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How to Wash Tieks Ballet Flats
September 18, 2024
-
By
Sophia Grant
Tieks is a footwear company that specializes in ballet flats. Not only are they made of Italian leather but also they’re foldable and can easily be fit into a purse.
Tieks was founded by two siblings, Kfir and Dikla Gavrieli in 2008.
They were later joined by their brother, Elram, who worked together to design a versatile ballet flat—one that could be folded and put in a purse.
The goal was to make it as durable and comfortable as possible.
By 2010, the company had come up with nearly 20 different styles of ballet flats. Since then, they’ve expanded to more than 50 styles, some of which are made of vegan leather.
It’s worth noting, however, that their shoes are not available at any retail store like Macy or Bloomingdales. The only way to buy them is through their official store.
About Tieks Ballet Flats
Their ballet flats are unique in that they feature a split-sole; the midsole is also flexible for maximum comfort.
Speaking of comfort, the shoes also stretch and mold to your feet for the perfect fit.
On top of that, the insoles are designed to prevent your feet from hurting even with long-term wear.
Complete with non-skid rubber outsoles, you won’t have to worry about slipping. Not only do they offer shock absorption, but they’ll also keep you grounded.
Taking Care of Tieks Ballet Flats
Like many designer shoes, their ballet flats are made of leather. While they’re made to last, they can still get dirty with everyday wear.
This is especially true for light-colored flats.
For example, dirt and mud can easily get onto the upper. This isn’t surprising given that they’re not that much lifted from the ground.
That’s why you want to take proper care of them. For example, it’s probably not a good idea to wear them if you plan on walking on rough terrain.
As far as cleaning goes, it is definitely possible. In fact, it’s easier than you think. Want to know how you can clean yours? Then keep reading!
Different Styles Offered by Tieks
Tieks uses a variety of leathers and textures for their ballet flats. Here’s a brief overview of their different styles.
Napa Classics
Their Napa Classic collection is made from full-grain leather. Tanned with high-grade oils, they have a prominent natural grain while retaining a soft feel.
There are multiple colors available as well including navy, fuchsia, mustard yellow, grey, and chestnut.
They also have taupe tieks, which are popular among customers.
Metallic Classics
Their Metallic Classic styles are brushed with the finest oils before being painted with a metallic finish.
They are expertly tanned and buttery soft to the touch. Colors available include metallic bronze, metallic pewter, metallic gold, and rose.
Croc Patents
Their Croc Patent collection is made from premium leather that has a high-gloss, shiny coating.
Saturated with luxurious color, they’re embossed with a crocodile texture to create an exquisite look.
Colors available include brown, diamond white, slate grey, and obsidian black.
Snake Print
Their Snake Print sales are made from hand-painted leather that’s cut to mimic real snake scales. As such, each print is comprised of multiple colors.
The leather is also tumbled to give it that soft feel. Prints available: Electric Snake, Mocha Snake, Azure Snake, and Sand Snake.
Shiny Distressed Classics
Their Shiny Distressed Classic styles are made from top-grain leathers that are meticulously burnished and dyed.
Featuring vivid colors, they’re also treated with a wax coating to add shine. Colors available include Pacific, Green, Poppy, Clover Green, and Cobalt Blue.
Metallic Sparkle Prints
Their Metallic Sparkle Prints feature soft Italian leather that’s pressed with a delicate foil to give it a sparkly appearance.
Not only that, but it has a antiqued and crackled look. Colors available include Moonstruck, Starstruck, and Lovestruck.
Textiles
Aside from leather, they also have a few styles that are made from various European textiles. With that said, the insole is still made from leather.
As far as designs go, there are both bold patterns and neutral colors available.
How to Wash Tieks – Leather Ballet Flats
Have a pair of leather flats that are in dire need of cleaning? Don’t worry, it’s not as difficult as you might think. Follow the instructions below and they’ll be clean again in no time!
Cleaning Your Leather Tieks Ballet Flats by Hand
Before you start cleaning, be sure to check the website for specific product instructions as different models may have different care instructions.
Step 1: Wipe the Flats
Wipe the flats with a soft, damp cloth; you want to remove any dirt or debris that’s on the leather upper.
Step 2: Create a Cleaning Solution
Fill a small bowl with warm water and dissolve a bit of ACTIVE Detergent to create a soapy mixture.
Step 3: Buff the Flats
Saturate the cloth with the mixture and use it to buff the shoe.
Make sure to use gentle movements as the patent leather is a delicate material. Do not use too much pressure when you’re wiping.
Step 4: ‘Rinse’ the Shoes
Next, “rinse” off the soap. To do this, wet a separate cloth with water and use it to wipe the ballet flats.
Continue until there are no more visible signs of soap. Remember, you don’t want the delicate leather to become too damp, otherwise, it can become damaged.
Step 5: Let Them Dry
After cleaning, let the leather flats air dry at room temperature. Do not leave them out in the sun; the UV rays can cause the leather to fade and that’s the last thing you want.
Supply:
- ACTIVE Detergent
- Microfiber cloths
- Water
You can use a colored shoe cream or shoe polish to cover up any visible scratches that are on the shoes.
ACTIVE Laundry Detergent
Safely deep clean your Tieks to remove odors from sweat and more.
Can You Put Matte Leather Tieks Ballet Flats in the Washing Machine?
The answer is no. You do not want to put the leather shoes in the washing machine.
The washer can easily cause the glue to deteriorate, which will make the Tieks foldable flats fall apart.
Not to mention that the water can cause the leather to become brittle once they’re dry.
The only safe way to “wash” their leather flats is to do it by hand with a soft cloth (refer to the instructions above).
How to Clean Textile Tieks Flats
As mentioned earlier, they also have a few styles that are made from textiles. Here’s how you can wash them.
Putting Textile Tieks Ballet Flats in the Washer
It’s best to wash your textile ballet flats by hand. With that said, they are more “durable” than their leather counterparts in that they can be put in the wash—you just have to be careful.
Remember, the insoles are still made from leather.
Supplies:
- Soft bristle brush
- Lingerie bag
- ACTIVE Detergent
- A few towels
Step 1:
Start by removing any dirt or debris from the upper with a soft-bristled brush. Repeat with the sole.
Step 2:
Place the flats in a lingerie bag and load them into the washer. The bag will protect them from the rigorous movements of the washer.
However, it’s a good idea to add in a few towels to balance to load so that things won’t be thrown around.
Step 3:
Add one scoop of ACTIVE Detergent and run a cold water cycle on a delicate setting. Avoid using hot water as the heat can damage the leather insoles.
Step 4:
Take the flats out of the bag once the wash cycle is complete. Let them air dry at room temperature before wearing them again.
For the best results, do not wash your shoes together with clothing; separate them into different loads.
Washing Textile Ballets Flats by Hand
Their textile flats can be hand washed in the same fashion as their leather flats.
Supplies:
- ACTIVE Detergent
- Water
- Microfiber cloth
Step 1:
Using a soft, damp cloth, wipe the outside of the shoe. Remove any dirt from the upper before brushing the sole with a soft-bristled brush.
Step 2:
Mix a small amount of ACTIVE Detergent with water to create a soapy solution and use it to wipe the fabric.
Step 3:
Rinse the cloth with water and use it to remove the detergent from the shoe.
Step 4:
Place them in a well-ventilated area where they can dry naturally.
How to Deodorize Smelly Tieks Ballet Flats
The best way to prevent odors is to wear socks. However, that won’t be the case every time so it’s best to prepare yourself for odors, especially if they’re your everyday shoes.
Here are a few quick and easy methods that you can use to deodorize your shoes:
Put Baking Soda in the Flats
Baking soda is one of the best things that you can use for cleaning. What’s more, is that it’s a great deodorizer.
Supplies:
- Baking soda
- Damp cloth (optional)
Step 1:
Apply a generous layer of baking soda onto the foot beds of the flats.
Step 2:
Leave the powder in overnight and remove it in the morning.
If necessary, wipe the inside of shoes with a damp cloth to remove any residual baking soda.
For the best results, make sure it’s spread throughout the shoes (e.g. toe area, heel area).
Wiping the Inside with White Vinegar
White vinegar can also be used to get rid of any smell that’s present in your shoes.
Supplies:
- White vinegar
- Microfiber cloth
Step 1:
Combine white vinegar and water in a spray bottle in a 1:1 ratio.
Step 2:
Spray the vinegar mixture onto the shoes, then wipe with a damp microfiber cloth. Pay extra attention to the toe and heel areas.
The vinegar scent will dissipate eventually, leaving your shoes smelling fresh.
Avoid using other kinds of vinegar such as apple cider vinegar.
Wiping the Inside with Rubbing Alcohol
Rubbing alcohol can also be used to eliminate odors. It’s also great in that it dries quickly so you won’t have to wait that long before you can wear the shoes again.
Supplies:
- Rubbing alcohol
- Clean cloth
Step 1:
Saturate a clean cloth with rubbing alcohol.
Step 2:
Wipe the inside of the flats with the damp cloth, paying extra attention to the toe and heel areas.
For the best results, we recommend using a 70% rubbing alcohol solution.
Put the Flats in the Freezer
Cold temperatures can also kill off the odor-causing agents. That’s right, you can deodorize your flats by putting them in the freezer.
Supplies:
- Freezer-safe plastic bag
Step 1:
Place your flats in a large freezer-safe bag and put them in the freezer.
Step 2:
For the best results, leave the shoes in the freezer overnight. Take them out in the morning and let them thaw before wearing.
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Sophia Grant
Sophia Grant brings her extensive knowledge of laundry and clothing care to the masses with her intensive cleaning guides. Her thorough understanding of fabrics, detergents, and washing techniques helps readers master the art of maintaining their wardrobe. Sophia's advice ensures that anyone can achieve professional-level results at home, keeping their garments looking pristine and lasting longer.
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