How To Clean Deck Shoes: A Step-By-Step Guide

Deck shoes are the ideal summer shoe. Not only are they lightweight and comfortable to wear, but deck shoes are durable and practical too. Deck shoes work perfectly with so many summer outfits and once you’ve invested in a pair, you’ll want to wear them for any (and every!) occasion.

Undoubtedly, the time will come when your decks will need a little care and attention to bring them back to their best and, with the help of a few products, cleaning your deck shoes is a simple process you can do at home.

Whether you’re looking for how to care for your Dubarry deck shoes, or you’ve got a pair of decks from Chatham or Le Chameau, our easy step-by-step guide on how to clean leather deck shoes is just the answer to keep them looking ship-shape!

You will need:

• A soft bristle brush or an old, clean toothbrush
• A clean cloth (such as a microfibre cloth)
• Leather footwear cleaner
• Baking soda to deodorise
• Leather footwear conditioner
• Protective spray for leather shoes

Step 1: Brush down

Remove any loose dirt and debris by knocking the shoes together and brushing with a dry soft bristle brush.

Step 2: Clean

Wipe your deck shoes with a damp cloth to remove any remaining dirt. A microfibre cloth is ideal for helping lift marks and light scuffs. Avoid soaking or immersing the shoes in water for a prolonged period as this may degrade the leather and strip the natural oils.

You can use a dedicated leather footwear cleaner such as the Dubarry Footwear Cleaner to remove more stubborn marks and prepare the leather for conditioning. Simply apply the cleaner all over the deck shoes, working it into the leather as you go and lightly rinse or wipe off with clean water. Leave the deck shoes to air dry naturally for 24 hours.

Step 3: Deodorise

Deck shoes are often worn without socks but this can lead to unpleasant odours! You can effectively deodorise your boat shoes by sprinkling some baking soda into the shoes and leaving it to sit for a few hours, or overnight. Then simply shake out the baking soda for fresh smelling shoes.

Step 4: Condition the leather

Apply a leather conditioner such as the Dubarry Boot and Shoe Conditioner or the Fairfax and Favor Natural Leather Cream to bring back the water repellent quality of your deck shoes and add stain resistance. Use a clean cloth, sponge or soft brush to gently work the conditioner in. Scuffs, creasing and areas where the foot flexes may need particular attention. Wipe off any excess conditioner and leave to dry naturally.

Step 5: Protect the decks!

Using a protective spray after conditioning will help keep your decks ship shape and looking their best! A protective spray such as the Dubarry Boot and Shoe Protector will maintain the water-repellent finish of the leather and offer high resistance to stains, so your deck shoes look smarter for longer. Simply apply a fine layer of the spray in a well-ventilated area and leave to dry. Additional layers can then be applied as needed.

To sum it up, taking care of your deck shoes is a smart move for both their looks and durability. The tips we covered in this blog are super easy to follow and will keep your shoes looking fresh while standing up to all your outdoor activities.