We always say that clean and shiny shoes are the foundation of any good outfit. But what do you do if your Melissa shoes need a refresh? Can I put them in the washing machine? Should I wash them with soap or shampoo? In this article, we'll answer all your questions about cleaning your Melissa shoes.
How to clean gel shoes and restore their shine?
Melissa shoes are made of a gel material that's incredibly easy to clean. Whether you have Possession sandals, a heeled model, a platform model, or a flat slide, each one is made of the same material, a patented gel blend called Melflex®, so they all clean the same way.
Step 1: Get the tools
Before you start cleaning Melissa, gather a few simple things that will make your task easier:
- A brush or toothbrush with soft bristles (a body brush you can buy at a drugstore will do)
- Mild soap, shampoo or other detergent
- Baking powder
- Vinegar
- Bowl
- A clean cloth or sponge
Step 2: Remove dirt and debris from the surface
Use a soft-bristled brush or toothbrush to gently remove dust and other particles from the surface of the shoes. The goal is to remove any visible dirt, but be careful not to scrub too hard—you don't want to apply too much pressure, which could cause cracks or scratches in the material. Be gentle—this is more of a massage than a rough brush. A small amount of soap or detergent can be used to remove any dried-on dirt.
Step 3: Clean your shoes
Now it's time for a thorough cleaning. Fill a bowl with warm water and a small amount of mild soap or detergent. Dip a clean cloth or sponge in the soapy water and gently scrub the entire surface of the shoes —be sure to clean even the hard-to-reach areas. Just remember not to soak the shoes in water, as this can cause warping or discoloration. We recommend cleaning one shoe at a time to avoid additional soaking.
Step 4: Remove stubborn stains
If you notice stains that can't be easily removed with soap and water, try using a mixture of baking soda and white vinegar to remove stains from gel shoes. Mix equal parts of each (e.g., a teaspoon of baking soda and a teaspoon of vinegar) in a bowl and use a cloth or sponge to apply the mixture to the stained areas. Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes, then use a clean cloth to gently scrub the stain until it disappears.
Step 5: Rinse your shoes
After thoroughly cleaning your shoes, rinse them to remove any soap or cleaning solution residue. Make sure all the dirt has come out—if not, you can use an old toothbrush. Then, dip a clean cloth or sponge in fresh water and gently wipe the surface.
Step 6: Dry your shoes
Place your shoes in a well-ventilated area and allow them to air dry. Do not rub them with a cloth or towel, as this may cause water marks to appear. Also, be careful not to expose your shoes to direct sunlight or heat, as high temperatures can cause them to warp, shrink, or discolor.
Step 7: Apply Vaseline to make your shoes shiny
If, after cleaning and letting your shoes dry, they seem to be lacking their original shine, use a soft, clean cloth and apply a small amount of Vaseline to the shoes. This will restore their shine and also protect the material from brittleness and cracking. Let the Vaseline soak into the shoes for a few minutes, then wipe off the excess with a new, clean, soft cloth. Whether your shoes are pink, white, black, clear, or have heels or other fun colors, this simple trick will restore their shine in no time.
Step 8: Remove any odors
Did you know that baking soda is a natural deodorant? To remove unpleasant odors from freshly cleaned gel shoes, sprinkle a small amount of baking soda on the shoes and leave it for a few hours or overnight. In the morning, shake the shoes to remove the baking soda and release a fresh, clean scent.
Ready!
P.S. We never put Melissa shoes in the washing machine. A mechanical washing machine could destroy the shoe components we love so much!
How do you clean your Melissas? Let us know in the comments if you've found your own tricks!