How to effectively preserve shoes at home when not in use for a long time

In modern life, owning many pairs of shoes is common, but not everyone knows how to effectively preserve shoes when not used for a long time . If not properly preserved, shoes can easily deteriorate and be damaged due to the effects of time and environmental conditions. This article on Shondo Blog will help you learn simple but important steps to keep your shoes looking like new, even if you do not use them for a long time.

1. Why do we need to preserve shoes?

Shoes are an important accessory that not only protects the feet but also reflects the style and personality of the wearer. However, many people often ignore the proper storage of shoes when not in use for a long time. This can lead to damage and reduce the life of the shoes, regardless of their original value or quality.

Proper shoe storage is essential because environmental conditions and time can seriously affect the quality of shoes. High humidity, direct sunlight, or even lack of regular care can cause shoes to become moldy, peel, crack, and fade. Not only leather shoes, but materials such as fabric, rubber, and plastic all need to be carefully cared for and stored to maintain their beauty and long-term functionality.

[caption id="attachment_4939" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Shoes that are not properly stored will have a reduced lifespan and become moldy[/caption]

2. Steps to prepare before storing shoes

Before storing shoes, proper preparation is extremely important to avoid unnecessary damage during non-use periods.

2.1 Clean shoes

The first and most important step in shoe care is to clean them thoroughly. Dirt, sweat, and other contaminants can damage shoes over time if not cleaned properly. To clean your shoes, use a damp cloth to wipe the surface of the shoe, use a soft brush to gently scrub and remove dirt from the crevices, and be careful not to soak your shoes in water if they are made of water-sensitive materials such as leather or fabric. For leather shoes, cleaning them with a specialized solution and using a leather conditioner will help keep your shoes soft and shiny.

2.2 Dry the shoes completely

After cleaning, drying the shoes is an indispensable step. Damp shoes can become an ideal place for bacteria and mold to grow. You should let the shoes dry naturally in a cool place, away from direct sunlight and do not use a dryer because high temperatures can deform or damage the shoe material. If you need to dry quickly, you can use newspaper to stuff the shoes to absorb moisture.

[caption id="attachment_4940" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Make sure shoes are completely dry before storing[/caption]

3. How to preserve shoes when not in use for a long time

Once you have cleaned and dried your shoes, the next step is to store them properly to avoid damage while not in use.

3.1 How to preserve shoes with moisture-proof bags

Moisture-proof bags play an important role in keeping shoes dry. When placed inside shoes or shoe boxes, they will absorb excess moisture, preventing mold from developing. You can easily buy moisture-proof bags at stores that sell shoe care tools or take advantage of the moisture-proof bags found in electronic products and clothing.

[caption id="attachment_4941" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Keep shoes from getting moldy with moisture-proof bags[/caption]

3.2 Choose the right shoe box

Using a shoe box will help protect your shoes from dirt and the outside environment. The box should be made of plastic or cardboard with ventilation holes to keep your shoes dry. Avoid using completely sealed boxes or non-ventilated materials because they can cause moisture inside the box, leading to mold growth.

[caption id="attachment_4942" align="aligncenter" width="800"] How to preserve shoes when not in use for a long time using a shoe box[/caption]

3.3 Store shoes in a cool place

Where you store your shoes is also important. You should keep your shoes in a cool place, away from direct sunlight and high humidity areas. Sunlight not only fades the color of your shoes, but also causes the leather to dry and crack. If you don’t have a cool space, you can use a shoe cabinet with a ventilation system to maintain air circulation.

[caption id="attachment_4943" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Shoes should be stored in a cool place[/caption]

4. Tips for preserving shoes according to material

Each type of shoe with different materials will require a separate preservation method to maintain its original quality.

4.1 Leather shoes

Leather shoes need to be stored carefully to avoid cracking and fading. Before storing your shoes, you should apply a layer of leather cream to keep the leather soft. In particular, avoid exposing leather shoes to direct sunlight or strong heat sources, as this can cause the leather to become dry and brittle.

4.2 Canvas shoes

For canvas shoes, to avoid fading or deformation, you should wash them and let them dry completely before storing. When storing, use newspaper or moisture-proof bags to keep the shoe's shape and limit the growth of odor-causing bacteria.

4.3 Sports shoes

Sports shoes are often used in strenuous activities, so they are prone to dirt and sweat accumulation. When storing sports shoes, you should remove the insoles and shoelaces to clean them separately. This helps the shoes to be more breathable and prevents bacteria from growing in the shoes.

[caption id="attachment_4944" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Remove insoles and laces before storing sneakers[/caption]

5. Common mistakes when storing shoes

• Store shoes while they are still damp.

A big mistake many people make is storing their shoes while they are still damp. This can lead to mold and bacteria growth, which can degrade the quality of the shoes and cause unpleasant odors. You should always make sure your shoes are completely dry before storing them.

>>>See more: 15+ ways to deodorize shoes extremely easy and effective in 30 seconds .

• Do not use desiccant bags

Ignoring moisture-proof bags when storing shoes can lead to mold, especially in high humidity environments. Moisture-proof bags help keep shoes dry and maintain long-term durability. You should choose high-quality moisture-proof bags with strong moisture absorption and replace them regularly.

[caption id="attachment_4945" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Do not use moisture-proof bags to store shoes as they may become moldy[/caption]

In short, proper shoe storage not only helps shoes last longer but also maintains their original beauty and value. The ways to store shoes that Shondo has mentioned above will help your shoes stay in the best condition, even if they are not used for a long time. Don't forget to regularly check your shoes during storage to promptly handle any signs of damage.