How to Clean Ballet Shoes and Care for Ballet Dancewear
To keep your ballet gear looking beautiful and performing well over time, proper care is essential. Whether your ballet slippers are made of leather, fabric, or satin—each material requires a different cleaning method. The same applies to your ballet clothing, which should be washed and stored with care to maintain its fit and elasticity.
How to Clean Ballet Shoes
Leather Ballet Slippers
Leather is durable but sensitive to water. Use lukewarm water mixed with a few drops of mild dish soap, and gently clean the surface with a sponge. Avoid soaking the leather—too much moisture can make it brittle. After cleaning, pat dry with a soft towel and wear briefly to let the shape adjust to your foot. Do not dry on a heater or in the sun; heat causes leather to crack. Let them air-dry slowly at room temperature. Apply a small amount of leather conditioner or petroleum jelly to keep them soft and supple.
Fabric Ballet Slippers
Our ballet slippers made from cotton, cotton-stretch, or canvas can be easily machine-washed in a mesh laundry bag at 30°C (86°F) on a gentle cycle—no fabric softener or bleach. Lay flat on a towel to air-dry. For gentler care, hand-wash them in soapy water with a soft brush.
Satin Ballet Shoes
Satin is very delicate. The golden rule: dab, don’t rub! Spot clean with a damp cloth and mild detergent. To preserve their shine, avoid getting them too wet.
Caring for Ballet Dancewear
Whether it’s a leotard, tutu, or tights—dancewear needs frequent washing but should never go in the dryer. Use a gentle detergent without fabric softener, wash on a delicate cycle at a maximum of 30°C, and preferably inside out in a laundry bag. Delicate fabrics like lace or mesh should be hand-washed. Hang up your clothes right after class to air out and prevent stubborn odors from forming.
Storage and Hygiene Tips
- Let items air out instead of storing them in a closed bag.
- Own multiple sets of ballet shoes and dancewear if you train regularly.
- Use breathable dance bags with separate compartments to reduce odor build-up.
- Neutralize smells by sprinkling baking soda into shoes overnight or using an antibacterial spray.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I clean satin ballet shoes without damaging them?
Gently dab stains with a damp cloth and mild soapy water. Avoid rubbing or soaking the fabric to preserve its appearance and shape.
Can I wash ballet shoes in the washing machine?
Only canvas or fabric slippers can be machine washed—in a mesh bag, at 30°C, on a gentle cycle, without fabric softener. Leather and satin shoes should only be cleaned by hand.
What is the best way to care for leather ballet shoes?
Wipe them with a damp cloth and condition the leather regularly. Do not wash them in a machine.
How often should I replace my ballet shoes?
It depends on use. For daily practice, two to three rotating pairs are ideal. If you train once a week, one pair may last. Replace them if they stretch out or develop holes.
What can I do if my ballet shoes start to smell?
Air them out after each wear and stuff them with newspaper to absorb moisture. Baking soda or natural remedies like tea tree or lavender oil on a cotton pad can freshen them up. You can also seal them in a bag and freeze overnight to kill bacteria.
What happens if I use fabric softener on ballet clothes?
Fabric softener leaves residue on delicate fibers, weakening elasticity and breathability. It can cause materials like mesh or tulle to lose structure and feel sticky. Use mild detergent instead, and air-dry. A vinegar rinse can serve as a natural softening alternative.
