How to Protect Satin Shoes

Co-authored by James Sears

Last Updated: June 1, 2021 References

Satin shoes are a beautiful addition to any outfit. Unfortunately, satin can be a hard material to preserve, as it can easily become stained or damaged by water. By learning how to safeguard your satin shoes with a protective product, you can feel good about wearing them for any occasion. You will be able to hang on to your favorite shoes for years to come.

Part 1

Part 1 of 2:

Choosing Protective Products

1
Buy a fabric or upholstery spray to protect your shoes from stains. Upholstery protectors and fabric protectors are both terms for a product that repels stains. Brands such as Scotchgard Fabric Protector or Angelus Water & Stain Repellent will help do the trick in protecting your shoes from any possible wear and tear. It should be safe to apply this type of product to any variety of satin.^{[1]
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- This type of spray will guard your shoes from dust and stains, but not from water.^{[2]
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- A can of fabric protector can run anywhere between $8-15 USD.
2
Get a hold of some hairspray for a cheap, easy solution. Believe it or not, hairspray is said to work well for protecting delicate fabrics like satin. Hairspray creates a protective barrier around satin, keeping the fabric safe from dirt.^{[3]
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Research source} Any type will do and it's probably a product you already have in your beauty cabinet.
- This is a good option if you don't want to go out and purchase a fabric protector.
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3
Buy a waterproof spray if your satin shoes are made from silk. A waterproof spray will make sure your shoes don't get damaged by rain and other weather conditions. This is especially important for any fabrics that are made out of silk. However, this doesn't mean you should go jump in puddles after applying this product- satin can never be completely waterproofed!^{[4]
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- Satin shoes composed mostly of silk and acetate should definitely be protected from water, so you will definitely want to find a good waterproof spray for them. If your shoes are made out of rayon, polyester, nylon or cotton, then avoiding water is not as important.^{[5]
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Part 2

Part 2 of 2:

Applying the Product to Your Shoes

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Prepare a space to apply the product. You will want to protect any surrounding materials from over-spray.^{[6]
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Research source} Make sure to apply spray away from any valuables or electronics. A bathroom or somewhere outdoors is best.
- Also make sure you are in a space with good ventilation, as many of these products contain toxic chemicals.
2
Test the spray to see how it reacts to your shoes. First, you will want to apply the spray on an inconspicuous part of your shoes. This is to make sure it doesn't cause discoloration. Take your protectant and apply the product on your shoes in a small spot. Then, wipe the spot with a small cloth- if no discoloration has occurred, then you can proceed.^{[7]
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3
Follow the product's instructions. Carefully read any instructions that come with your spray. Take note of any safety measures, such as using gloves to apply the product. It is important to read these instructions so you know exactly how to spray your shoes.
4
Apply the product to your shoes thoroughly. Cover the entire area of your shoes, from heel to toes. It is important to apply the product 6 inches (15.2 cm) away from your shoes. If you spray too closely, this can cause spotting.^{[8]
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- For fabric and upholstery protectors, shake the can well and spray from an upright position. Apply a second coat after the first one has dried. Two light coats are much better than one heavy coat.^{[9]
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- For hairspray, spray the product in short bursts. Don't soak any part of your shoes too heavily with hairspray. You can apply a second coat after letting the first coat dry. The second coat will help boost the lustre of the shoes.^{[10]
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- For waterproof spray, apply the spray according to the product's instructions. Allow the shoes to dry and then give them a second coating.^{[11]
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5
Let the protective product completely dry before wearing your shoes. It is recommended to let your shoes dry for 24 hours before wearing them out.
6
Re-apply the protective spray when needed. Any fabric protector or hairspray you have applied will need to be refreshed annually.^{[12]
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Research source} Repeat this same process each year to ensure your shoes continue to look great. Waterproof spray should be re-applied more frequently: every 3-4 weeks.^{[13]
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Expert Q&A

Question

How do you clean stained satin shoes?

James Sears
House Cleaning Professional
James Sears leads the customer happiness team at Neatly, a group of cleaning gurus based in Los Angeles and Orange County, California. James and the team have nine years of experience and offer green cleaning, interior and exterior window washing, and general apartment cleaning services. He provides transformative cleaning experiences by reducing clutter and renewing your home environment. James is a Trustee Scholar at the University of Southern California.

James Sears

House Cleaning Professional

Expert Answer

If your shoe has a stain, wash it carefully using hydrogen peroxide or baking soda.