9 Ways to Clean Sneakers, Sports Shoes to Look as Clean as New

Sneakers, sports shoes are undoubtedly indispensable companions for young people on every journey. However, how long has it been since you last cleaned the pair of shoes you’re wearing? Don’t forget to clean your shoes regularly to keep them looking clean, fresh, and durable. The following article will share with you some extremely simple and useful ways to clean sneakers right at home. Let’s follow along!

Identify the material of the sneakers to be cleaned

Sports shoes or sneakers are essential fashion accessories in our daily lives. Have you ever wondered, “How do I keep my shoes durable and clean?” Let’s find out how to clean sneakers for different types of materials below!

Identify the material of the sneakers to be cleaned

Currently, the main materials used for sports shoes are:

• Canvas Shoe: Popular, durable fabric but very prone to dirt. The plus point is that it’s very easy to clean.
• Leather Shoe: Looks very beautiful and elegant when worn, but cleaning is quite difficult.
• Mesh fabric Shoe: Similar to canvas, easy to get dirty but also easy to clean.
• Rubber Shoe: Very durable, but cleaning depends on the type of dirt stuck to it.
• Suede Shoe: Easy to get dirty and quite difficult to clean.

Once you have identified the material of your shoes, the next cleaning step will become easier.

7 steps to clean and brighten sneakers

Step 1: Remove laces and insoles from the sneakers

First, remove the shoelaces and insoles. This will make it easier for you to clean each part separately and quickly.

Remove laces and insoles for separate cleaning

Clean the laces and insoles separately using a brush. Soak the laces in detergent for 5 to 10 minutes and then rinse them thoroughly as usual.
Note: Wear gloves carefully before touching the detergent solution.

Step 2: Preliminary cleaning of the shoes (remove sand, dirt, dust, etc.)

To make it easier to wash the sneakers, first, remove the soil, sand, and dirt sticking to the shoes. Depending on the dirt, you can wipe it with a damp cloth (choose a non-abrasive cloth to avoid damaging the shoes) or rinse it under running water.
You can also tap the sole of the shoe on the ground or use two shoes to rub against each other to make the sand and dust fall off. Then you can use a brush to clean them again.

Step 3: Use a common sneaker cleaning solution

There are many professional sneaker cleaning products available on the market today. Cleaning sneakers with a soft-bristled brush and specialized cleaning solution will provide the best results.
First, dip the brush into the solution and start cleaning from the inside out. Depending on the different materials, you can choose the type of brush and cleaning solution that suits you best. Do not soak the sneakers in a large amount of detergent as it can damage the shoes.

Step 4: Use water to clean the shoes

Continue the shoe cleaning process by thoroughly rinsing the shoes with clean water. You can use warm water for rinsing and then rinse again with cold water to help remove dirt more easily. After completing the cleaning, shake vigorously to drain excess water before drying.

Step 5: Properly dry the shoes

Dry the shoes in a shaded, cool, and well-ventilated place. You can use dry towels or clean paper towels around or insert them into the shoes to help them dry faster. Avoid drying the shoes in direct sunlight, as intense sunlight can cause the shoes to fade quickly and lose their shape.

For white shoes, the most effective way to dry them is to place paper towels around the yellowed areas. Wait until completely dry before removing this layer of paper.

Step 6: Storage and preservation

“How do I store and preserve shoes so they don’t deteriorate quickly?” You should store shoes in a dry, airy space. The best way to prevent damage is to immediately buy a shoe box to protect your shoes.

Step 7: Apply a waterproof nano layer

Your shoes can be easily damaged by external factors such as rain, wind, or dirt, causing them to fade and deteriorate. To minimize these effects, you should apply a waterproof nano layer to the shoe surface. This is especially useful for suede shoes, which are prone to damage and difficult to maintain.

9 simple ways to clean white sneakers at home

Use vinegar and baking soda to clean white sneakers like new

As we all know, baking soda and vinegar are two very effective cleaning ingredients for white clothes, and the same goes for white shoes.
Guide to cleaning with vinegar and baking soda:
Mix these two ingredients in a ratio of 2 baking soda to 3 parts vinegar. Dip a brush into this mixture and apply it evenly to the shoe surfaces. Leave it on for about 15 minutes, or longer if the shoes are heavily soiled.
Use the brush to clean all surfaces thoroughly.
Finally, wash the shoes with clean water and then dry them.

Cleaning sneakers with alcohol and alcohol

The prominent feature of alcohol and alcohol is their high ability to remove dirt. Let’s find out how to clean sports shoes with alcohol and alcohol!
You can use a cotton ball dipped in alcohol or alcohol solution and gently rub it on the dirty areas.
Then, wash the shoes with clean water and dry them.
Note: Use alcohol and alcohol at a moderate concentration or dilute them to avoid affecting the color of the shoes.

Brush sneakers with toothpaste

A simple and cost-effective shoe cleaning tip is here. To clean sneakers most economically, you need to prepare toothpaste and a brush.
Apply a sufficient amount of toothpaste to the dirt.
Dip the brush into warm water and clean the dirt. Repeat until the shoes are completely clean.

Cleaning sports shoes with fresh lemon

A simple cleaning method that utilizes readily available ingredients in your home. Specifically, here’s how to clean sports shoes with fresh lemon:
Slice a few lemons and start rubbing them on the dirty areas of the shoe surface. For extremely dirty parts, use a brush dipped in lemon water and brush the stubborn dirt.
Rinse the shoes with clean water and then dry them.

Use various chemicals such as soap, detergent, shower gel, dishwashing liquid to clean sneakers

You can refer to various easily accessible and easy-to-use chemicals to clean your shoes. This chemical mixture is not harmful to your shoes, and the dirt will be very easy to remove.

• Mix the chemicals evenly in equal proportions and then immerse the shoes in this mixture.
• Use a shoe cleaning brush.
• Rinse with clean water and then dry.

Clean sneakers with an eraser (gum)

Cleaning sneakers with a gum is quite suitable for materials such as rubber, leather, and especially the shoe sole. This is considered a very effective way to clean shoes that you should not overlook.

• Use an eraser to rub vigorously on the dirty areas of the shoe surface.
• You may not need to wash with water, just use a damp cloth to wipe dry.

Whiten sneakers with Vaseline

Vaseline has many useful functions besides lip balm and skincare. Did you know? Specifically, you can use Vaseline to apply to the shoe surface for about 3 minutes, then use a damp cloth to wipe dry. This helps quickly eliminate dirt without spending too much time and effort.

Clean shoes with coconut oil

Coconut oil has a pleasant aroma and many uses, including cleaning sports shoes. Specifically, to clean sneakers with coconut oil, follow these steps:
Apply a small amount of coconut oil to the cloth and start wiping it evenly over the shoe surface.
Wait for about 15 minutes for the dirt to soften.
Use a brush to gently rub the surface of the shoes.
Rinse the shoes with water and then dry them.
In addition to the methods mentioned above, you can also refer to the following steps to clean and maintain shoes more effectively:

Regularly clean your shoes to avoid dirt build-up.
Use a shoe tree or tissue paper to maintain the shape of the shoes.
Use a shoe rack to keep your shoes organized and prevent them from being damaged by being stacked on top of each other.
In conclusion, the above article has provided you with useful and practical ways to clean sneakers right at home. With just a little effort and some readily available materials, you can keep your shoes clean, fresh, and durable for a long time. Let’s start applying these methods to keep your favorite shoes always looking new and attractive!