Cycling shoes can be a bit of a pain to clean. With all the different materials, it’s not always easy to know how to get them looking new again. In this post, we’ll walk you through cleaning cycling shoes using both wet and dry methods. Read on for tips on how to clean cycling shoes looking like new again!
Cycling shoes take a lot of abuse. They have to withstand the daily grind of being on your feet, but they also get covered in mud, dust, and rain. And if you don’t clean them regularly, all that built-up dirt and grime can start to wear down the materials of your shoes. So it’s important to clean cycling shoes regularly – at least once a week.
Summary: Cycling shoes are an important part of any cyclist’s gear. Proper maintenance and cleaning can extend the life of cycling shoes, help them look better, and keep them comfortable for ride after ride.
Steps for cleaning cycling shoes include removing dirt with a brush, wiping down the shoes with a damp cloth, and conditioning leather with a dedicated shoe cleaner. Then, let the shoes dry in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight to avoid damaging or discoloring the materials.
Things You’ll Need
To clean your cycling shoes, you’ll need a few basic items:
- Water
- Soap or detergent
- A toothbrush or other small brush
- A soft cloth
- Bucket or large bowl
- Bleach
- Rubber gloves
3 Methods to Follow on How to Clean Cycling Shoes
Method 1: Cycling Shoes Deep Cleansing:
This first method is a deep cleansing of your cycling shoes. It should be done once a week, and you should avoid using other people’s footwear as how to clean cycling shoes can contain many diseases that allow the bacteria from your feet to increase in them.
1. Get Rid of The Insoles, Rinse With Soapy Water:
To clean cycling shoes, the first thing you must do is get rid of the insoles. If they are removable, take them out and place them in a bucket filled with water and some dish soap. Of course, you can use other cleaning materials, too, but dish soap is easily available and gentle enough for your footwear.
2. Use A Brush to Clean the Insides:
After you’re done with the insoles, take a brush and clean the inside of the shoes. If there are any stubborn bits of dirt, use warm water to soak them up.
3. Air Dry:
Air-dry the insoles and shoes until they are completely dry. If any bits of dirt or dust remain, you can use a soft cloth to clean them off.
4. Using A Cleaning Spray For Bacterium And Smell Removal:
If you want to get rid of the bacterium and smell that accumulates in cycling shoes, a cleaning spray is what you’re looking for. After using a suitable cleaner for your shoes, you’ll need to let them dry completely under sunlight.
Method 2: Wash the Shoes:
Prepare a bucket, water, and dish soap. Submerge the shoes in the sudsy water for an hour (longer if they’re very dirty), then remove, wring out any excess water, and set them upside down on newspaper or paper towels to dry. Once they are almost completely dry, turn them right side up and stuff them with newspaper to ensure they keep their shape and dry completely.
1. Dish Soap or Brush:
If your shoes are only a little bit dirty, you can clean them with dish soap. Wet your shoes and hands, add some dish soap to a brush, and scrub the shoes. Rinse with water and set them aside to dry.
2. Tooth Paste:
If your shoes are heavily soiled, consider using toothpaste and a toothbrush to clean them. This will take some elbow grease: wet the shoes and apply a dab of toothpaste to a damp cloth or sponge. Use the scrubbing motion to work this into the fabric of the shoe. Rinse with water and wipe down with another slightly damp cloth to remove toothpaste residue. Set them aside to dry.
3. Baking Soda:
You can also make a baking soda paste with water and use it like toothpaste or soap for clean cycling shoes. Just rub the paste in, rinse with water and let them dry again. No special equipment is needed!
4. Laundry Bag:
If your bike often, your shoes will get very dirty. In this case, you might need to wash them with soap and water. Fill a bucket or sink with warm water and add a little dish soap. Soak the shoes for an hour, then remove and wring out the excess water. You can use a scrub brush to help get the dirt off. Rinse with clean water and set them on some newspaper or paper towels to dry. Once they are almost dry, turn them right side up and stuff them with some newspaper, so they keep their shape. They will probably take a few days to completely dry, but you can speed up the process by using a blow dryer on a low setting.
5. Magic Erasers:
If your shoes are really dirty, you might need to use a Magic Eraser. Wet the shoes and the eraser, and rub the eraser on the shoes. Rinse with water and set them aside to dry.
Method 3: Dry the Shoes:
1. Shoeshine:
If your shoes are just a little bit dirty, you can clean them with a shoeshine. Apply the polish in a circular motion, let it dry, and buff it off with a cloth.
2. Vacuum:
If your shoes are really dirty, you can vacuum them. This will take some time: put the hose attachment over the entire shoe and turn the vacuum on to its lowest setting. Then, slowly move the vacuum around the shoe until all the dirt is gone.
3. Crunched Newspaper:
Another way to clean your cycling shoes is by using crunched-up newspapers. Soak the shoes in soapy water, then stuff them with crunched-up newspaper. The newspaper will absorb the moisture, and the shoes will be clean in no time.
4. Drying Materials:
You can clean cycling shoes with various materials. For example, you might use crunched-up newspapers or a towel that will absorb the moisture from the shoes as they dry.
5. Use A Shoe Powder:
If your shoes are still a bit damp after cleaning them, you can use shoe powder to help them dry faster. Just sprinkle the powder into the shoes and let them sit overnight. The next day, they should be completely dry.
Frequently Asked Question
Which Method Is Better: Dishwashing Detergent or Vinegar:
Both methods effectively clean cycling shoes; however, one might be more preferable over the other. For example, Dishwashing detergent is a stronger cleanser and can remove tougher stains; white vinegar is a natural disinfectant and can help get rid of any bacteria or fungus that may be present on the shoes. Ultimately, it is up to the individual which method they would like to use.
What Is the Best Way to Clean Cycling Shoes?
The best way to clean cycling shoes is by using a dishwashing detergent. This is because it is a stronger cleanser and can remove tougher stains. However, if the individual prefers, they can use vinegar as a natural disinfectant. The shoes will be clean and free of any bacteria or fungus.
Is There a Difference Between White Vinegar and Apple Cider Vinegar When It Comes to Cleaning Cycling Shoes?
There is a difference between white vinegar and apple cider vinegar when cleaning cycling shoes. White vinegar is a more potent cleanser and can remove tougher stains. In contrast, apple cider vinegar has antimicrobial properties that can help get rid of any bacteria or fungus that may be present on the shoes.
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Conclusion
Cycling shoes are expensive and don’t come cheap. So if you want to keep them in good condition, they must be cleaned regularly with the right products. Here are some quick tips on how to clean cycling shoes safely!
