Shoes with rust stains: Causes and effective treatments

Metal stains on shoes are quite common, causing loss of aesthetics and affecting the quality of the shoes. They appear as tiny black spots, often seen on light-colored shoes, especially white shoes. Shondo will help you find a way to completely handle this situation in the following article. Follow along!

1. What causes shoes to have rust stains?

The phenomenon of rust stains on shoes does not appear naturally but is caused by many factors. Below are the main causes:

1.1 Humid environment

This is the ideal condition and also the culprit that causes the shoes to be rusted. Because when the shoes are wet, the fungus will easily stick to and grow inside the shoes. This often happens when the shoes get wet from the rain, the feet sweat a lot and are not dried in time.

At the same time, storing shoes in a poorly ventilated, stuffy environment for a long time, such as a closed shoe cabinet, also contributes to creating conditions for mold to grow.

1.2 Improper shoe cleaning

Being lazy to clean your shoes or just cleaning them roughly by wiping them roughly cannot completely remove dirt and sweat. Over time, these dirt accumulates, combined with humidity to create an ideal environment for fungus to attack.

In addition, not drying the shoes completely after washing is also a serious mistake. The remaining water inside will make the shoes damp, creating conditions for fungi to grow strongly, causing this condition of shoes with rust stains.

1.3 Shoe material

Typically, shoe materials such as canvas and suede absorb water and retain moisture longer than other materials. Therefore, shoes made from these materials are at higher risk of rust if not properly maintained and cleaned.

Another reason is that shoes made from poor quality materials are often not durable and easily deformed when exposed to moisture. This creates favorable conditions for bacteria to penetrate and grow rapidly.

2. Consequences of not treating rusty shoes

Metal stains on shoes are not just a cosmetic problem. Failure to promptly handle this condition can lead to many serious consequences, affecting your health, the quality of your shoes, and even your wallet.

2.1 Health effects

Fungi are the main cause of rusty shoes and are also the cause of skin allergies. When worn, the skin of the feet will come into direct contact with them, leading to symptoms such as itching, redness, blisters, etc.

Not only are they harmful to the skin, they can also affect the respiratory system. Mold will spread into the air and enter the body. This makes you cough, sneeze, runny nose, have difficulty breathing, especially dangerous for people with a history of asthma.

2.2 Reduces shoe life

Shoes that are rusted for a long time also directly affect the structure of the shoe. The condition of torn or rotten fabric often occurs if you do not intervene promptly.

At the same time, this also causes the loss of its original shape. The shoes can be deformed, lose their elasticity and no longer hug the foot as before, causing discomfort when wearing, even losing their value of use.

2.3 Loss of aesthetics and value

This is the most obvious consequence of rusty shoes. Small black spots appear on the surface, making the shoes look old and lose their original beauty. This greatly affects our style and confidence.

Shoes with rust stains will definitely lose value significantly. If you want to resell those shoes, it will be very difficult to find a buyer at the desired price. In fact, if the rust is too severe, the shoes will become worthless and can only be discarded.

3. Simple and effective way to treat rust stains on shoes

When shoes are rusted, many people often think of throwing them away. However, you can completely “save” your beloved shoes by simple treatments right at home with easy-to-find ingredients such as:

3.1 Use baking soda mixture

Baking soda is not only used in cooking but also has the ability to clean and kill bacteria effectively. In particular, baking soda also helps neutralize acid and effectively prevent the growth of fungi.

How to do:

• Step 1: Dissolve baking soda with water in a 2:1 ratio to create a thick mixture.
• Step 2: Use a toothbrush to gently rub on the needle marks.
• Step 3: Leave it for several hours, the longer the waiting time, the more effective the treatment will be.
• Step 4: Use a damp cloth to remove excess baking soda and rinse with clean water.

3.2 Familiar vinegar

Vinegar, especially white vinegar, is mildly acidic due to its acetic acid content. This gives vinegar its antibacterial and deodorizing properties.

How to do:

• Step 1: Dilute white vinegar with water in a 1:1 ratio
• Step 2: Use cotton to apply the solution to the needle-bitten area.
• Step 3: Wait about 1 hour then use a damp cloth to wipe the entire shoe clean.

3.3 Medical alcohol

Medical alcohol with a concentration of 60% - 90% is a strong antiseptic that can kill bacteria, mold and other microorganisms. Therefore, medical alcohol is used to effectively treat shoes with rust stains.

How to do:

• Step 1: Apply alcohol to the bruise with a cotton ball.
• Step 2: Observe carefully and leave the shoes in a cool place to let the alcohol evaporate.

However, we need to test it first on a small area to make sure the alcohol does not fade or damage the shoe surface.

3.4 Daily toothpaste

Toothpaste can help remove rust stains from shoes. The ingredients in toothpaste act as a mild cleanser, helping to remove stains from the surface of the shoe.

How to do:

• Step 1: Use a brush to apply the cream evenly on the needle marks.
• Step 2: Then beat evenly clockwise to help the cream penetrate deeper into the shoes.
• Step 3: Rinse thoroughly with clean water and dry in a cool place.

We should note to choose white toothpaste, gel-free and with whitening ingredients for best results.

4. What should be noted when treating shoes with rust stains?

Applying the correct method is important, but there are also a few other factors to keep in mind to ensure the effectiveness and safety of your shoes.

4.1 Check the shoe material

Genuine leather shoes are very sensitive to water and harsh detergents. When handling them, you need to be very careful, and you should test cleaning methods on a small, hidden area of ​​the shoe before applying them to the entire shoe. Avoid soaking shoes in water for too long and use cleaning products specifically designed for leather.

Synthetic leather shoes are generally easier to clean. However, you should still check the instructions before using any method. There are some types of synthetic leather that can fade when exposed to harsh cleaning agents.

For fabric shoes, we should use warm water and mix the solutions in the correct proportions. The best way is to look at the information on the label provided by the manufacturer.

4.2 Gentle operation

During the process, many people tend to rub hard in the hope of removing stains quickly. However, this action can damage the shoe material, causing the stain to spread further.

Instead, use gentle, circular motions and be patient for a long time. At the same time, we should use a soft bristle brush and a soft cloth to clean the shoes. Avoid using hard, rough objects that can scratch the surface.

4.3 Dry shoes properly

Harsh sunlight can fade shoes, especially leather shoes and light-colored shoes. When drying shoes, you should choose a dry, cool, shady place and avoid direct sunlight.

To dry shoes completely and prevent mold from recurring, we need to make sure the shoes are dried in a well-ventilated area with good air circulation. You can use a fan to help the drying process happen faster.

In addition, you should stuff newspaper inside the shoes. Newspaper has the effect of absorbing moisture, helping the shoes dry faster. However, we should avoid using colored newspaper because the ink can smudge on the shoes.

5. Conclusion

Hopefully the above information will help you better understand what rusty shoes are and know how to handle and protect your shoes at home without having to go to the store. Wish you success and be able to save many of your beloved shoes if they fall into this situation at home.