How to Clean Nursing Shoes (And How Often You Should Do It)
If you work in healthcare, your shoes see things most people never will.
Sanitizer drips. IV leaks. Coffee spills. Medication splashes. Whatever mystery substance was on that hospital floor at 3 p.m.
Even on a “normal” shift, your shoes take a hit.
Cleaning your nursing shoes isn’t about vanity. It’s about hygiene, longevity, and maintaining traction. The good news? Some shoes make this process far easier than others.
Here’s how often you should clean your nursing shoes, how to do it properly, and why wipe-clean construction makes a real difference.
How Often Should Nurses Clean Their Shoes?
There’s no universal rule, but here’s a practical guideline most nurses can follow.
Daily: Quick Wipe-Down
At a minimum, give your shoes a quick wipe at the end of each shift if there’s visible dirt or spills. This prevents buildup and keeps materials from absorbing grime over time.
Even a 30-second wipe can extend the life of your shoes.
Weekly: Deeper Refresh
Once a week (or every few shifts), take a few extra minutes to:
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Wipe the entire upper thoroughly
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Clean the outsole tread
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Remove and air out insoles
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Address any odor buildup
This keeps both appearance and performance consistent.
Immediately After Major Exposure
If your shoes come into contact with bodily fluids or significant spills, clean them as soon as possible. Prompt cleaning helps maintain hygiene and material integrity.
How to Clean Nursing Shoes (Step-by-Step)
Cleaning methods vary depending on the material your nursing shoes are made from.
Step 1: Remove Surface Debris
Use a soft cloth to wipe away dirt and loose grime.
Step 2: Clean the Upper
For most nursing shoes, use a damp cloth and mild soap. Avoid harsh chemicals unless the manufacturer specifies they’re safe.
Pro tip: You can clean Clove nursing shoes with the disinfecting wipes commonly used in hospitals, thanks to how durable the Clarino material is.
Let the shoes air dry naturally. Avoid high heat, which can break down adhesives and materials.
Textile vs Fluid-Resistant Nursing Shoes: Why It Matters
This is where material choice becomes important.
Regular Textile or Mesh Nursing Shoes
Many general work or athletic-style shoes use breathable textile uppers. While comfortable, they can:
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Absorb liquids
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Stain more easily
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Retain odors
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Require full washing
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Take longer to dry
Once moisture seeps into the material, cleaning becomes more complicated.
Clove’s Fluid-Resistant Construction
Clove nursing shoes are built with Clarino™ vegan leather, a premium microfiber material that mimics leather while offering practical advantages.
With a design that is fluid-resistant and mimics leather, these sneakers are easy to clean, ensuring they stay looking fresh. Simply wipe with a damp cloth to remove dirt or smudges.
Because the material doesn’t absorb spills the same way textile uppers do, daily maintenance becomes much simpler.
For busy healthcare workers, that difference adds up.
How to Clean Clove Nursing Shoes Properly
Clove nursing shoes are designed for easy upkeep.
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Use a damp cloth to wipe the upper after shifts.
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Apply mild soap for stubborn spots.
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Let air dry naturally.
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Avoid machine washing the full shoe.
That’s it. No soaking. No long drying cycles. No hoping stains fade.
Don’t Forget the Insoles (Where Odor Builds Up)
The upper isn’t the only place that needs attention.
Clove includes Clove Contour Comfort Insoles designed to fight odor and bacteria. They’re fully removable and machine washable. When it’s time for a refresh, just throw them in the wash, and they’ll bounce right back.
This removable design makes it easier to maintain freshness without replacing the entire shoe.
Many standard work shoes use fixed insoles, which can trap moisture and odors over time.
Cleaning Also Protects Traction
There’s another reason cleaning matters: safety.
Dirt buildup on outsoles can reduce grip over time. Regularly wiping or brushing the tread helps maintain traction performance.
All Clove nursing shoes are certified slip-resistant according to ASTM F3445 standards, but keeping the outsole clean ensures you get consistent performance shift after shift.
Clean shoes don’t just look better; they perform better.
What to Avoid When Cleaning Nursing Shoes
A few common mistakes can shorten your shoe lifespan:
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Avoid harsh bleach unless manufacturer-approved
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Don’t machine wash entire shoes unless specified safe
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Skip high-heat drying
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Avoid aggressive scrubbing that damages surface materials
Gentle, consistent cleaning works better than occasional deep scrubbing.
Why Easy-to-Clean Matters More Than You Think
When you’re working long shifts, the last thing you want is complicated shoe maintenance.
Textile shoes can require soaking, drying time, and repeated washing. Fluid-resistant shoes that wipe clean in seconds make daily hygiene easier.
Clove nursing shoes are built for healthcare realities—including the messy parts. Waterproof Clarino™ uppers, washable Clove Contour Comfort Insoles, and slip-resistant outsoles combine practicality with professional appearance.
Because in healthcare, your shoes shouldn’t create extra work.
