The best shoe cleaners, according to experts

There are many good protective sprays on the market, and some are formulated to work on multiple types of shoes. If your shoe wardrobe includes leather, suede, sheepskin and/or nubuck, a product designed to work on all of them, like Cadillac’s waterproofing spray, is a smart buy.

Suede, in particular, is a temperamental hide. A protective spray is essential for keeping suede shoes looking their best and to ensuring they last a long time. If you're looking for a protective product to use on suede shoes, including Uggs, this is a great choice.

Scotchgard, which is a common product used to protect upholstered furniture from stains and the dinginess that comes with regular wear and tear, can be also used on certain types of shoes — especially on canvas footwear like Keds, Vans or espadrilles. It can cause slight discoloration, so test it on an inconspicuous part of the shoe to make sure it won't lead to damage.

If you’ll be attending an outdoor wedding or event this summer and you know a muddy walkway or soggy yard will be part of the festivities, a set of heel protectors can save you from sinking into the lawn — and from ruining the heels of your shoes.

A shoe brush is an essential tool for keeping everything from dress shoes to sneakers looking their best. Before applying any cleaning products to the shoe, use the brush to dislodge dirt, mud, grass and other debris.

Suede care kits are a good buy for people looking for a full suite of shoe care products and tools that can also be used on everything from footwear to outerwear. When buying a suede care kit, look for one that includes a brush and a suede eraser in addition to protective and cleaning agents.

Old T-shirts work well to shine and buff shoes, but a set of shoe-shining cloths can also be nice to have. Either way, a soft cloth is essential to keeping shoes clean and buffed.

Leather cleaner can be used on a wide variety of leather goods in addition to shoes. Use a soft cloth or soft bristle brush to apply leather cleaner to the shoe, working in a circular motion. Then, buff the cleaner off the leather using a clean, dry cloth.

After cleaning, apply conditioner using a soft cloth to help hydrate and protect the leather. However, the liquid should be used sparingly to avoid over-moisturizing the leather, which can leave it feeling sticky.

Suede cleaner and conditioner removes stains from suede and conditions the material, extending its lifespan. Use it with a suede brush to clean the material regularly.

White vinegar is especially good at removing road salt stains from suede and leather. It can also be used as an all-purpose suede cleaner; dampen a light-colored cloth with vinegar and dab at stains.

Deep stains or scuffs on leather can be addressed by using a melamine foam sponge. Get the sponge wet, wring it out until it is just barely damp, and gently rub it on the stained or scuffed area.

A sneaker cleaning kit that contains a brush, a buffing cloth and cleaning solution is a quick and easy way to assemble everything you need to keep your kicks looking like they just came out of the box.

Routine maintenance will help extend the life and good looks of your sneakers, but if the thought of regularly scrubbing your kicks sounds like more of a commitment than you’re willing to make, sneaker wipes are for you.

Bespoke sneaker cleaners are fun to have, but specialty products aren't absolutely necessary: You can achieve the same clean using a foaming hand soap. Foaming hand soap is recommended over liquid hand soap because it is less viscous and easier to remove, ensuring that soap residue doesn't cause darkening or staining.

When grass and/or mud stains a pair of fabric shoes like canvas sneakers, use an enzymatic product like Krud Kutter Sports Stain Remover to pretreat the stains before washing, either by hand or in the machine.

If, after cleaning, there are nicks or whisker lines marring the appearance of your white sneakers, a shoe whitener or white shoe polish will fill in those blemishes.

If shoe odor is a recurring problem, a set of shoe balls is what you need in your life. Simply drop a ball into each shoe before putting the pair away — just remember to take them out before donning the shoes to avoid a big ouch moment.

Odor-eliminating sprays designed for shoes are great because they work fast to nuke foot odor. They can also be used to eliminate odors from other leather goods, like handbags or jackets.

When it comes to shoe deodorizers, as with sneaker cleaners, it can be nice to have a bespoke product for the job, but it's not required. Common household products, like Lysol's disinfecting spray, can be used to take the stink out of shoes.

When storing shoes that are prone to creasing, especially along the toe box, insert crease protectors to keep the shoes from looking worn-out and old.

Taller boot styles have a tendency to slump or fall over while being stored, which is not only bad for the boot, it also makes for a messy looking closet. Boot shapers maintain the shape of the boot, and keep them standing upright when not in use.

Get rain boots and waders up off the floor and onto their own hangers, which allows them to air out and retain their shape while not being used. The design of this hanger also allows you to easily hose down a pair of muddy boots without soaking the interiors.

Dressy or special occasion shoes that aren't worn very often should be stored in a way that protects them from gathering dust while not being used. These covered shoe boxes can hold two pairs each and have a clear window in the front that allows you to see the contents within.

For those who love a shoe box, a set of clear boxes is a great way to display your collection while also protecting your shoes while they're not in use.