As the days get longer and the layers get lighter, it’s the perfect time for a little spring cleaning and not just for your wardrobe. Your shoe collection works hard all year round, especially through winter. Now’s the time to refresh, restore and reorganise with a little help from Cherry Blossom.
Step 1: Sort & Declutter
Start by pulling every pair out of cupboards, racks and hallway corners. Group them by type (boots, trainers, work shoes, occasion wear, etc.) and assess their condition. If a pair no longer fits, feels uncomfortable, or simply doesn’t spark joy, set it aside.
For shoes in good condition, consider donating them to a local charity shop or selling them on resale platforms like eBay or Vinted. A quick clean and polish can dramatically improve their appearance and value (more on that below). Responsible decluttering is a key part of wardrobe organisation and sustainable spring cleaning.
Step 2: Clean by Material
Different materials need different care, especially after the UK’s notorious winter weather.
Leather – after an entire season of rain, grit and salt, your leather footwear will probably be pretty dry and on its way to cracking. Cleaning and conditioning leather keeps it supple and maintains its appearance, helping your favourite pairs last for years to come.
● Brush away any surface dirt with a shoe brush
● Clean with a product from Cherry Blossom’s cleaning range
● To keep the leather hydrated whilst restoring colour and shine, check out our polishes and creams
● Finish with a buffing brush for a protective sheen
Suede
Suede can suffer from watermarks and flattened fibres. Avoid soaking the suede when cleaning, as this can affect the appearance.
● Use a Suede & Nubuck Multi Brush to gently brush away any loose dirt
● Treat stains with Eco Ultra Cleaner
● Whilst still damp, apply Eco Ultra Repel to protect from spring showers and dirt
● Revive the nap with the Suede & Nubuck Multi Brush
Canvas
Canvas trainers are spring staples but can often look tired after winter.
● Brush off loose dirt
● Clean with Shoe Cleaner, working the foam in with a soft brush or clean cloth
● Air dry naturally
For all sneakers and trainers, no matter the material, we recommend exploring our Sneaker Range for the best products to thoroughly clean, protect and refresh, including our Midsole Reviver Kit.
Step 3: Refresh After Winter
Winter boots may need extra attention. Check soles and heels for wear and consider professional repairs if needed. Replace frayed laces (we have a comprehensive range of different colours, shapes and lengths), deodorise the shoes and insert insoles for added comfort and improved fit.
Step 4: Store Smart
Good storage is essential for effective wardrobe organising. Here are a few of our top tips:
● All shoes should be kept in a cool, dry place
● We recommend using shoe trees for leather footwear to prevent curling and cracking
● Keep pairs in breathable dust bags or original boxes
● Avoid stacking shoes on top of each other to maintain their shape
By taking the time to spring clean your shoe collection properly, you’ll extend the life of your footwear, elevate your outfits and step confidently into the new season: organised, refreshed and ready to spring days!
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