A lot of sneaker enthusiasts like to keep their as pristine as possible. After all, what good is a pair of white sneakers if they’re covered in grime? That’s why most people buy white sneakers; they’ll look great for years to come. However, that doesn’t mean your sneaker collection won’t ever get dirty over time.
Dirt, sweat, and even mold can build up on your shoes overtime, leaving them looking dingy and grungy. The good news is that you don’t have to let that happen! Preventing dirt from sticking to your sneaker exterior is really easy once you know the right tricks. Read on to learn more about how you can clean your white sneakers without causing any damage.
Start with a clean sneaker.
White sneakers generally don’t get dirty very quickly, but they do get dirty over time. That’s because they’re white. So, give them a quick once-over with a dry cloth before you start cleaning. If you notice any dirt or stains on your sneakers, use a damp cloth to remove it. Make sure the sneakers are completely dry before you move onto the next step. Sneakers are porous, which means they’re really easy to stain.
Therefore, you have to make sure your sneakers are completely clean before you start cleaning. If your sneakers are damp, the dirt won’t be able to stick to the shoe exterior as easily. If your sneakers are too wet, the dirt will actually scratch the finish on your sneaker.
Throw in some laundry detergent.
There are a few brands of laundry detergent that claim to be suitable for sneakers. In fact, most cleaners designed for clothing are deemed safe for sneakers. The problem is, most detergents aren’t specifically formulated to clean sneakers. This means they don’t have the right ingredients in them to remove shoe stains, while also keeping the sneakers smelling fresh.
Instead, look for a detergent that specifically mentions sneakers are safe for use on them. Now, you can either put one detergent inside your sneakers and another one on the laundry basket, or you can use one detergent in your washing machine and one inside your sneakers. Whichever method you choose, make sure the detergent you use is formulated for sneakers. If you don’t know what type of detergent your specific detergent is, you can find that information out by searching the detergent’s name or by contacting the manufacturer.
Dunk your shoes.
Knowing when to dunk your sneakers is integral to cleaning them properly. The key is to dunk your sneakers before you put them in the washer. This dunking process will get rid of any excess water on your sneaker, helping to prevent water stains on your shoe. Once dunked, your sneakers should be placed inside the washer with no clothes in the washer with them.
As soon as the washer fills with water, your sneakers should go in. If you don’t put your sneakers in the washer right away, they’ll start to become soggy and moldy. Instead, work on a schedule so you don’t forget about your sneakers during cleaning. If you remember to dunk your sneakers before you put them in the washer, you’ll save them from mold.
Dry your sneakers with a towel.
After dunking your sneakers, use a towel to dry your sneakers. The goal is to get rid of as much water as possible, as well as any excess detergent on the sneaker. If you don’t, the water will attract more dirt and stains. When drying your sneakers, make sure you don’t use any heat.
Microwaves, dryers, and even ovens can damage the sneakers’ material and finish. Also, don’t use any cleaning products that are too strong. Too much harsh chemicals can ruin the sneaker’s fabric and finishing.
Use a shoe brush to scrub the insides.
If you’re using a shoe brush for the first time, we suggest using a soft-bristled shoe brush. When you’re done scrubbing the insides of your sneakers, you can use an old toothbrush to brush off any excess shoe brush bristles. Be careful when using a toothbrush, though.
You don’t want to brush too hard and hit any of the sneakers’ materials, damaging them in the process. Instead, aim for a medium-soft brush. You can also use an old toothbrush if it’s too stiff to use again.
Conclusion
White sneakers may look great, but they’re also prone to getting dirty over time. Fortunately, cleaning your white sneakers is easy to do. All you need to do is follow these steps and your white sneakers will be clean in no time. That’s why we recommend cleaning your white sneakers at least once a year.
