With the ongoing pandemic, the new norm is to follow the best hygiene practices. To get rid of any potential virus, it's essential that you should regularly wash or sanitise your hands. Along with that, it is equally important to try sanitising your shoes as well. 

Even if you're taking essential precautions and maintaining social distancing, there come times when you need to step out of your home, which you can't avoid. You need to show up in the grocery store, for buying essential items for your daily needs, and with the lifting of restrictions, naturally the movement of people will increase. 

So there is a risk of you bringing the virus home through your shoes as well. Therefore preventing the virus from entering our homes, through our shoes, is of immense importance now, than ever. 

Without further ado, let’s move onto discussing how to disinfect your shoes at home without spoiling its design or material. 

Wear Gloves While Sanitising Shoes 

Make sure that you're sanitising your shoes with gloves on. The whole purpose behind cleaning will be in vain if you're without gloves. Also, don't forget to dispose off your gloves once done. But if you don't have gloves, then it's important not to touch your face while you're sanitising your shoes. 

Begin With Disinfectant Wipes 

The first thing that you need to do when you return home is to wipe down your shoes. Make sure that before you disinfect your shoes, you need to clean them. 

Start off the cleaning process using disinfectant wipes, that comes in handy. For that, pull out one sheet and remove dust and dirt on your shoes. Disinfectant wipes are ideal for cleaning the out-soles and surface of your shoes. Use bleach-free wipes, since it won't damage your shoes, and is a much gentler option. 

Don't forget to get rid of the grime and dirt on the sides and soles of your shoes. If you don't have wipes for that matter, then you can use a brush. 

How to Clean the Bottom of Your Shoes? 

It's extremely important to clean the bottom of your shoes before you enter your home. For that, you need

• Disinfectant spray
• Soap
• Water
• Cloth
• Bowl

Method

• Remove your shoes and clean them outside your home.
• Using a cloth, soap, and water get rid of the debris on the bottom of your shoes. 
• Leave it to dry, for a minute, and then spray the disinfectant spray on the shoe soles.
• Leave your shoes in a ventilated area.
• Don't forget to cleanse your hands.

How to Deep Clean Top Portion of Your Shoes?

You need to be extra careful and give a little more care when it comes to cleaning the top portion of your shoes. For disinfecting, you need:

• 91% rubbing alcohol
• Chlorine bleach
• White cloth
• Dish soap

How to Clean Leather Shoes? 

Sanitising your shoes made out of sensitive material, such as leather, is somewhat trickier and needs expert care. Even though you can try disinfecting your leather shoes simply with antibacterial soap, the appearance and texture of your leather shoes may alter.

• Make a three to one solution using rubbing alcohol and water
• Dip the cloth into this solution
• Rub this cloth on the surface of your shoes
• Air dry your shoes for 5 to 10 minutes

You can use the same method for patent leather and running shoes.

How to Clean Athletic Shoes?

• Before you wash your athletic shoes, remove its laces and inner soles. 
• Separately wash the laces. 
• Wipe off excess soil using a brush
• Simply toss your athletic shoes into your washing machine to get rid of the dirt and contaminants.
• Once done, air-dry the shoes. 
• Make sure that you don't expose the shoes to the heat of dryers.
• Wipe your shoes using a disinfectant cleaner- don't leave behind its inner soles as well. 

How to Clean Canvas Shoes? 

You don't have to give much effort on cleaning shoes made out of mesh or canvas, since you can simply rinse them in a washing machine. This is the most effective manner to clean your canvas shoes, expending less effort. With this, you can get rid of all the germs off your shoes.

• Remove the insoles of your shoes and soak them in alcohol.  
• Place the shoes on the washer.
• Use the right amount of detergent.
• Use a sanitising setting, in case if your machine has it.
• Leave your shoes in a ventilated area to dry completely. 

How to Clean Your Shoes With Alcohol?

If you wish to clean your shoes made out of more sensitive materials, then:

• Make a three to one solution using rubbing alcohol and water
• Dip a cloth into this solution and rub your entire shoe
• Leave it to dry for a minute 
• Spray the disinfectant spray inside your shoe
• Allow it to dry completely

Use the same method for your gym shoes as well. 

Use Disinfectant Spray 

Still confused on how to disinfect your shoes? Using a disinfectant spray is one of the easiest ways to disinfect your shoes. It's recommended to use aerosol sprays instead of pump spray to uniformly cover your shoes. 

What to Know While Cleaning Shoes?

For deep cleansing your shoes, spray antiseptic solutions, detergent solution or alcohol at a distance of 30 cm. Always be cautious while you deal with these cleaning items. Keep in mind that sanitising liquids meant for shoes with a high amount of alcohol may damage your shoes and are much harsh on it. In the long-run, your shoes may damage, especially if it's a leather shoe. It's better not to use it for nubuck and suede shoes. 

Always Dry Your Shoes Properly 

Make sure that once you're done with cleaning, air dry them in an airy, ventilated space. The best and safest way to dry your shoes is letting them dry in a ventilated space. Never place your shoes under sunlight, and make sure that it has completely dried before you use it. 

Never Leave Them Wet

Wet shoes are more prone to microorganisms. So, if your shoes are damp, then it's extremely important to let your shoes dry properly so that no germs penetrate or cause any damage to it. Therefore, it's better to let them dry naturally. And to get rid of moisture within your shoes, try filling your shoes with crumpled newspapers or tissue papers. But avoid using newspapers with pictures or dark ink, since it may stain your shoes. 

When it comes to combating the spread of the virus, both cleanliness and sanitising are important factors. Equally important as cleaning your shoes is washing and sanitising your feet before you enter your house. So make it a practice. Once you're done with cleaning, make sure that you properly wash your hands, before you touch any other surface in your home.

Note: Following this guide can help you in cleaning your shoes. However, it is entirely your responsiblity to ensure that your shoes doesn't get spoiled by doing any of the methods mentioned above