How to Clean Sperrys

Sperry shoes need to be cleaned carefully to avoid damaging the leather. Suede and nubuck Sperrys should only be cleaned by brushing them with a leather brush. Full-grain leather can be cleaned with mild detergent or leather cleaner. Here are the best methods to use when cleaning Sperry shoes.

EditSteps

EditBrushing

1. Brush the shoes with a soft bristle brush.^[1] Use a leather brush or soft toothbrush to gently brush away any dust, dirt, or debris from your shoes.
   
   • This method is primarily used for suede and nubuck Sperrys. These types of leather are more sensitive and less resistant to moisture than full grain leather. As a result, the primary means of cleaning them is simply by dry brushing.
   • Brush the shoes using short strokes that move in the same direction. Scrubbing the shoes in multiple directions will create scars.
   • When possible, use a rubber bristled brush instead of a nylon bristled brush. Rubber is less likely to scar the leather than nylon.
   • Focus on the areas that are notably dirty.
2. Apply steam to the shoes. Heat water in a steamer or kettle. Hold the steam roughly 12 inches (30.5 cm) away from the shoe to further loosen the dirt.
   
   • Only perform this step for suede Sperrys, not for nubuck ones.
   • Do not hold the steam much closer to the shoes than this. Suede is sensitive to moisture, and being exposed to too much steam too quickly could cause damage.
3. Rub the shoes down with a suede bar. Focus on stains and marks. Rub the suede bar over these areas to clean them.
   
   • If necessary, you can slightly dampen the suede bar to help remove more stubborn stains. The suede bar will not become wet easily, but it is still advisable to use caution when wetting it so that you do not soak the bar or the shoe.
4. Re-brush the shoes. Use the same soft bristled brush to gently brush the shoes.
   
   • Brushing the shoes during this step will help to lift the small pieces of thread that stick up, giving suede and nubuck their trademark textures. These pieces of thread are known as the "nap."
   • Failing to brush the shoes after this step will cause them to look flattened, and their texture will become distorted.
5. Treat the shoes with a protective spray. Follow the directions on the can of leather protective spray to apply a thin coat of sealant over the shoes.
   
   • This step is only optional, but it will increase the longevity of your shoes.
   • After applying the protective spray, allow the shoes to dry for 24 hours.

EditSoap and Water

1. Remove the insole and laces. The insoles will be washed separately, and the laces will fray if washed.
   
   • If the laces are considerably dirty, you may want to consider replacing them.
   • The insoles are easy to remove. Grab the end of the insole and lift it up and back to ease it out of the Sperry.
2. Soak the shoes.^[2] Quickly dunk the shoes in a bucket of cool water to get the entire shoe wet.
   
   • Instead of dunking the shoe, you could also douse the exterior with cool water using a spray bottle or cup of water.
   • Avoid using hot water, which is more likely to cause the leather to shrink.
3. Scrub some dish soap onto the shoes. Dab roughly 1 Tbsp (15 ml) of mild dish detergent onto the outside of the shoe. Use a soft bristled toothbrush or leather brush to spread the soap over the entire exterior of the shoe, scrubbing as much of the shoe as possible.
   
   • Use mild dish detergent free from dyes and scents. These added chemicals are more likely to have a negative reaction with the leather. A mild dish soap works best and is least likely to cause a problem.
4. Scrub the insoles. Dip the soft brush into a solution of water and dish soap. Thoroughly scrub the insoles with this brush to clean them, washing the insoles on both sides.
   
   • For notably strong odors, you can sprinkle baking soda or foot powder over dry insoles before scrubbing them with a dry soft bristled toothbrush. Do not get any baking soda or foot powder on the leather.
5. Dry the shoes. Lay the shoes out flat, in a partially sunny spot, and let them air dry for 24 hours.
   
   • Avoid spots with direct, full sun, since too much sun may cause the leather to crack as it dries.
   • The insoles should also be dried in the same manner.
6. Condition the leather. Following the instructions on your bottle of leather conditioner, wipe the conditioner onto the exterior of the shoes using a soft cloth.
   
   • Using a leather conditioner is especially important if you wash your Sperry shoes with detergent. Detergent has a tendency to dry the leather out, and conditioner will help to revitalize the leather, infusing moisture back into it.
   • Reassemble the shoes when done. Place the insert back into the shoe and re-thread the laces.

EditSpot Cleaning with Nail Polish Remover

1. Soak the shoes. Quickly dunk the shoes in cool water to moisten them.
   
   • Alternatively, you could also spray or pour cool water on the Sperrys instead of dunking them. If you do opt to moisten the shoes by spraying them, you may consider only spraying the areas that have notable stains or marks.
   • Spot cleaning is only done on specific parts of the shoe, namely, those that have stains or marks. You should not clean the entire shoe using this method.
2. Soak a cotton ball in nail polish remover. Dab a little nail polish remover onto a clean cotton ball and squeeze slightly to wring out excess moisture.
   
   • For best results, use an acetone-based nail polish remover.
3. Apply the polish remover to notable stains. Blot stubborn stains with the cotton ball soaked in nail polish remover. Continue dabbing the area with the cotton ball until the stain lifts off the leather.
   
   • Do not scrub the shoes, since this may be too harsh on the leather.
   • Nail polish remover is especially helpful for removing stains on light-colored leather.
4. Dry the shoes. Place the Sperrys in a partially sunny location and let them dry, flat, for 24 hours.
   
   • Do not position the shoes in bright, direct sunlight, since this might be too strong and could dry the leather out too quickly.
5. Condition the leather. Rub leather conditioner over the exterior of the shoes to moisturize the leather after washing it.
   
   • Follow the instructions labeled on your brand of leather conditioner.
   • Conditioning the leather allows you to replace some of the moisture lost in the cleaning process.

EditLeather Cleaner

1. Remove the insoles and shoe laces. Set the shoe laces aside and prepare to clean the insoles separately.
   
2. Clean the insoles with soapy water. Dip a soft bristled toothbrush in a solution of warm water and mild dish detergent. Scrub the insoles using this toothbrush, washing both sides thoroughly.
   
   • To remove strong odors, use a dry toothbrush to scrub dry insoles with baking soda or foot powder. Do not allow the baking soda or foot powder to get on the leather.
3. Apply leather cleaner to a soft cloth. Use specialized leather cleaner or Sperry-specific leather cleaner. Apply a small amount to a soft cloth, massaging it into the cloth gently.
   
   • A microfiber cloth works best, but any soft cloth should work effectively. Avoid abrasive fabrics and paper towels, however.
4. Wipe the shoes down with the cloth. Gently scrub the exterior of the Sperry shoes with the cleaner-coated cloth.
   
   • Apply the leather cleaner using small, circular buffing motions. Rub the cleaner over the entire surface of the leather, focusing on notably dirtied areas but covering the entire exterior surface.
5. Remove debris with a soft bristle brush. Scrub dirt and debris from the shoes using a leather brush or soft bristled toothbrush.
   
   • If you do not notice any debris on the surface of the shoes, you can skip this step.
6. Condition the leather. Use a soft cloth the gently massage the leather conditioner into the leather.
   
   • Follow the instructions on your brand of conditioner to apply it accurately.
   • Buff the conditioner into the surface of the leather using small, circular motions. Apply gentle yet even pressure.
7. Dry the shoes. Let them lay flat for 24 hours. Place them in a place with partial, indirect sun.
   
   • Do not dry the shoes in full, direct sun, since this is more likely to dry the leather out too quickly.

EditWashing Machine

1. Remove the insoles and place them into a laundry bag. Tie a knot at the top of the open end of the mesh laundry bag to prevent the insoles from slipping out.
   
   • Both the shoes and the insoles can be washed in the washing machine, but the insoles must be washed inside the laundry bag to prevent them from getting lost or damaged inside the machine.
   • A pillowcase can also be used instead of a laundry bag.
   • Also remove the shoe laces. Set them aside until after the shoes have been washed.
2. Wash the shoes and the insoles in the washing machine. Transfer the laundry bag and the Sperry shoes to the washing machine. Add a small amount of laundry detergent and set the washer for a long cycle in cold water.
   
   • Do not use warm or hot water. The leather is more likely to shrink or crack when exposed to hot water.
3. Dry in the sun. Place the shoes in partial, indirect sunlight and dry for 24 hours.
   
   • Do not set the shoes out in full, direct sun, since it may cause the leather to shrink or crack.
4. Treat the leather. Apply a thick layer of leather conditioner or mink oil over the surface to add moisture back into the leather.
   
   • Follow the instructions on the conditioner to apply it correctly.

EditThings You'll Need

• Leather brush or soft bristled toothbrush
• Suede bar
• Dish detergent
• Water
• Soft cloth
• Nail polish remover
• Cotton ball
• Leather cleaner
• Laundry detergent
• Mesh laundry bag or pillowcase
• Leather conditioner, mink oil, or protective spray

EditSources and Citations

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