealant for long-term protection.
  
• Store shoes in a cool, dry place with shoe trees or stuffing to preserve shape.

• Air-dry at room temperature, away from radiators and direct afternoon sun.
  
• Stuff shoes with paper or a shoe tree to maintain shape while drying.
  
• For insoles, let them air-dry separately to avoid trapped moisture.