How to Clean Dog Poop Off Shoes? A Step-by-Step Guide

If you’ve ever stepped in dog poop and thought, and faced existential crisis asking “Why me?” to yourself, trust me—you’re not alone.

It can happen anywhere, anytime. While walking through the park, strolling your dog, or just not paying attention for a second.

That unpleasant squish can quickly ruin your mood or maybe your day, too. Moreover, it clings to textured soles, seeps into fabric, and leaves behind bacteria and odor, causing a health hazard later.

But before you consider throwing your shoes in the trash, know that they are not doomed.

In this guide, we will show you how to clean them effectively and even restore their original shine with easy steps, so you can get back to enjoying your day.

Step-by-Step Guide For Cleaning Your Favorite Shoe

Step 1: Grab These Essentials

Before diving into battle, arm yourself. Here's your poop-cleaning toolkit:

• Plastic bags or paper towels (to scoop off the bulk)

• An old toothbrush or a small cleaning brush

• Dish soap or mild detergent

• Warm water (sink, hose, or bucket)

• Baking soda (for deodorizing)

• Vinegar (for stain and smell removal*)

• Toothpicks or small sticks (for getting into grooves)

• Paper towels or rags (for drying)

• Disinfectant spray (highly recommended)

Important: Avoid using vinegar on leather shoes. It can strip the finish and dry out the material. Vinegar works best for fabric, canvas, and synthetic materials.

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Step 2: Remove the Poop

Usually, people step into poop so it sticks to the sole only but it can spread all over the upper surface too if youve stepped into big chunk. But don’t worry, we’ve got your back.

From the sole: 

• Use a paper towel, a bag, or even a stick to scrape off as much as possible. 

• Be gentle if it's fresh, and avoid pushing it deeper into the tread.

  
  

From the upper surface: If poop has smeared onto the upper part of your shoe—you need to be a bit more careful cleaning it. For softer or more absorbent shoe materials:

• Use a damp paper towel or cloth to blot and lift as much of the mess as you can, gently.

• Avoid rubbing it as it can get into inside if the poop is too messy.

  
  

Tip: Avoid using vinegar or baking soda directly on leather shoes, as it can damage the material’s finish.

Step 3: Rinse the Affected Area

• Take your shoe outside or over a utility sink 

• Rinse the sole or the affected part of the shoe under warm running water. 

• A garden hose works great for this, especially if it has a spray nozzle to blast out bits.

  
  

Step 4: Scrub with Dish Soap

After rinsing the sole, follow the steps below:

• Apply a few drops of dish soap to the affected areas. 

• Use a toothbrush to scrub the sole, especially the grooves where poop tends to hide.

• If the toothbrush can’t get where you want, use a toothpick to remove stubborn pieces.

If poop made it onto the upper surface—say, on canvas or leather—don’t panic. Here’s how to handle it based on the material:

For Canvas or Fabric Shoes (like Vans or Converse)

1. Scrape and rinse as above.

2. Mix warm water and a bit of detergent.

3. Use a soft brush or cloth to scrub the poop spot.

4. Rinse and repeat as needed.

5. Stuff the shoes with newspaper to help them keep their shape and dry faster.

6. Air dry in sunlight if possible—it helps kill bacteria and eliminate odor.

   
   

For Running Shoes or Trainers

1. Scrub the outsole aggressively with a brush and soap.

2. If the poop has seeped into the mesh, use a mix of water, detergent, and vinegar (1:1:1) to gently dab and lift the stain.

3. Rinse with warm water and let them dry completely.

   
   

For Leather Shoes

Leather needs extra love:

1. Wipe off the poop with a damp cloth (no soaking).

2. Use mild soap and water to clean the area.

3. Avoid vinegar here—it can damage leather.

4. Let it dry naturally, then apply a leather conditioner to restore shine.

💡 Note: While some shoes (like canvas sneakers) can survive a gentle machine wash, it’s risky if poop hasn’t been fully removed. You don’t want waste spreading inside your washer.

Step 5: Deodorize and Disinfect

Even after a thorough cleaning, the smell might linger. Here’s how to handle it:

• Baking soda: Sprinkle on the soles and let sit overnight. Brush it off in the morning.

• Vinegar spray: Mix equal parts vinegar and water, spritz the area, and let it sit 10 minutes before wiping clean (skip this for leather).

• Sunlight: Leave shoes outside in the sun. UV rays help kill bacteria and neutralize odor.

• Activated Charcoal: Place a piece of activated charcoal in your shoe overnight to absorb lingering odors. Its porous structure traps odor molecules, effectively eliminating smells.

  
  

Step 6: Dry and Restore

If your shoes are not properly dried, the moisture inside can again lead to bad odors, promote bacterial growth, or even damage the material over time. That’s why:

• Wipe shoes thoroughly with paper towels or a clean rag, especially inside and around grooves.

• Let them air-dry fully in a ventilated area; placing them in sunlight helps eliminate germs and odors.

• Stuff shoes with newspaper or paper towels to absorb moisture and maintain their shape.

• Once completely dry, inspect them for any remaining dirt or dampness.

  
  

For extra freshness:

• Use leather conditioner on leather shoes.

• Apply fabric refresher on canvas or synthetic shoes.

  
  

Warning: Avoid hairdryers—they can warp some shoe materials and disfigure your favourite footwear.

Pro Tips 

1. Don’t Let It In the House

Remove your shoes outside or in a utility area to avoid spreading bacteria around your home. If you're at the park and can't wash your shoes right away, scrape the soles over a patch of grass to remove as much poop as possible.

2. Create a “Crap Kit”

Keep a basic shoe-cleaning kit in your car or near your entryway: wipes, a brush, and maybe some disposable gloves. If you’re a dog owner, this will come in handy more often than you’d like to admit. Got a mess inside the house too? Don’t miss our guide on How to Clean Dog Diarrhea from Carpet — same dog, different disaster.

3. Prevention Is Everything

• Stick to clean paths when walking.

• Always look ahead (and not at your phone).

• Train your pet to use designated bathroom areas.

• And yes, always pick up after your dog—be a responsible pet parent.

FInal Words

Cleaning dog poop off your shoes is never fun, but with the right steps, it doesn’t have to ruin your day. 

From scraping off the mess to giving your shoes a deep clean, a little effort goes a long way. Acting fast helps prevent stains and odors from setting in. 

Keep a cleaning kit handy, and next time—watch your step! With these tips, your shoes (and your sanity) will survive the unfortunate encounter.