The Affordable Cleaning Tool That Makes Spot-Cleaning Shoes A Breeze

We may receive a commission on purchases made from links.

Cleaning is no fun — we get it. When it comes to shoes, most of us would rather just dump those kicks in the washing machine, walk away, and come back to collect sparkling clean footwear. But not all shoes are washable. If your footwear only has a few stains, it doesn't make sense to give it a full-on deep clean. That's why spot cleaning is important. Before you worry about the extra work, we have a solution that makes spot-cleaning your shoes much easier. It won't break the bank, either. Enter the magic eraser. A single Mr. Clean Magic Eraser will set you back around $5.

A magic eraser is a genius cleaning tool you absolutely need for your home. It's widely celebrated for its effectiveness and versatility in cleaning all kinds of surfaces and items. If you've seen this weird white sponge perform, from wiping marks from walls and scrubbing rusty tubs to cleaning glass bakeware and polishing tarnished jewelry, then you know how great it is. You'll be pleased to know that it's just as effective for spot cleaning shoes. A magic eraser is especially useful for cleaning certain parts of a shoe, such as the rubber soles, eyelets, and toe box. Magic erasers are also one of the best ways to keep your white shoes clean, depending on the material. If they're made of leather or rubber, all you need is a damp sponge and gentle pressure.

When we talk about a magic eraser, you might be familiar with the popular, name-brand Mr. Clean Magic Eraser Original. Or maybe you've used one of the many generic versions, like this 50-pack of Baisenjie Magic Sponge Cleaning Erasers. Either way, all these white sponges are proven to effectively clean all kinds of household items and surfaces — including your dirty, stained shoes. The magic that makes a magic eraser work lies in the material it's made of: melamine foam. This synthetic material is manufactured by compressing fibers of melamine-formaldehyde polymer. The foam-like structure gives it a micro-abrasive surface, which enables it to lift dirt and remove scuff marks from your shoes with minimal effort.

There's something even cooler about these powerful cleaning tools: You don't need to add soap or any other chemicals or cleaners to the sponge to get it to work. It's proof that the so-called magic of this product lies in the mechanical properties of the melamine. Are you looking for ways to reduce your household spending? Since all magic erasers, no matter the brand or source, work in the same way, you don't need to shop for popular name-brand sponges. By buying generic, you'll save money and still end up with clean shoes.

Spot cleaning shoes with a melamine sponge is quick and easy. Begin by inserting a shoe tree or stuffing crumbled sheets of newspaper inside each dirty shoe. It's a little trick that will help keep the shoe's shape as you scrub the exterior. It also makes handling the shoe much easier; the upper won't collapse as you clean. It will also stop any water from the damp melamine sponge leaking into your shoes via the seams or shoelace eyelets. That's a good thing: You may not need to air-dry your shoes for quite so long after cleaning.

You want to avoid a messy cleanup when you introduce the wet sponge to your shoes. Before you get started, remove any loose dirt with a dry rag or soft brush. This gentle Shoe Clinic Soft-Bristle Cleaning Brush costs less than $7.

Next, dampen the eraser sponge and squeeze out the excess water. Rub the sponge over any stains and scuffs. Use just a little pressure at the beginning — you can trust that the magic eraser will work as effortlessly as so many people claim. If you encounter stubborn marks, you can use a little more elbow grease. Don't get worried if you notice bits of sponge breaking off while you scrub. Melamine foam naturally disintegrates, similarly to a pencil eraser. Lay some paper over your cleaning area to catch the residue. Once your shoes are cleaned to your satisfaction, wipe them with a damp cloth and hang them up in a shady, cool, well-ventilated area to dry.