Cleaning sneakers is easy and can be done quickly to keep them fresh and last long
You can clean your shoes by hand for a little attention, or use a washing machine to make it easier. Whichever method you choose, cleaning your shoes not only makes them look beautiful, but also makes the clothes you wear look more harmonious and stylish!
Step
Method 1 of 3: Using the Washing Machine
Step 1. Check the label to make sure the shoes can be machine cleaned safely
Most sneakers can be cleaned in a washing machine, but it's a good idea to check the label first. If it says "hand wash only", you must wash it by hand. If the label isn't there, search the internet for your model for the best washing method as suggested.
If you have leather or suede on your shoes, do not machine wash them, as the leather and suede can be damaged by water
Step 2. Brush off the stuck dirt using a washing brush
It's a good idea to do this in a trash can or outdoors to avoid dropping the dirt on the floor. If the dirt is wet, let it dry first. Dry dirt is easier to clean than wet.
By removing as much dirt as possible, your shoes will be easier to clean in the washing machine
Step 3. Remove the shoelaces and clean the dirt with detergent
Check shoelaces for soiled areas. If they get dirty, apply a little detergent and rub the shoelaces with your fingers. This pre-treatment will make it easier for the washing machine to remove dirt on the laces.
Put the laces in the mesh bag that comes with the shoes so they don't entangle other laundry in the machine
Step 4. Place the shoes in a mesh bag and wash them with a towel
If you don't have a washing net bag, you can buy one online or at a supermarket for around $10. Place a mesh bag with shoes, another mesh bag with laces, and a few towels in the washing machine.
Inserting a towel when washing shoes is useful to prevent the shoes from hitting the walls of the machine, which can damage the shoes or the washing machine
Step 5. Run the engine at a gentle speed using cold water
Use the same amount of detergent as usual, and don't use hot water. Use gentle twists if the option is available.
Do not use too much detergent. Detergents can leave a residue that builds up on your shoes, making them stiff and stained
Step 6. Let the shoes dry
Shoes can be placed in front of a dehumidifier, fan, or open window, but don't place them in front of a heat source or dryer. If the shoe has an insole (soft cushion inside the shoe), remove the pad and allow it to dry separately to speed up the process.
- It may be tempting to use a dryer so you can put them on faster, but this can damage the shape of your shoes. High heat can cause the plastic wrap or synthetic fiber in the shoe to warp.
- So that the shape of the shoe does not change, insert crumpled newspaper inside.
Step 7. Reattach the shoe parts after they are all dry
Drying can take around 8-12 hours depending on whether or not you did something to speed up the process. When everything is dry, return the insole to the shoe and reattach the laces.
If your shoes still look dirty, you may need to treat the soles separately or clean them again in the washing machine. If your shoes still won't clean, you may have to buy new ones
Method 2 of 3: Hand Washing Sneakers
Step 1. Remove the shoelaces
Pay attention to the laces when you take them off, do they look rough or dirty? If it's just dirty, you can still clean it, but if it's worn and worn, you may need to buy new laces.
If you have to buy new laces, measure the old laces to find out the length. That way, you can buy new laces that are long enough for the shoes
Step 2. Rub the detergent on the stain on the string
To do this, it's a good idea to pour a small amount of detergent (about 1-2 tbsp or 20-30 ml) into a bowl. After that, dip your finger in the detergent, and rub it on the stain on the shoelace. Repeat this step until the rope is clean.
By rubbing detergent on the rope, the soap will react and break down the dirt that has stuck to it
Step 3. Rinse the rope using warm water, then dry with a clean towel
Take the shoelaces to the sink and run warm water over them. Rinse both laces, and take the time to run all over the laces to remove any dirt and soap residue. Continue rinsing until the water is clear and the shoelaces are clean. Dry with a clean towel and set aside.
If the laces are very dirty, fill a sink with warm water and soak the laces in it for 10-15 minutes while you clean the rest of the shoe
Step 4. Clean the eyelets using a toothbrush and detergent
Eyelets are small holes for inserting shoelaces. Keeping the bowl filled with detergent in the previous step, dip a clean toothbrush in it. Scrub the eyelets of the shoelaces with the toothbrush to remove any adhering dirt or dust, then clean with a damp sponge.
Do not use a sponge that is too wet when you clean the detergent. Wet a sponge, then squeeze out the excess water. This is to keep the foam from spreading everywhere and to prevent the shoes from getting soaked
Step 5. Remove dry dirt using a small washing brush
Check the shoes carefully. If there are clumps of dirt or dry grass, scrub them with a small washing brush. Do this in a trash can or outdoors to avoid getting on the floor.
- Do not brush dirt that is still wet. Let the dirt dry completely. Dry dirt is easier to clean.
- If there are pebbles stuck, use tweezers to remove them.
Step 6. Mix 1 tsp (5 ml) of detergent with 250 ml of water
Depending on the amount of detergent remaining in the bowl after you've cleaned the shoes and laces, you may not need to add a lot of detergent. Stir the water and detergent until the mixture is foamy.
You can use cold or warm water. The detergent will dissolve in the water easily
Step 7. Dip a toothbrush into the mixture, then rub it all over the shoe
You can use the toothbrush used to clean the eyelets, or use the small washing brush in the previous step. Whatever tool you use, dip it in a mixture of detergent and water and rub it all over the shoe. Clean the body, tongue, sole and inside of the shoe. Do it in a circular motion to remove the dirt that sticks.
- Dip the toothbrush back in as often as needed when you're cleaning.
- Don't forget the insole! Remove and clean the insole as you would the outside of a shoe. If the dirt can't be cleaned, you can buy a new one.
Step 8. Wipe the shoes with a damp, clean sponge
After scrubbing the shoes, dampen the sponge and squeeze out the excess water. Wipe off any remaining soap and dirt, while rinsing the sponge as often as needed.
Don't forget to wipe the inside and bottom of the shoe
Step 9. Let the shoe dry on its own, then re-attach the laces
Put the shoes somewhere on a dry towel. Let the shoes dry on their own, which can take about 8-12 hours. The drying process can be accelerated by placing the shoes in front of a fan or an open window. However, do not place your shoes in front of a heat source, as this can cause them to warp or shrivel when exposed to heat. When everything is dry, put the insole back into the shoe and attach the laces.
If your shoes are really smelly, sprinkle a little baking soda on the inside of your shoes while drying them overnight. The next morning, remove the baking soda from the shoe before you put it on
Method 3 of 3: Cleaning White Soled Shoes
Step 1. Mix detergent and baking soda in equal proportions
Since you don't need too much of it, just use 2 tbsp. (30 grams) baking soda and 2 tbsp. (30 ml) detergent. Stir the mixture until it becomes a paste.
This method is perfect if you only want to clean the sole, but don't need to clean the rest of the shoe
Step 2. Apply the mixture on the sole of the shoe using a clean toothbrush
Prepare a toothbrush, then dip it in a mixture of detergent and baking soda. Rub the mixture onto the sole and work all over the sides and bottom of the shoe.
Don't be afraid to put a lot of paste on the soles of your shoes. If the paste runs out, you can make it again, and using it in large quantities won't damage the shoes
Step 3. Use a sponge that has been dampened in cold water to clean the paste
After rubbing the sole of the shoe with the paste, take a sponge and wet it with cold water. Squeeze out the excess water and use the sponge to remove the paste that has stuck to the sole. Scrub off any remaining dirt and rinse the sponge as often as needed.
To clean the paste, you should use a sponge instead of placing your shoes under running water. The sponge will prevent the rest of the shoe from getting wet. This means that you don't have to wait for the rest of the shoe (besides the sole) to dry after cleaning the sole
Step 4. Clean the sole with a dry towel
Don't forget to dry the bottom too so you don't slip if you want to put on the shoes right away. Now you can enjoy clean shoes!
If there's still dirt on the soles of your shoes, apply some more baking soda paste to see if the dirt clears up
Tips
- If in doubt, visit the shoemaker's website for instructions on how to clean your shoes as recommended.
- In a pinch, you can remove the stain using a white eraser.
- Do not place the shoes in the dryer or near a heat source, as this can expose them to high temperatures.
