Keeping shoes looking fresh requires consistent cleaning. As soon as you unbox your new sneakers, the desire to wear them out hits you, but they quickly gather dust, dirt, scuff marks, and stains.
To ensure your sneakers maintain peak performance over time, proper maintenance and care, including regular cleaning, are crucial. Before you start, consider using shoe trees or crumpled newspaper to help your shoes retain their shape during cleaning. Then, it's time to dive in.
With these tips, just a few straightforward steps can preserve the fresh and clean look of any pair of sneakers. Regular cleaning helps maintain the shoes' appearance (and odor), and here are some cleaning methods that won't harm your kicks.
Tools you'll need:
Dish soap, baking soda, household cleaning sponge (optional), leather conditioner (optional), white vinegar (optional), shoe brush, toothbrush, clean, soft cloth, suede brush (optional)
Step-by-step Shoe Cleaning Method:
1.Use a Dry Brush
Utilize a dry, soft-bristled shoe brush to gently brush off the dust that lightly clings to the outsole, midsole, and upper. No shoe brush? No problem, a clean spare toothbrush works just as well.
2.Create a Mild Cleaning Solution
Mix warm water with a small amount of gentle laundry detergent or dish soap. For white or light-colored shoes, you can also mix equal parts of baking soda and water to create an effective thick cleaning solution.
Note: When using dish soap, be sure to handle it with care and dilute generously with water. High concentrations of dish soap may cause some materials to discolor or natural oils to be lost.
3.Hand Wash the Shoelaces
Remove the shoelaces and wash them with a small amount of mild cleaning detergent. Rub them gently by hand, rinse thoroughly with water, and then pat dry with a soft cloth.
4.Clean the Outsole
Dip a soft-bristled brush, toothbrush, or cloth into mild detergent. Thoroughly clean the outsole and midsole, taking your time to clean every part of the sole. Use a soft cloth to dry.
Note: If you need to clean the insole, remove it first and wash it with detergent, ensuring it has time to dry before putting it back into the shoe.
5.Clean and Dry the Upper
Use a soft-bristled brush, toothbrush, or damp cloth with mild detergent to clean the shoe's upper. Gently brush to avoid damaging the material.
Once you're satisfied with the appearance, use a microfiber towel or soft cloth to absorb excess moisture, removing as much soap and dirt from the surface as possible. Repeat if necessary. Avoid rubbing the shoes dry, as this may wear down the material or spread residual dirt.
6.Air Dry
Air dry the athletic shoes at room temperature. Ensure the shoes are completely dry before wearing them for exercise or activities again. Most shoes will need at least 8 hours to dry thoroughly.
Special Considerations for Different Materials
Following these basic cleaning steps helps maintain the cleanliness of athletic shoes, but some materials require extra care. Here are some tips for using cleaners on different types of shoes.
1.How to Clean Leather Shoes
Leather shoes are prone to stains, so regular cleaning is essential. In addition to using a dry brush and mild dish soap, you can also use a household cleaning sponge or leather conditioner to remove stains. Avoid scrubbing the shoes vigorously, as this may damage the leather.
2.How to Clean Suede Shoes
It's well known that cleaning suede is challenging. If you notice water stains, signs of wear, dirt, or stains, it may be time to clean your suede shoes properly. Use the following tips and special tools to complete the cleaning process.
Use a suede brush or towel to remove surface debris, following the texture of the material rather than going against it. Use a suede brush or eraser to remove any stains on the surface of the shoes. For stubborn stains, dampen a cloth with white vinegar and alternate wiping the material.
3.How to Clean Knit Shoes
Knit athletic shoes are comfortable and breathable but can be challenging to clean, especially when dust or dirt gets trapped in the small fabric crevices. The correct way to clean knit or mesh shoes is to use a mild soap solution made from soap without chemicals. It's best to avoid using bleach or other harsh cleaning products, as they can damage the material.
Use a shoe brush or clean toothbrush to wipe the detergent along the direction of the knit texture. Wipe off the soap with a clean cloth, repeating if necessary. Air dry the shoes and avoid using a dryer, as excessive heat can damage the shape and material of the shoes.
