Sporting a pair of ivory, satin shoes for a special occasion requires diligence -- especially if the forecast calls for rain. One wrong step and those perfectly white shoes can quickly become dirty or stained, even if you manage to avoid puddles. If you want to keep these formal shoes looking good, stop dirt from setting in by cleaning away any marks or spots promptly after every wearing. Unlike durable leather or canvas shoes, satin shoes are not for everyday wear.

Dust the shoes with a dry cloth. Start at the top of the shoe and dust downward to the heel. This will prevent you from rubbing in the soil when you clean the shoes.

Remove crusted-on dirt with a dry, soft-bristled toothbrush. Rub any visible dirt away, following the natural lines of the satin fabric. Do not bear down or you may scratch the delicate fabric.

Wet a clean cloth in cool water. Wring out the excess water. Press the cloth down on the dirty spots then pat the debris away. You should not smear or rub the area. If you have stubborn stains on your white shoes, dab a pea-sized amount of liquid soap on the cloth, then press and lift the debris off the shoe.

Dry the damp area by patting the clean surface with a dry towel. For faster drying, use a blow-dryer. Set the dryer on the "cool" setting to avoid damaging your shoe.

Apply the tip of a laundry bleaching pen over the dirty spots. Test a small area and check for discoloration after the application. If the stain disappears without damaging the satin, continue to dab at the spots.