Guide · Shoes, bags and accessories ·
How to Clean Ballet Flats
Ballet flats are light shoes with thin soles that are often worn without socks, so their insides are quickly affected by sweat and their outsides by dust and small stains. How to clean ballet flats depends on their material: fabric ballet flats can be cleaned by hand, satin ones need delicate cleaning, and leather, suede and patent ones are cleaned with the manufacturer's care product. This guide explains how to clean ballet flats, how to clean fabric ballet flats and how to clean satin ballet flats. For canvas sneakers, see our guide how to wash canvas shoes.
Ballet flat materials
- Canvas and fabric ballet flats: can be cleaned by hand with a little water.
- Satin ballet flats: the shiny surface is sensitive to water and friction; clean stain by stain.
- Synthetic ballet flats: wiped with a damp, soft cloth.
- Leather, suede and patent ballet flats: we have no product for these materials; use the care product recommended by the manufacturer.
Before you start
- Remove the dust: brush the dust off the ballet flats with a dry, soft brush.
- Remove the insole: clean any removable insole separately.
- Check the material: look at the material information on the shoe's inner label.
- Test on a hidden spot: try the cleaning on a small area that cannot be seen first.
How to clean fabric ballet flats?
- Fill a bowl with lukewarm water and add a little liquid laundry detergent such as TETİK detergent for coloureds.
- Dip a soft brush in the soapy water and gently scrub the fabric.
- Remove the foam with a cloth dampened in clean water; do not submerge the ballet flats.
- Stuff the ballet flats with paper and dry them in the shade.
How to clean satin ballet flats?
The shiny surface of satin ballet flats can show water marks and fluff up with friction, so do not submerge or brush satin ballet flats. Wipe the stained area from the outside in, pressing lightly with a white, soft cloth dampened with a little TETİK hand-wash detergent completely dissolved in lukewarm water. Then remove the residue with a cloth dampened in clean water and blot the moisture with a dry cloth. To avoid water marks, dampen the surface lightly and evenly and dry in the shade. No product suitability is claimed for silk satin ballet flats; follow the manufacturer's instructions.
White ballet flats
- Clean white fabric ballet flats using the steps above with a laundry detergent for whites, such as TETİK detergent for whites.
- Wipe white synthetic ballet flats with a damp, soft cloth.
- For dirt on the sole: how to clean shoe soles.
- Do not use bleach on white ballet flats.
The inside and insole
- Wipe the fabric lining with a well-wrung, damp cloth and let it dry.
- Clean the removable insole according to its label and let it dry completely.
- Air the ballet flats after every wear.
- For ballet flat socks: how to wash socks.
How to dry ballet flats?
- Stuff the ballet flats with crumpled paper to keep their shape.
- Dry in the shade in an airy place.
- Do not use a radiator, stove or hair dryer.
- Do not wear the ballet flats or put them in their box until they are completely dry.
What not to do
- Machine washing ballet flats unless the manufacturer allows it.
- Submerging and brushing satin ballet flats.
- Washing leather, suede and patent ballet flats.
- Using bleach on ballet flats.
- Drying ballet flats in front of a heater.
For shoe shops and boutiques
In shoe shops and boutiques, ballet flats that are tried on and displayed in the window can pick up dust and marks; asking customers to wear socks when trying shoes on, regularly brushing the dust off displayed items with a dry, soft brush and cleaning marks without delay using a method suited to the material make for a well-organised routine. For shop cleaning, see our guide how to clean a supermarket. TETİK detergents for coloureds and for whites are sold in 4 kg and TETİK hand-wash detergent in 20 kg packs; for bulk purchases you can request a quote.
