Madden Girl
How to Care & Clean High Heels - Step by Step
Today’s all about you. Well, you and mastering the art of high heel care. Why? Because of the 200+ bones that exist in the body, 26 of them live in the feet and we think that’s worth protecting.
Why choose fashion over function when you can have both? There’s no need to risk cramping your style with a broken heel turned broken ankle, or a dirty scuff that attracts the eyes.
Proper high heel care ensures you get what you paid for—a look that leaves you feeling flawless and confident. Here, we’ll cover:
• How to store your high heels
• Common high heel repairs
• How to clean high heels
• And so much more!
Let’s jump in (feet first).
How Should I Store My High Heels?
No matter your heel preference—stilettos, cones, spools, or flares—there are strategic ways to store them in order to maximize wear and minimize tear.
You might know firsthand that tossing your heels in a cubby or bin fast tracks nicks and scuffs. Oppositely, unlike using a conventional shoe rack for leather boots and sneakers, your heels may not fit (or balance) well in this setup.
In our basic shoe care guide, we encourage organizing your shoes by type. After all, who doesn’t want a designated heel section that screams boardroom success or time to hit the dance floor?
Check out these optimal ways to store your heels.
How to Clean High Heels
Now that you know how to organize your heels in the home, it’s time to show them off to the masses! But wait. You can’t.
Because last week’s cobblestone streets did a number on your Bandolino and you’ve doubly learned that grass is no friend to J. Renee.
Don’t let your heels inhibit your life, or vice versa! They exist to enhance.
Here’s how to clean high heels to reclaim your look and feels about your heels fast.
How to Clean High Heels: Leather
Note that how you clean your heels varies slightly based on their material. Let’s start with leather first.
1. Wipe Down the Dirt
Use a dry microfiber cloth or paper towel to rub away any dried dirt or debris.
2. Dampen a Separate Rag
Then, dampen a separate rag or cloth and begin rubbing the problem areas in a circular motion. Be slow, steady, and consistent with the motion you use.
3. Let Dry
Leave your shoes to dry naturally, not directly under a blow dryer or in the sun (as tempting as it may be). This can cause leather to harden and crack.
4. Apply Conditioner or Balm
Once your heels are dry, apply a balm or heel conditioner to rejuvenate. Let them dry again and watch them bounce back to full resilience.
How to Clean High Heels: Satin
Satin is a trickier material than leather; here’s what to know when cleaning satin high heels.
1. Wipe Down the Dirt
Same as above, wipe down the dirt with a dry microfiber cloth, rag, or paper towel.
2. Dampen a Separate Cloth
Create a damp cloth separate from the one you used above. This ensures you don’t rub more dirt on the shoe. Wring out the cloth so no water drips.
3. Blot, Don’t Rub
Unlike leather high heels, you don’t want to rub the problem areas with the cloth; simply blot them instead. Go with the grain when blotting to avoid spreading the dirt.
4. Blot (Again) to Dry
Blot with another dry rag and let them sit to dry. They’ll be ready in no time!
How to Clean High Heels: Suede
Similar to other suede shoes, the process of cleaning suede heels is particular.
1. Dry the Shoes
If your shoes aren’t dry, let them dry first. If they are dry, take a dry cloth, rag, or paper towel to wipe off any debris.
2. Erase the Scuffs
Take a rubber eraser to erase the scuffed areas.
3. Use Vinegar Solution and Blot
If necessary, use a 2:1 warm water to vinegar solution to blot the problem areas.
4. Let Dry
Set them but don’t forget them! Let your heels dry naturally, but then keep them tucked away in a box or dust-resistant bag for safe keeping.
For more intricate tutorials on how to care for various styles of shoes, be sure to check out our shoe care basics guide next.
High Heel Guide Dos and Don’ts
Without the proper way to maintain those heels, they’ll inevitably fall to the wayside. Having spent the intentional time, energy, and money to scope out that pair of dazzling Steve Madden, don’t be the reason you can’t rock them for years to come.
Some quick dos and don’ts for optimal high heel care? You bet!
Do: Consider a heel saver to preserve the longevity of your heels.
Don’t: Walk on rough surfaces, like grass, mud, or dusty gravel roads. Stick to concrete if you can.
Do: Assess your heels after use.
Don’t: Air out your heels, as open-heeled shoes can crack or break more easily.
Do: Take off your shoes with care. Sit down to remove them slowly.
Don’t: Forget to put them on and take them off in the same place. Keep things organized to avoid hazards and lost items at home.
Do: Keep rubbing alcohol handy to help stretch out your shoes as needed. Create a light solution in a spray bottle, then gently spritz to help the heels give.
Don’t: Overdo it! Once or twice is plenty.
Do: Know that wear and tear is normal. But unlike other shoes, heels can last up to 15 years. By the time you must replace them, your current ones may be out of style, so work to preserve them as long as you can.
Don’t: Power walk or jog in them. Sounds intuitive, but strutting your stuff too hard can expedite a heel’s demise. Don’t let chasing for that cab or an aggressive pop, lock, and drop be the reason your heels meet their last day.
Common High Heel Repairs
About that 15 year lifespan we mentioned? High-quality heels can absolutely last that long, but it’s 100% contingent on your level of high heel care.
The higher the heel, the more likely it is to break, so we’ve got a few common high heel repairs to keep in the back of your mind.
1. Rubber Heel Lifts
To avoid breakage of the heel, consider a rubber heel lift to avoid those rough surfaces mentioned earlier.
This will preserve the longevity of your heel as you walk to and from your destination. (Consider this more of a maintenance hack than a repair, but regardless, it’s a wise one.)
2. Broken Heels
If you’ve got a broken heel, meet your new BFFs: Superglue and sandpaper. Simply rub the dirt or debris with a dry paper towel, rag, or cloth. You can proceed to clean the scuffs and scratches with the aforementioned steps if necessary.
Use the sandpaper to even out any unlevel areas. This also helps the glue stick better. Apply the superglue, hold the pieces together for a few minutes, then let it sit for a solid 24 hours before revisiting.
3. Replacement Dowel
If the bottom of your heels need new dowels (or replacement tips), you can DIY with a home toolkit. Finagle the current dowel out with a pair of pliers, then position the new one where the old one was.
Make sure it’s aligned before hammering it back in. Keep your fingers close by (but not too close) to align it the whole way through.
Take Your Heels to New Heights
Overall, learning about heel protectors, heel lifts, and how to clean high heels will set you up for a long-lasting relationship with your favorites.
From making or buying heel storage spaces to cleaning high heels at home, revisit this guide any time you find yourself in a pickle!
Between the at-home remedies listed and the intuitive shoe products from Zappos, we have full confidence that all will be well.
