How to Take Care of Mary Jane Shoes for Girls

Kids are hard on shoes, that is just a fact of childhood, and Mary Janes are no exception. The good news is that learning how to take care of Mary Janes for girls does not require much effort, just a few simple habits that add real weeks, sometimes real years, of life to a pair. Done consistently, they can even survive long enough to pass down to a younger sibling. For our full picks if you are shopping for a new pair, our guide to the best Mary Jane shoes for girls is a good place to start.

How to clean Mary Jane shoes after every wear

A few small habits, done consistently, do most of the work of keeping a pair looking new.

• Wipe down after wear. A dry cloth removes dust and light dirt before it has a chance to set into the material.
• Let shoes air dry. Never dry them directly on a heater or in direct sun, both of which can crack leather or fade color over time.
• Brush off dried mud. A soft bristle brush lifts dirt away without scrubbing it further into the surface.
• Rotate pairs when possible. Giving a pair a rest day between wears helps it hold its shape for much longer.

How to care for Mary Jane shoes by material

Each material asks for something slightly different.

• Leather: wipe with a damp cloth and condition occasionally.
• Suede: brush with a suede brush and treat with a protective spray.
• Velvet: brush gently in one direction with a soft brush, spot clean only, and never soak.
• Canvas: a mild soap and soft brush handle most everyday stains, then air dry away from direct heat.
• Patent: wipe with a soft, slightly damp cloth, and avoid alcohol based cleaners.
• Metallic and glitter: dust with a dry cloth only. Avoid water, which can dull the finish over time.

For a closer look at how each of these materials shows up across our own range, our guide to Mary Janes by color covers the full spectrum by shade and finish.

How to store Mary Jane shoes properly

Good storage habits matter just as much as cleaning, especially between seasons.

• Stuff toes with soft paper to help shoes hold their shape while not in use.
• Store in a cool, dry place. Heat and humidity can warp soles and dull colors over time.
• Avoid stacking. Stacked shoes tend to crease straps and flatten toe boxes.
• Use a shoe bag for travel to keep shoes protected and separate from clothing in a suitcase.

When to replace Mary Jane shoes

Some wear is worth cleaning through, and some is a genuine sign it is time to replace the pair instead. Watch for the sole starting to separate from the upper, stains that simply will not lift no matter what you try, or a strap that no longer holds securely even at its tightest setting. Any of those three means the shoe has reached the end of its life, not that it needs one more round of cleaning.

FAQs

How do I clean white Mary Jane shoes without them turning yellow? Clean spots as soon as they happen rather than letting them sit, dry the shoes away from direct sunlight, and store them somewhere cool. Sun and heat are usually what cause white materials to yellow over time, more than the dirt itself.

Can I put Mary Jane shoes in the washing machine? It is not recommended. Machine washing can warp soles, loosen straps, and damage leather, suede, and patent finishes. Spot cleaning by hand is the safer choice for nearly every material we work with.

How do I get scuffs off patent leather Mary Janes? A dab of petroleum jelly, or a cleaner made specifically for patent leather, on a soft cloth usually lifts light scuffs without damaging the shine underneath.

How often should I clean my daughter's Mary Janes? A quick wipe down after every wear, plus a deeper clean every few weeks depending on how often they are worn, keeps most pairs looking their best. If your daughter has wider feet and you are still deciding on a new pair, our guide to Mary Janes for wide feet is worth reading before you buy.