DocumentationHow to Clean BC Shoes: Gentle Spot-Cleaning Guide
How to clean BC Shoes by hand: spot clean with a soft damp cloth and mild soap, air dry away from heat, and never machine wash. Tips by material.
Quick answer: Spot clean with a soft, damp cloth and a little mild soap, then air dry away from heat. Do not machine wash BC Shoes, and do not soak them. Check the care label inside your pair, because materials differ by style.
Before you start
BC Shoes are made from different materials depending on the style. A canvas sneaker, a faux-fur boot and a V-Suede mule do not need exactly the same treatment. Check the care label or product page for your pair first. If a label says something different from this guide, follow the label.
You will need:
- A soft, clean cloth
- Mild soap
- A small bowl of lukewarm water
- A soft brush, such as a clean toothbrush, for fabric
- A dry towel
Basic spot cleaning
Remove loose dirt
Knock the shoes together gently and brush off dry dust with a soft, dry brush.
Dampen a cloth
Mix a drop of mild soap into lukewarm water. Dip the cloth, then wring it until it is only damp.
Wipe gently
Wipe the marked area using small circles. Work only on the spot, not the whole shoe.
Rinse the cloth and wipe again
Use a second cloth with clean water to wipe away soap residue.
Air dry
Let the shoes dry at room temperature, away from heat. Do not use a hair dryer, radiator, dryer or direct sun. Stuff the toes with clean paper if you want them to keep their shape.
By material
| Material | Gentle approach |
|---|---|
| V-Leather | Wipe with a damp cloth and a little mild soap. |
| V-Suede and V-Nubuck | Dab lightly with a barely damp cloth. Avoid rubbing hard, which can change the surface. |
| Canvas and corduroy | Spot clean with a soft brush and a damp cloth. |
| Faux shearling and faux fur | Dab surface dirt. Fluff the fibers gently with a dry brush once dry. |
| Raffia | Wipe lightly with a barely damp cloth and avoid soaking the weave. |
Try any method on a hidden area first, such as the inside edge, to check that the color does not change.
What not to do
- Do not machine wash or tumble dry.
- Do not soak your shoes.
- Do not use bleach, harsh cleaners or strong solvents.
- Do not dry on a heater or in direct sunlight.
- We do not describe BC Shoes as waterproof, so keep them out of heavy rain and puddles.
Everyday habits
- Let shoes air out after wearing them.
- Store them somewhere cool and dry, away from heat.
- Keep light colors away from dye transfer from dark clothing.
- Clean stains early, since fresh marks are easier to remove.
When to ask for help
If a stain will not come out, or your pair has a care label that gives different instructions, follow the label. For help with an order, see returns and exchanges.
Related guides
Vegan Materials Explained: V-Leather, V-Suede, V-Nubuck
What V-Leather, V-Suede, V-Nubuck, faux shearling, corduroy, raffia and canvas mean on BC Shoes, and how to read the material line on each style.
Where to Buy BC Shoes: Amazon and Other Retailers
Shop BC Shoes on Amazon, and learn how to confirm the brand, style and size on a listing. Other retailers carry BC Footwear too; availability varies.