A mini-guide by Primigi so that your child is free... to get dirty again! leather shoes Dust and mud should be brushed off daily. Every now and then, apply neutral or coloured shoe polish. patent leather shoes No shoe polish, but just a damp cloth to remove the dust and restore shine to the uppers. suede shoes These are easier to look after than you think. They need to be washed with a wet cloth and some Marseilles soap. A fine sheet of sandpaper, a metal brush or a small piece of rubber are perfect for removing stains. canvas shoes It is better not to use the washing machine. Shoes should never be totally immerged in water because after a while this will remove the glue between the sole and the uppers. Better to rub them down with a damp cloth and Marseilles soap. Instructions for drying properly What is the best way to dry shoes that have just been washed or are very damp due to rain or perspiration? First of all, never place them close to direct heat (hairdryers or radiators), because this will cause them to wrinkle and lose their flexibility. It is better just to leave them in the open air until they are perfectly dry, away from direct sunlight, since this would discolour them. It is always a good idea to stuff them with newspaper: this will absorb the damp and keep the shoes in shape. Antibacterial warning A pair a day keeps bacteria away It is advisable to supply your child with at least two pairs of shoes for each season, for wear on alternate days. Kids perspire a lot and wearing the same pair of shoes each day encourages the stagnation of sweat and the proliferation of bacteria and micro-organisms. Damp shoes? No, thanks. Never put damp shoes away before airing: this is a real invitation to mould, fungi and bacteria. The idea Most PRIMIGI shoes are equipped with removable and washable insoles. Made from natural leathers, they can be conveniently rinsed once a week in soapy water to keep bacteria at bay and in the interest of healthy feet.