How to Clean & Care for Rhinestone Shoes

Rhinestone shoes are an investment — and with the right care, they'll stay performance-ready for years. The wrong cleaning approach can dull the stones, loosen settings, or damage the upper.

The Golden Rule: Dry First, Always

Water is the enemy of rhinestone settings. Prolonged moisture exposure weakens the adhesive that holds stones in place. Always use dry or barely damp cleaning methods. Never submerge rhinestone shoes in water.

Cleaning the Rhinestones

After every wear: Soft, dry microfiber cloth in gentle circular motions.
For stubborn marks: Cotton swab barely dampened with clean water. Dab, don't rub. Air dry completely before storing.
Never use: Solvents, alcohol, or acetone — these damage both stones and upper material.
Restoring sparkle: Dry soft-bristle toothbrush in one direction to lift residue from between stones. Follow with microfiber buff.

Storage

Always store in a dust bag or box — rhinestones catch on fabric and other items
Store individually — don't stack or let other items press against the stone surface
Keep away from direct sunlight — UV exposure can yellow adhesive settings
Store in a cool, dry place — humidity weakens stone settings

When Stones Fall Out

Keep a small rhinestone repair kit — matching stones and jewelry adhesive. Apply a tiny amount of adhesive to the empty setting, place the stone, allow to cure fully (typically 24 hours) before wearing.