How to Clean the Trim on Ballerina Flats

Ballerina flats are often made of leather, making them very easy to clean. The trim, however, is usually fabric and therefore can get dirty and require cleaning more often than the rest of the shoe. Follow the steps below to clean the trim.

• White shaving foam
• A cotton swab
• Shampoo or laundry detergent
• Water
• OxiClean
• A cloth

1. Squirt some white foam shaving cream onto a paper towel.
2. Scoop a tiny bit of the foam onto a cotton swab.
3. Use the swab to scrub the trim, being careful not to get the shaving foam on the leather if possible.
4. Continue cleaning with the shaving foam until all of the dirt is removed. Rinsing off the foam is not necessary.
5. If you don’t have any shaving foam or if the dirt does not budge with that method, mix a couple drops of shampoo or mild laundry detergent like Woolite in some water.
6. Dip a cotton swab or nail brush in the soapy water, then scrub the trim. Be gentle so as not to damage the trim stitching.
7. If the stains are still don’t budge, use OxiClean. Mix the OxiClean in a little water, then dip a cotton swab or nail brush in the mixture and scrub the stains.
8. When the stains are gone, moisten a cloth with water, then wring it out so it’s only damp, not dripping.
9. Wipe the cloth over the trim to rinse off the soapy residue.
10. When the shoes are clean, allow them to air dry. Do not put them in sunlight or near a heater to attempt drying them faster as it may cause them to shrink. If you need to dry them quickly, use a hair drier on the cool setting.

• If you still have trouble removing the stains, try taking the shoes to a dry cleaner.

• 101 Essential Tips: Removing Stains by Cassandra Kent
• Martha Stewart’s Homekeeping Handbook by Martha Stewart