There’s nothing better than buying your dream pair of sneakers. And there’s nothing worse than watching them get worn out after a few wears.
Even some of the highest-quality sneakers are susceptible to wear and tear, making your new sneakers look old fast. But you don’t have to throw out your sneakers every time they get a little scuffed or dirty.
Washing and caring for your sneakers can lengthen their lifespan so you can enjoy your favourite kicks for years. Read on for sneaker care tips to revitalize your worn-out shoes.
Learn About the Material
Not all sneaker materials act the same, requiring the same care.
Find out what your sneakers are made of. This information can typically be found inside the tongue or on the bottom of the shoe, using icons.
Research the material and what kind of sneaker cleaning it needs. For example, leather can crease, requiring extra steps to get these creases out. Find out how to keep your shoes looking new.
Replace Your Laces
One of the easiest ways to transform old sneakers is to replace the laces, especially if they’re stained or frayed.
If you don’t want to replace them entirely, at least remove the laces and give them a thorough cleaning. Most can be thrown in the washer with stain-removing detergent.
Gather the Right Tools
Sneaker care can’t be done properly without some tools and equipment.
Before you start cleaning your kicks, grab these items:
- towels
- brush
- toothbrush
- sponges
- sneaker cleaning solution
- wipes (alcohol wipes work great)
- nail polish remover
- cotton swaps
- a bowl of warm water
You may also want to buy a special sneaker cleaning kit already stocked with everything you need.
Remove Dirt and Debris
The first and easiest step to freshen up your sneakers is to remove loose dirt and debris. Hit them to get out any lodged dirt or pebbles before wiping with a towel.
Remove the inner soles too, which might be trapping dirt and other debris.
If any dirt sediment is left behind before applying water or cleaning products, it may get rubbed all over the sneaker, causing bigger stains. Remove what you can now before using a wet cleaning solution.
Don’t Be Afraid of Water.
You may try to avoid getting your sneakers wet, keeping them stored away on rainy days. But in most cases, sneakers are made to get wet. Some can even be put in the washer, though it’s generally not recommended for suede and some leather shoes.
According to the label directions, mix your sneaker cleaning solution with warm water. Then, wet a sponge and gently scrub your sneakers. You can also use your brushes, especially on the bottoms of the shoes.
To focus on specific areas instead, use wet wipes to remove marks.
If you’re left with stubborn stains or discolouration, consider throwing them in the washer. Put each shoe in its own washable cloth or mesh bag, so they don’t bang against each other, causing more damage.
If you’re afraid of being left with wet, stinky shoes after, you can dry them quickly in the machine dryer. If your sneakers still have their laces attached, you can tuck the laces outside of the dryer door, so the shoes hang on the inside. This way, they’re not tumbling around inside, yet they’re still getting nice and dry. Use a low-heat setting when possible.
Remove Scuffs
Scuffs, especially on leather and rubber, can instantly make your favourite sneakers look old. But removing scuffs isn’t impossible.
One of the best sneaker cleaning tips to try is to use nail polish remover to buff away scuffs. Grab your polish remover and cotton swabs, and dip the cotton in the nail polish remover. Then, gently rub it over the scuff, using circular motions until it fades.
Cleans Hard-to-Reach Spots
Because sneakers constantly come in contact with dirty ground, it’s typical to find dirt and dust in cracks and around the laces.
To clean these hard-to-reach spots, use a toothbrush that can scrub where sponges and larger brushes can’t. You can also try squeezing your cotton swabs in cracks and crevices to remove the dirt left behind.
Repair With Glue
For sneakers that have walked miles and miles of steps, you might be dealing with more than just a little dirt or scuffing. Some shoes may start to come apart, with soles and seams separating over time.
An easy fix is to patch these rips with fabric glue. Make sure the glue you choose is right for the materials your sneaker is made of. And give the glue time to dry before wearing your sneakers out again.
Touch Up With Paint
Depending on the material of your sneakers, you might be able to paint them to hide severe stains and deep scuffs. Canvas is one material that can usually handle fabric paint, while rubber and plastic soles might be better with acrylic paint specifically designed for these materials.
Test a spot first, letting the paint completely dry to make sure it matches the colour of your sneakers.
Prevent New Marks and Scratches
One crucial part of sneaker care is preventing future wear and tear.
There are a variety of products, usually in spray form, that protect your shoes. Some promise to block stains, while others wick moisture away. Find one that suits your sneakers and the elements they come in contact with most.
Practice These Sneaker Care Steps
If you love your shoes and want to make them last for years, you need to treat them right. Follow these sneaker care tips to keep sneakers looking good as new.
For more life and fashion advice, check out our latest lifestyle articles!