With a little care and attention, even the most-loved pair of sneakers will look a million times better, regardless of its material or length of ownership. Make shoe washing a frequent component of your regimen to maintain their cleanliness.
Washing Shoes In A Washing Machine:
If you have convenient access to a washing machine, your sneaker maintenance will be pretty simple for almost all types of materials. (Your favorite leather or suede shoes should never be washed in a washing machine, since water might damage them.)
Start by using a brush or toothbrush to remove any dirt and debris from the surface of canvas and mesh sneakers. If the material is discolored, perform spot cleaning now. Remove the shoelaces and insoles from your footwear. Washing insoles in a washing machine hastens their deterioration; therefore avoid doing so if possible. Place your shoes in a mesh laundry bag, toss it into the washing machine, and wash them with cold water and standard laundry detergent on medium spin speed. Adding a cup of vinegar to exceptionally stinky shoes will help neutralize odors.
Soak the insoles and laces in warm, soapy water in a sink or bathtub while waiting for your shoes to complete their cycle. Clean and air-dry them beside your shoes. If the weather permits, allow your non-leather and non-suede shoes to air-dry in the sun, which will hasten the drying process and help neutralize any odors (the sun can damage or discolor leather and suede shoes, so beware). To increase the drying process further, pack your sneakers with white paper towels.
Cleaning Shoes Without a Washing System:
Believe it or not, hand-washing your shoes is less time-consuming than you may believe. Additionally, cleaning your shoes by hand is risk-free regardless of the material. Let's examine your alternatives in detail.
How to wash suede shoes:
The most effective way to clean suede shoes is with a basic pencil eraser. On suede, a gum eraser may typically remove any dirt particles or tiny stains. Using a toothbrush on suede should be approached with caution, since certain brushes may cause harm. For stubborn stains, moisten a microfiber cloth with white vinegar (less is better; soaking your shoe in vinegar could cause irreparable harm) and massage it into the spot. Allow the stain to completely dry, and then repeat as required. Consider spraying your suede shoes with a suede protectant in between cleanings to prevent stains.
How to wash leather shoes:
Leather shoes must be cleaned by hand, as bathing them in water would inevitably destroy them. You don't need an expensive shoe-cleaning kit to achieve the desired results; a few common household materials will suffice. In a medium basin, combine a quarter cup of hot water with one teaspoon of baking soda, dish soap, and hydrogen peroxide. Use a toothbrush to scrub the shoe after dipping it into the solution. Use a damp paper towel to clean the surface after you are finished. Allow the cleaning liquid to stay overnight on shoes that are very dirty before wiping them clean.
How to wash canvas shoes:
Your favorite white canvas sneakers are quite durable, so you need not be as concerned about harming them while cleaning them. In a small bowl, combine three teaspoons of baking soda and one tablespoon of white vinegar to create a cleaning paste. Dip a toothbrush into the paste, and then gently scrub the canvas to remove dirt and stains, allowing the mixture to dry and harden on the shoes. After the paste has dried completely, remove it with a soft cloth or paper towel. To remove stubborn stains, such as grass stains, use a bleach pen and let the solution stay on the canvas for around five minutes. Use hot water and dishwashing soap to remove the stain.
How to wash mesh shoes:
Mesh is a fragile material that can become entangled when handled forcefully. Additionally, mesh sneakers might lose their shape if completely soaked in water, so avoid doing so. Soak a soft cloth in a cleaning solution comprised of one-fourth cup of liquid laundry detergent and one cup of warm water. Gently clean your shoes using circular motions and frequent rinsing of the cleaning cloth to prevent the spread of stains. (A bleach pen can aid in spot-treating stains) Use a clean, moist cloth to "rinse" your shoes, then stuff the interiors with white paper towels to maintain the shoes shape as they air-dry.
Was this helpful?
