How To Clean Ballet Shoes

How To Clean Satin Ballet Shoes

How To Clean Canvas Ballet Shoes

Ballet shoes are the perfect dance partner, they help to keep your feet comfortable and supported at the barre or during performances. Clean ballet shoes ensure you look professional for class and help them last longer. Whether your shoes are satin, leather, or canvas, each material needs specific care to maintain its appearance and functionality. This guide gives you a step-by-step on how to clean ballet shoes, tailored to each material.

How To Clean Satin Ballet Shoes

Satin ballet shoes are delicate and need extra attention to preserve their glimmer appearance. Here’s how to clean satin shoes:

Spot Cleaning: Mix a small amount of soap or gentle detergent with water. Use a cloth or sponge to dab at the stains, avoid putting too much liquid onto the material.

Top tip: Blot, don’t rub!

Drying: Let the shoes dry away from sunlight or heat to stop them from losing their colour. Pad out the inside of the shoe with tissue when drying to maintain the shoe structure.

How to Clean Leather Ballet Shoes

Leather ballet shoes are good because of their durability but it’s important to care for them properly. Follow these simple steps to clean ballet shoes:

Wipe Away Dirt: Use a damp cloth to gently wipe away dirt. For scuff marks, rub lightly with a clean & dry cloth, or buy an eraser designed to be used on leather.

Condition The Leather: Apply a small amount of leather conditioner or a tiny bit of petroleum jelly to keep the leather supple—Buff with a cloth for a polished look.

Refresh: Sprinkle baking soda inside the shoes overnight to eliminate odors, shake out before wearing.

Top tip: Don’t soak leather ballet shoes, as water can distort the material.

How To Clean Canvas Ballet Shoes

Canvas ballet shoes are lightweight and breathable, which makes them easier to clean than satin or leather ballet shoes.

Washing: Hand washing helps preserve the ballet shoes, use lukewarm water mixed with mild detergent. If you need to machine wash, place the shoes in a laundry bag on a gentle cycle with cold water.

Scrub gently: Use a soft brush or cloth to scrub away dirt.

Drying: Stuff the ballet shoes with tissue or paper towels to keep their shape as they dry. Let them air dry completely and try to avoid direct sunlight or heat.

Top tip: Bleaching canvas shoes can weaken the fibers and cause discoloration so this isn’t recommended.

General Tips for Cleaning Ballet Shoes

Only wear your ballet shoes in the studio and avoid wearing them outside. Warmup booties are easy to add over your ballet shoes when walking to and from class. Store your ballet shoes in a breathable bag so they don’t start to smell.

If you are in class every day, have a few pairs of ballet shoes that you can switch between to extend their lifespan.

Use anti-bacterial sprays or inserts to keep your ballet shoes smelling fresh.

Cleaning Ballet Shoes FAQs

How do you clean satin shoes without ruining them?

Cleaning satin ballet shoes requires extra care, spot clean them with a damp cloth and try to avoid soaking them. Air-dry them with tissue to keep their shape.

Can I wash leather ballet shoes?

No, leather ballet shoes should not be soaked or machine-washed. Carefully wipe them with a damp cloth and condition the leather.

Are canvas ballet shoes machine washable?

Yes, but hand washing is best. If machine washing put the canvas ballet shoes in a laundry bag and wash on a delicate and cold wash.

Keep your ballet shoes fresh and comfortable for class by keeping them clean. Whether you’re wondering how to clean satin ballet shoes, or leather or canvas shoes, following the steps above will ensure your shoes will be stage-ready.

Want to read more?

Take a look at Am I ready to go on pointe? Or Mastering Ballet Positions: A Guide.

See you soon,

Team Move Dance x