Cleaning pointe shoes

[thewinelake]

So DD has the show this week and her shoes (Gaynor Mindens) are a bit grotty with general ballet studio floor grime. What's a good way to get them looking vaguely presentable? We have various cleaning solvents at our disposal!!

 

[Bluebird22]

Camomile lotion. Takes away the shine but covers all marks and they look lovely on stage as they blend into ballet tights and create the illusion of a longer leg line.

 

Good luck

[Anna C]

Just be mindful not to dilute the calamine or use more than necessary - if it wets the shoes too much they can shrink.

 

Here's a thread which may be of use: http://www.balletcoforum.com/index.php?/topic/1538-can-i-clean-pointe-shoes/?hl=%22baby+wipes%22

[anondancer_15]

I'm having the exact same problem, so thanks for posting - will have to try some of those!

[thewinelake]

I note that the "traditional" way to clean pointe shoes is with the rather dangerous carbon tetrachloride as formerly used in dry cleaners.

 

I think I may have a go with isopropyl alcohol (as used in products like Dylon's Dry Clean stain remover, also known as rubbing alcohol).

 

Unless someone quickly(ish) screams "don't do it!"

 

I also note that Gaynor Mindens are quite as averse to water as traditional shoes.

 

I might make a video of this!

Edited October 13, 2015 by thewinelake

[Anon2]

I don't think I would go anywhere near any type of pointe show with alcohol. I would have concerns about interactions between the alcohol and the glues or plastics. If you really feel the need I would try it on an old shoe.

[Anna C]

The only time I've heard of alcohol being used on pointe shoes, it is to soften/loosen/stretch the satin for comfort when a dancer has a bunion. I agree with Jane, if cleaning alone is required, loosening and softening the wing or the box may be an unwanted and unwelcome side effect.

[aballetlife]

I know people who have just put gaynors in the washing machine since the plastic won't break down in water.

this is probably only for brave people to try!

[thewinelake]

This is quite fascinating...

 

I rang Gaynor Minden and they said that nobody had ever asked before! The girl I spoke to said I shouldn't put them in a washing machine and then suggested "spot cleaning with a wet towel" before saying "well, I suppose it would be like cleaning anything in satin". So I thought an Internet search might help.

 

Here's one example where Vodka is the suggested cleaning method: http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.php?t=233841

 

So Propan-2-ol would be quite similar to that in chemical properties. Clearly one would have to go gently and try and restrict the solvent to the surface of the fabric.

Edited October 13, 2015 by thewinelake

[balletmadgirl]

My daughter's old ballet teacher suggested cleaning with surgical spirit.We never found it very effective.Generally DD uses Calamine lotion 'smeared' all over the shoes which she prefers, as Bluebird22 said, it is meant to blend in with the tights and give an illusion of a longer leg!

Personally I am always most put out after spending a lot of money on new shoes to have them immediately desecrated not only with this but also sewing on of ribbons, and bashing on whatever is available to break them in! Such is life!

[thewinelake]

Mmm... Thought I'd already replied again to this, but it would appear not...

 

Just to report that I had a go with a bit of Vodka and, slightly impatient at the lack of clear results splashed on some of the Dylon Dry-Cleaning stain remover (the previously mentioned isopropyl alcohol, AKA propan-2-ol). Seems to have helped some...