I know what some of you are thinking… secondhand shoes? Ew, no thanks. But hear me out. There are SO MANY amazing shoes out there that have barely been worn, just sitting around waiting for a second chance. Think about it, how many times have you bought a pair of shoes that you thought you were going to wear all the time, only for them to sit in the back of your closet gathering dust?
So, why not scoop up a barely-worn pair of shoes for a fraction of the price and give them a new life?
Here are my easy-peasy tips for cleaning up your secondhand shoes. Of course, you can also do this to the shoes already living in your closet to help keep them looking new for years to come!
Disinfect the Inside
Grab yourself a handy dandy bleach wipe and wipe out the inside of the shoe. Get all up in there and give it a good cleaning with the bleach. Even better if it’s a lemon scented bleach wipe!
If the insoles are removable, just throw them out and replace them with a new pair.
Tackle the Outside
I typically wipe down the outside with a damp rag. However, for fabric shoes you can also use a damp Mr Clean Magic Eraser.
For shoes that have exterior details that look a little dusty, I grab a soft bristled toothbrush from the stash the dentist gives us for free.
I just wet it and give the edges a little brush, paying special attention to the areas where the sole meets the upper part of the shoe.
Buying secondhand shoes is a fun way to save money, find unique styles, and do your part to keep good footwear out of landfills. So next time you’re scrolling through Poshmark, browsing your local thrift store, or hitting up a consignment shop, don’t be afraid to give those pre-loved shoes a second chance. A little TLC is all they need to be as good as new!