White sneakers, Leather sneakers, Canvas shoes, Suede shoes, Boost material. How to clean by hand and when you can use a washing machine.
There’s no better feeling than unboxing a new pair of kicks. That fresh smell can fuel a sneakerhead’s dreams. But once they’re out of the box and on the street, anything can happen to your shoes, from scuffs, stains, spilled drinks, to general grit and grime. So how do you keep your sneakers in tip-top condition?
Check out our step-by-step process to learn a few tricks of the trade. Scroll down for specifics on cleaning canvas or suede shoes, and how to clean shoes in the washing machine.
When you’re learning how to clean sneakers, follow these steps:
Remove excess dirt by knocking the soles together and use a soft brush, like a toothbrush, to scrub off any remaining dirt.
Use a washcloth to gently wipe away stains with a mild, eco-friendly laundry detergent mixed with lukewarm water (mild detergent typically doesn’t cause yellow discolouration from toxins).
Dip the washcloth in warm water and remove excess soap and suds. If necessary, use a soft bristle toothbrush dipped in water to clean white outsoles or Boost material on the edge of your shoe’s sole.
Dry at room temperature and, if you’ve got leather sneakers like Superstars, apply a small amount of leather shoe conditioner or treatment.
Remove laces and insoles (if possible). Place them in a pillowcase and run it through a washing machine set to cold / delicate with laundry detergent. As a bonus, washing insoles can help eliminate bad odours.
There’s a good chance your favourite pair of shoes are canvas. They’re one of the most comfortable shoe materials which makes them an easy go-to pair. But the result from wearing them day in and day out is that stains, dirt and grime build up fast.
If you want your canvas kicks looking as fresh as the day you bought them and you want your favourite pair of shoes last, then it helps to know how to clean them.
Take an old toothbrush and start scrubbing to get rid of all that extra dirt and mud.
Fill a bucket or bowl with warm water and liquid detergent or dish soap. Next, dip the tooth brush and continue scrubbing areas that need attention.
Once they’ve been thoroughly cleaned, rinse your shoes in warm, clean water. Soak up excess water with an old towel.
Help them keep their shape by stuffing your canvas kicks with paper towels or dry washcloths. Then let them air dry indoors in a warm spot. Note: Direct sunlight or direct heat will warp your shoes or discolour them.
Sound like too much work? Check out the step-by-step process below about using your washing machine on canvas shoes.
If you’re sporting suede shoes like many adidas Originals, then you’re strutting around in one of the most stylish shoe materials. But unfortunately, it’s extremely difficult to keep clean because suede is the bottom-side of leather. It’s an absorbent material, grabbing anything and everything that drops, spills or comes its way. Eventually, you’ll have to clean them and here’s how.
But first, a warning: Do NOT use water to clean suede. Water leaves marks, altering its appearance and staining suede.
Grab your old toothbrush and get to work. Gently buff out surface stains and dispose of the dirt.
Start applying pressure with your brush to work out the deeper stains.
If necessary, purchase a white eraser or suede polish kit from the store. A soft nail file might also do the trick.
If truly necessary, try scrubbing trouble spots with a white washcloth dipped in white vinegar or rubbing alcohol to remove super stubborn stains.
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