Safety shoes are not only an important part of protective equipment, helping to protect the user's feet from dangers during work. However, to ensure that the shoes are always in the best condition, proper cleaning and storage are indispensable. Join An Nhien to learn effective methods to clean safety shoes, as well as necessary notes to preserve and increase the life of the product through the article below.

Introducing the importance of safety shoes and the reasons for cleaning and preserving shoes

During work, safety shoes are an indispensable part for workers, especially in industries such as construction, manufacturing, and high-risk jobs. Safety shoes not only help protect feet from sharp objects, chemicals, or strong impacts, but also keep workers safe throughout the working time.

Introducing the importance of safety shoes and why they are needed

However, in order for safety shoes to be effective and long-lasting, proper cleaning and maintenance are essential. Simple but effective habits in cleaning and maintaining shoes will not only help shoes last longer but also maintain their safety protection features.

Steps to clean safety shoes

Safety shoes are an important part to protect the feet of workers, however, to ensure the protection and prolong the life of the shoes, proper shoe cleaning is essential. Depending on the material of the shoes, the cleaning method will be different. Below are detailed instructions on how to clean safety shoes according to each type of material.

1. For leather safety shoes

Safety shoes made from leather, including types of leather such as PU-coated cowhide, nubuck, suede, etc., are a popular choice because of their durability and good protection, water resistance, suitable for dusty, wet, welding jobs, etc. However, leather is a material that is easily damaged and can age, dry out or become discolored if not cleaned and preserved properly. Here are the steps to clean leather safety shoes:

1. Clean the surface: Use a soft cloth or soft brush to remove dirt and impurities on the surface of the shoe. Note: Do not use a hard brush because it can scratch the leather surface.

For leather safety shoes

 

1. Cleaning stains: If the shoes have stubborn stains, you can use a specialized shoe cleaning solution for leather or a mild soap mixed with warm water. Use a soft cloth or small brush to gently rub the stains until clean. Avoid leaving water in contact with the leather for a long time, as this can cause the leather to shrink or lose its shine.
2. Leather care: After cleaning, you need to care for the leather with specialized leather care products. They help protect the leather material from drying and cracking and keep the shoes soft and durable.
3. Drying: After cleaning, let the leather shoes dry naturally in a cool place, avoid exposing the shoes to direct sunlight, as high temperatures will cause the leather to crack and shrink.

 

2. For mesh safety shoes

Mesh safety shoes are often breathable, lightweight and comfortable for the wearer in low-dust working environments, without exposure to sparks or without requiring water or liquid resistance. However, mesh is also susceptible to dirt and needs to be cleaned regularly.

1. Clean the surface: First, use a soft brush or damp cloth to clean the dirt on the surface of the shoe. Using a brush that is too hard or scrubbing too hard can damage the mesh fabric.

For mesh safety shoes

1. Washing shoes: For mesh shoes, you can wash them by hand or put them in a laundry bag and wash them in the machine (if the product has instructions that allow machine washing). Use cold water and mild soap to wash the shoes. Note that avoid using strong detergents because they can damage the mesh fabric.
2. Drying: After washing, let the shoes dry naturally, dry them in the shade, in a cool place, avoid drying them in direct sunlight for too long or using a dryer. You can stuff newspaper or dry towels into the shoes to help them keep their shape and dry quickly.

3. For fabric safety shoes (natural or synthetic fibers)

Fabric safety shoes, whether natural or synthetic, are soft, lightweight, water-resistant and easy to clean. However, like mesh safety shoes, fabric shoes need to be cleaned properly to keep them clean and durable.

1. Clean dirt: Use a soft brush or damp cloth to clean dirt and sand on the surface of the shoe. If there are stubborn stains, you can use shoe cleaning solution or soap mixed with warm water to clean.

For fabric safety shoes (natural or synthetic fibers)

1. Washing shoes: Fabric safety shoes can be washed by hand or washing machine. To wash by hand, you just need to soak the shoes in warm soapy water for a few minutes, then use a soft brush to clean. For machine washing, you can put the shoes in a laundry bag and choose a gentle wash mode. However, machine washing is not recommended because during the washing process, impact or wringing water will damage the shoes.

2.  

   Drying shoes: After washing, fabric shoes should be left to dry naturally in a cool place. Avoid exposing shoes to sunlight for a short time, then bring them to the shade to dry naturally. Do not expose them to the sun for too long as it will damage the sole and cause the glue to peel off.

4. Clean inside shoes

The inside of your shoes is where sweat and bacteria can easily accumulate, causing unpleasant odors and possibly leading to health problems like athlete's foot. It is important to clean this area thoroughly.

1. Clean the insoles: If your shoes have removable insoles, remove them and wash them separately. You can hand wash them with warm water and mild soap. For shoes that don't have removable insoles, use a damp cloth to gently wipe the inside of the shoe.

Clean inside shoes

1. Deodorize and disinfect: To deodorize and disinfect, you can use specialized products such as shoe deodorizer spray or wash the insoles with water mixed with white vinegar. Vinegar helps deodorize and kill bacteria.

2.  

   Dry the inside of the shoe: After cleaning, leave the shoes in a cool place, do not leave the shoes in a humid environment, as this can cause odors and create conditions for bacteria and fungi to grow.

Store safety shoes properly

Storing safety shoes not only helps increase the life of the shoes but also ensures that the protective properties of the shoes do not decrease over time. Proper storage helps the shoes always keep their shape, prevent mold, damage, limit odors and maintain optimal protection. Below are some notes and ways to properly store safety shoes that you need to follow:

1. Store shoes when not in use

• Store shoes in a cool, dry place: When not in use, safety shoes should be stored in a cool, dry place. Shoes should not be left in a humid environment, because humidity can cause mold, damage the material or reduce the protective effect. In particular, materials such as leather, fabric, or rubber are very susceptible to humid environments. Therefore, avoid leaving shoes in places such as damp basements, damp warehouses or near water sources.

Store shoes when not in use

 

• Avoid exposing shoes to high temperatures or strong sunlight: Leaving safety shoes outdoors in direct sunlight will increase the risk of cracking or shrinking, especially leather shoes or shoes with PU or rubber soles. High temperatures can cause the material to lose its flexibility, causing long-term damage to the shoes. Store shoes in a place with a stable temperature and avoid direct exposure to sunlight for long periods of time.
• Do not expose shoes to harmful chemicals or liquids: Safety shoes can be affected by chemicals, grease or other liquids. These substances can damage the shoe material, especially the leather. Therefore, make sure shoes are stored in a place where there is no contact with potentially harmful substances.

 

2. Keep the shape of safety shoes

When safety shoes are not used for a long time, they can become deformed if not stored properly. To keep your shoes in shape and durable, apply the following methods:

 

• Use shoe lasts (shoe shape): Shoe lasts (or shoe molds) are designed to keep shoes in their original shape. Especially for leather shoes or shoes with complex structures, shoe lasts help maintain the structure of the shoe, preventing the shoe from being deformed. Shoe lasts can be made of light materials such as plastic or metal, helping the shoe not to wrinkle or lose its shape.
• Use newspaper or dry rags: If you don't have a shoe last, you can use old newspaper or dry rags to stuff into the shoe. This helps the shoe keep its shape, avoiding flattening, wrinkling or deformation, especially the toe or sole. Newspaper also has the effect of absorbing moisture, helping the shoe to dry more after cleaning or washing.
• Avoid leaving shoes twisted or folded: A common mistake when storing shoes is leaving them folded or twisted during periods of non-use. This can cause the shoe to lose its structure or original shape. So when storing shoes, place them upright, do not stack them or cram them into a space that is too tight.

 

3. Check your shoes regularly

No matter how well-maintained your safety shoes are, regular inspection is important to ensure they stay in top condition. Certain parts of your shoes can become worn or damaged over time, so you should regularly check the following:

• Check the sole: The sole is the part that comes into direct contact with the ground and is subjected to great pressure during use. After a period of use, the sole may be worn, cracked or damaged. This not only affects the aesthetics of the shoe but also reduces its protection and grip when moving. If you find that the sole is too worn, you should replace the sole to ensure safety at work.

Check your shoes regularly

 

• Check Other Construction: Parts such as laces, zippers, or the seams between layers of shoe material can wear or damage over time. Check these parts to make sure the shoe is still secure and free of tears or gaps.
• Check Shoe Material: The materials of safety shoes, especially leather and fabric, can wear or crack over time. Check the shoes for cracks, tears, or other signs of damage. If you find any cracks, you can use shoe care products to restore the material. If the shoes are too damaged, you should replace them to ensure safety when using them.

 

4. Important notes when preserving safety shoes

 

• Do not let your shoes come into contact with sharp or hard objects: To avoid damaging the surface of your shoes, do not let your shoes come into contact with sharp, hard objects or objects that can cause scratches. This will not only help protect the appearance of your shoes, but also keep them clean and undamaged.
• Leather care for leather shoes: If your safety shoes are made of leather, remember to regularly care for the leather. Using specialized leather care products will help protect the leather material, preventing the leather from drying out, cracking or losing its shine. Care also helps increase the durability of the shoes.
• Replace shoes when there are signs of serious damage: Safety shoes can be damaged over time and with use. If your shoes no longer provide protection or are seriously damaged, replace them with new shoes to avoid endangering yourself while working.

 

How to reduce unpleasant odor and mold on feet?

Foot odor and fungus are common problems when using safety shoes, especially in heavy work environments where feet are prone to moisture and stuffiness. Here are some ways to reduce unpleasant odors and prevent foot fungus when using safety shoes for a long time.

1. Keep your feet dry

One of the main causes of foot odor and fungus is moisture. Sweat that accumulates in shoes creates an ideal environment for bacteria and fungus to grow, especially in shoes that lack or lack ventilation. To minimize odor and prevent fungus, keep your feet dry.

 

• Wear breathable socks: Choose socks made from materials like cotton or synthetics that absorb sweat well. Change your socks frequently to reduce sweat buildup.
• Use antiperspirant powder or deodorant spray: These products can help keep your feet dry and odor-free throughout the workday.

 

How to reduce unpleasant odor and mold on feet?

2. Clean feet and shoes regularly

To prevent fungus and odor, you need to clean your feet and shoes regularly:

 

• Wash your feet daily: Wash your feet with warm water and soap every day, especially after work or a long day. Make sure your feet are completely dry before putting on your shoes.
• Disinfect your shoes: Use a disinfectant spray for shoes and insoles to kill bacteria and fungi. These disinfectants help clean shoes without damaging the material. In addition, you should prioritize quality safety shoes with insoles and a breathable design to reduce heat and stuffiness in shoes that cause foot odor and itchy fungus.

 

3. Use fungicide

To prevent and treat foot fungus, you can use antifungal products or antifungal creams. If the fungus is severe, consult your doctor for advice and timely treatment.

Conclude

Proper storage of safety shoes not only helps the shoes maintain their durability, shape and protection, but also helps the user always feel comfortable and safe at work. By storing shoes in a cool, dry place, using shoe shape-keeping methods, checking regularly and taking care of shoes properly, you can extend the life of safety shoes and ensure optimal protection.

Contact An Nhien company for more advice on quality, genuine safety shoes that are breathable, light and comfortable to wear.