How to clean sneakers: 10 tips for Do and Don't

What should you do if your white sneakers get dirty? Scrub them with toothpaste or soak them in baking soda, only to find that they get yellower and more stained? What kind of magic is this? There are all kinds of shoe-washing tips and tricks on the internet, but we've compiled ten professional Do and Don't for washing sneakers. If you understand the principles and use the right methods, your old sneakers can become new again in seconds, whether they're sports sneakers, canvas sneakers or your golden goose sneakers.

DO: Clean your sneakers every two to three months

Regardless of the type of shoe, it's not recommended to clean them too frequently. Cleaning them once every two to three months is enough, otherwise, it may damage the material and structure of the shoe surface.

DO: Use a horsehair brush to clean the shoe surface without damaging it

Compared to other animal hair, horsehair is softer, so most professional shoe-washing shops use horsehair brushes to scrub the shoe surface. They are easy to exert force with and won't easily scratch the shoe surface. If you're a shoe enthusiast who loves washing sneakers, invest in one!

DO: Add baking soda powder for easier cleaning

Can't seem to get your white sneakers clean no matter how hard you try? Use baking soda powder to easily solve the problem. The process is simple. First, wet the toothbrush with warm water, then dip it in some baking soda powder, and gently scrub the hard-to-clean corners such as the tongue and edges of the sneakers. Rinse them off and you'll have a brand new pair of sneakers!

Special note: Baking soda powder must be dissolved in water to have a cleaning effect. Dry brushing won't work!

DO: Use waterproof spray

After cleaning your sneakers, it is recommended to spray them with a special waterproof spray for sneakers. This can not only prevent water and dirt from staining the sneakers but also prolong the life of the shoe fabric.

DO: Develop the habit of cleaning your sneakers immediately

It's harder to clean sneakers that have been dirty for a long time. If you can develop the habit of cleaning your sneakers regularly, your sneakers can stay forever young. Carry a cotton ball soaked in alcohol or a shoe-specific cleaning eraser with you, and wipe off dirt as soon as you see it. This will make cleaning next time easier and faster!

DON'T: Wash sneakers in a washing machine

The best way to clean sneakers is by hand. Using a washing machine to wash sneakers can not only deform the shoe body but also easily overlook many dead corners. Even if you only use the dehydrating and air-drying steps, it is recommended to put the sneakers in a laundry bag and put five or six towels in to protect the sneakers from being scratched by the machine.

DON'T: Soak sneakers in water

"Do you want to wash your sneakers tomorrow? Then soak them tonight." Wrong! Many people believe that they should soak their sneakers overnight before washing them, but this is a big mistake. The reason is that the shoe edges have many seams, and prolonged exposure to water may cause the edges to detach, and the glue joints of suede, synthetic leather, and other materials may also deform.

DON'T: Keep sneakers damp

Sneakers should not be kept in a damp state. If you need to dry them in the sun, make sure to open the laces, velcro straps, etc. and let them air dry. If they are not ventilated for a long time, they are prone to mold and odor.

DON'T: Use a hairdryer to dry sneakers

After cleaning, sneakers must be air-dried naturally. Hang them in a ventilated area instead of exposing them to direct sunlight. Do not use a hairdryer or dryer to dry them quickly, as this can make the shoe structure brittle. This is why some sneakers that haven't been worn for a long time may look normal at first glance, but the soles may fall off after a short walk.

DON'T: Leave toothpaste or cleaning agents on the sneakers

Applying toothpaste to the shoe surface can indeed make them whiter, but toothpaste has a certain corrosive effect on the shoe surface material and may cause damage. Therefore, after using toothpaste for cleaning, be sure to rinse it thoroughly. The same goes for any other cleaning agents. If they are not rinsed off properly, they can react with air, moisture, and light and cause the shoe surface to discolor.