Thrifted shoes are basically second-hand shoes that have been worn by someone else before. Most of the time, these shoes are donated to charity shops or given away to people in need. However, there are some people who resell them in order to make a profit.

Thrift stores are the ones that sell second-hand items, especially clothing and shoes from thrift stores mean second-hand shoes that were used by someone earlier and later sold to the thrift store for reselling.

When you buy shoes from the thrift store, it is important to make sure that you clean them before wearing them. This is because you don’t know where these shoes have been and what kind of things they have been exposed to.

There are a few different ways that you can clean your thrifted shoes. In this blog post, we will let you know is it safe to buy shoes from thrift stores & will also go over a few different methods that how to clean thrifted shoes?

Process Of Cleaning Thrifted Shoes:

Once you have decided that you want to clean your thrift shoes, the next step is to actually start the cleaning process. There are a few different ways that you can go about doing this, and we will go over a few of them below.

Step 1 - Disinfect The Shoes:

The first thing that you will want to do is to disinfect the shoes. This can be done by using a mild soap and water solution. You will want to make sure that you scrub the shoes well, especially if they are made of leather. A few other ways to disinfect thrifted shoes are:

  • Sanitizing thrift store shoes with a good sanitizer like Lysol.
  • Soak your shoes in vinegar water for a few minutes then wash them with regular soap and water.
  • Wiping down the shoes with rubbing alcohol.
  • Disinfecting thrift store shoes with UV radiation.
  • Use a solution of 1 part bleach and 10 parts water.

After you have disinfected the shoes, you will then want to rinse them off with clean water. Make sure that you do this thoroughly so that all of the soap is removed.

Once you have disinfected the shoes, the next step is to actually start cleaning them. There are a few different ways that you can go about doing this, and we will go over a few of them below.

Step 2 - Using A Horsehair Brush: 

The first step is to remove any dirt or debris that is on the surface of the shoes. This can be done by using a horsehair brush. You will want to make sure that you brush the shoes in a circular motion.

Step 3 - Applying Cleaner: 

The next step is to apply a cleaner to the shoes. There are a few different cleaners that you can use, but we recommend using a mild soap and water solution. You will want to make sure that you apply the cleaner to a clean cloth before applying it to the shoes.

Step 4 - Scrubbing The Shoes: 

The next step is to actually scrub the shoes. This can be done by using a soft-bristled brush. You will want to make sure that you scrub the shoes in a circular motion.

Step 5 - Rinsing The Shoes: 

The next step is to rinse the shoes off with clean water. Make sure that you do this thoroughly so that all of the soap is removed.

Step 6 - Drying the Shoes: 

The last step is to dry the shoe. This can be done by using a clean cloth. You will want to make sure that you dry the shoes thoroughly so that they do not get damaged.

Caring for Your Thrifted Shoes:

After you have cleaned your thrifted shoes, the next step is to actually start caring for them. There are a few different things that you can do to care for your shoes, and we will go over a few of them below.

  • Storing your shoes: The first thing that you will want to do is to store your shoes in a cool and dry place. This will help to extend the life of your shoes.
  • Conditioning your shoes: The next thing that you will want to do is to condition your shoes. This can be done by using a leather conditioner. You will want to make sure that you apply the conditioner to a clean cloth before applying it to the shoes.
  • Polishing your shoes: The next thing that you will want to do is to polish your shoes. This can be done by using shoe polish. You will want to make sure that you apply the polish to a clean cloth before applying it to the shoes.
  • Cleaning your shoes: The last thing that you will want to do is to clean your shoes on a regular basis. This can be done by using a mild soap and water solution. You will want to make sure that you scrub the shoes well, especially if they are made of leather.

Is It Safe To Buy Shoes From Thrift Stores?

The answer to this question is both yes and no. It really depends on the store that you are shopping at and the condition of the shoes. If you are shopping at a reputable store, then there is no reason why you shouldn’t feel safe about buying shoes from them. However, if you are buying shoes from a store that is not as well known, then you may want to take a few extra precautions.

One of the best things that you can do is to inspect the shoes before you buy them. This means that you will want to look for any signs of wear and tear. You also want to make sure that the shoes are clean and free of any dirt or debris.

Another thing to keep in mind is that you should always try on the shoes before you buy them. This will help you to make sure that they fit properly and that they are comfortable.

Lastly, if you are still not sure whether or not it is safe to buy shoes from a thrift store, then you can always ask the staff. They should be able to tell you if the store has a good reputation and if they have had any problems with their shoes in the past.

In The End:

So, you’ve scored a killer pair of thrifted shoes on sale and now they’re covered in scuffs and dirt. Fear not! We’re here to show you how to clean your shoes so they look as good as new. Whether your go-to shoe cleaning method is a damp cloth, a toothbrush, or some baking soda, we have the tips you need to get those kicks looking fresh again. Let us know in the comments which of these methods worked best for you and happy shoe cleaning. We hope that this article has helped you to learn how to clean and care for your thrifted shoes. Thanks for reading!

Jiskcosn
I'm Jiskcosn author of ShoeSelector.com. You can find me on the Internet, sharing information about Shoes & Boots that will help you make decisions about your footwear needs. I love writing about my favorite shoes! Ever since I was little, I've been obsessed with shoes. It's not unusual for me to have more than 100 pairs in my closet at any given time. My girlfriend always teases me about it, but she secretly loves when I buy her new heels! I've been running ShoeSelector since 2020. My goal is to provide you with all of the necessary knowledge needed before making your purchase decision and provide all this information in one place for those who are looking for it! I run this website with my team of like-minded individuals who share my passion for footwear. It's really important that we provide our readers with unbiased reviews and a Detailed Buying Guide so when you read something on this site it's always coming from someone who has actually worn them out there in the real world. You are more than welcome if you wish to connect and share your ideas. I am ready to help you with any questions about shoes that you may have, just leave me a comment.