Most shoes only need three things to stay clean: Angelus Easy Cleaner and a brush for regular cleaning, Angelus Spot Remover for the occasional stain that won't lift, and Angelus Water & Stain Repellent so the next mess wipes off. What changes from shoe to shoe is the finishing step: Leather Balm and wax for leather, Mink Oil for work boots, and a suede brush and Mink Oil spray for suede. Use this page to find the right guide and products for what you're cleaning.
We've made shoe care products in Los Angeles since 1907. Every guide linked here is written by our team and kept current.
Start here: what are you cleaning?
The Angelus cleaning order
Whatever the shoe, start with the gentlest product and only move up if you need to. Most shoes never get past the first step.
- Easy Cleaner for regular dirt on any material.
- Spot Remover for stains the cleaner left behind, like ink or oil. Spot test first, and skip it on faux leather, vinyl, and patent.
- All Purpose Foam Cleaner only for heavy grime on durable materials. Spot test first, and never use it on suede.
What each material needs
| Material | Clean | Finish | Brush |
|---|---|---|---|
| Smooth leather | Easy Cleaner | Leather Balm, then Shoe Wax | Horsehair |
| Work boot leather | Easy Cleaner or Saddle Soap | Mink Oil Paste | Horsehair, detail brush for the welt |
| Suede & nubuck | Suede kit, then Easy Cleaner or Foam-Tex | Mink Oil Aerosol | Nylon suede brush |
| Canvas, mesh & knit | Easy Cleaner, light pressure on knit | Water & Stain Repellent | Sneaker cleaning brush |
| Patent & faux leather | Easy Cleaner only | Buff dry | Microfiber towel |
| Rubber soles | Easy Cleaner | Sole Bright if yellowed | Detail brush set |
Common problems and where to fix them
| Problem | Product | Guide |
|---|---|---|
| Ink or marker | Spot Remover | Ink on leather |
| Oil or grease | Easy Cleaner, then Spot Remover | Oil stains |
| Yellow soles | Sole Bright | Yellowed shoes |
| Cracked or faded leather | Repair Filler, Leather Dye or Paint | Shoe restoration |
| Smell | Deodorizer | Sneaker guide |
| Dry work boots | Mink Oil Paste | Boot care |
A simple care schedule
- After each wear, brush off loose dirt and wipe fresh marks. Our 2-minute routine shows how.
- Every few weeks of regular wear, give them a full clean.
- Every month or two, condition leather and boots.
- Every few months, re-spray Water & Stain Repellent.
Just getting started?
The Easy Cleaner Kit (cleaner, brush, and towel) handles most shoes on its own. Not sure which brush you need? Here's every Angelus brush compared.
Shoe cleaning FAQ
What is the best shoe cleaner?
Angelus Easy Cleaner. It's safe on leather, suede, nubuck, canvas, mesh, vinyl, and rubber, and more than 780 customers have rated it 4.9 stars.
What do I need to clean shoes at home?
A cleaner, a brush, and a microfiber towel cover most jobs. The Easy Cleaner Kit has all three. Add a suede brush if you own suede and Leather Balm if you own leather shoes.
Can I use the same cleaner on all my shoes?
For regular cleaning, yes. Easy Cleaner works on every common shoe material. The finishing products are what change by material.
Should I use household products to clean shoes?
We'd avoid them. Dish soap, vinegar, baking soda, and toothpaste can dry out leather, leave residue, and yellow white materials. Products made for shoes are safer and work faster.
