Ballet shoes pick up dust, rosin and sweat quickly, particularly canvas and leather styles worn in weekly classes. Regular light cleaning extends the life of the shoe and keeps it looking presentable for class and exams. The correct method depends on the material — canvas, leather and satin each require a different approach.
Short answer: Ballet shoes pick up dust, rosin and sweat quickly, particularly canvas and leather styles worn in weekly classes.
How to clean canvas ballet shoes
Canvas is the most forgiving material to clean. For a light clean, use a soft brush (an old toothbrush works well) to remove loose dirt from the sole and upper, then wipe the surface with a damp cloth and a small drop of mild soap. Rub gently in circular motions and remove the soap with a clean damp cloth.
For a deeper clean, canvas shoes can be machine washed inside a mesh laundry bag on a cool, gentle cycle (30°C maximum). Do not tumble dry — reshape the shoe by hand, stuff the toe with tissue, and leave flat to air dry away from direct heat. Note that repeated machine washing weakens the canvas fibres, so hand cleaning is preferable unless the shoe is very soiled.
How to clean leather ballet shoes
Leather shoes should never be soaked or machine washed. Wipe the upper with a damp cloth to remove surface dirt, then leave to dry at room temperature. Once dry, apply a small amount of leather conditioner to keep the material supple and prevent cracking at the flex points. Buff lightly with a dry cloth. For the sole, use a stiff brush to remove compacted dirt. Avoid petroleum-based products on leather as they can break down the glue at the seams.
How to clean satin ballet shoes
Satin requires the most careful handling. Do not machine wash satin shoes or immerse them in water, as this damages the fabric’s sheen and causes the sole to warp. Instead, spot-clean stains by blotting — never rubbing — with a damp cloth and very mild soap. Work from the outer edge of the stain inward to prevent spreading. Leave to dry naturally away from sunlight. Satin shoes are best suited for performances or examinations rather than everyday class use.
How to reduce shoe odour between classes
After every class, remove the shoes from the dance bag and leave them in open air to dry. Shoes left damp in a sealed bag develop odour and can mould. A small sachet of silica gel or cedar chips inside the shoe overnight absorbs moisture effectively. Baking soda is a free alternative — a teaspoon left inside each shoe overnight, then fully shaken out before wearing, neutralises odour without damaging any material.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get scuff marks off white ballet shoes?
A soft rubber eraser removes light scuffs from white satin ballet shoes. For leather shoes, a small amount of white shoe cream applied with a soft cloth then buffed works well. Avoid soaking leather shoes — too much water damages the shape.
Can I put canvas ballet shoes in the washing machine?
Canvas ballet shoes can be washed in a mesh laundry bag on a cold, gentle cycle. Remove the elastics beforehand if possible, and always air dry — never put ballet shoes in a tumble dryer as the heat damages the glue and fabric.
How often should ballet shoes be cleaned?
Clean them lightly after every few classes to prevent ground-in dirt and odor. A thorough wash every four to six weeks is enough for regular class shoes. Exam shoes should be cleaned before every exam.