Since the dawn of time, almost no other wardrobe staple can match white sneakers when it comes to how versatile they are. They can elevate even the most casual outfits while also fitting perfectly to more refined looks. However, stylish as they are, keeping them clean can be quite challenging.
The good news however is that you can keep your sneakers looking fresh out of the box for much longer. And all it takes is just the right techniques and a sprinkle of consistency. So, If you’re the type of person that purposely doesn’t purchase white sneakers because of that little voice in the back of your head saying they’ll get dirty so quick!! This guide is for you. In this guide, we will walk you through everything you need to know to keep your beloved sneakers spot-free.
How to Clean White Sneakers (Step-by-Step Guide)
Cleaning your custom white sneakers is a lot easier than you think. Just follow this easy step-by-step guide, and with just the help of a few items you can easily find in your home, you can make your sneakers look as good as new. Let’s dive in.
What You’ll Need:
- A soft brush (a toothbrush also works well)
- Mild detergent or dish soap
- A small amount of baking soda
- Some warm water
- A microfiber cloth or sponge
- An old towel
Step 1: Remove the laces.
First of all, you need to undo the laces and remove them from the sneakers. Next, soak them in warm, soapy water for a few minutes. Most of the time, this is enough to dissolve any unwanted dirty elements on them, but for stains that try to prove stubborn, you only need to scrub gently with an old toothbrush to tackle these nuisances. If you don’t want to go through the hassle of scrubbing the laces yourself, you can just toss them into a washing machine and let it do the job for you.
Step 2: Dry brush off dirt.
With the laces out of the way, the next step is to dust off the sneakers with the help of a soft, dry brush. It may not look like much, but skipping this step is out of the question. Because dusting the sneakers off first ensures that you don’t end up smearing your sneakers with mud stains so that you can enjoy a pleasant cleaning experience.
Step 3: Prepare cleaning solution.
After dusting off all potential sneaker smearers, the next step is to prepare a simple cleaning solution. Mix some warm water with a small amount of mild detergent, and that’s it. Although it doesn’t sound like much, it’s actually a highly effective white sneaker restoration potion. If you think your white sneakers are beyond saving, worry no more. By simply adding some baking soda to the mix, you will end up with a slightly abrasive paste that will increase the solution’s stain-removing ability significantly.
Step 4: Scrub gently.
Now that your cleaning solution is ready, dip your brush in and gently begin to scrub your sneakers. Voila! Just like magic, the grime gets peeled off and you can once again see your sneakers in their true color. A useful tip for flawless results is to focus more on the stained areas while you are scrubbing. Just make sure you are careful not to scrub aggressively so that you don’t damage your sneakers.
Step 5: wipe clean.
Once you are satisfied with the results, wipe away every soap and dirt residue left behind with a damp cloth. But you will have to repeat this step as many times as necessary until your sneakers look squeaky-clean.
Step 6: Air dry.
All that is left now is to let your sneakers air-dry at room temperature. Make sure you avoid placing them in direct sunlight, which may cause your sneakers to have a yellowing blemish or, worse, damage certain materials.
How to Clean Suede Sneakers
Suede sneakers are great, but cleaning them requires great care due to their delicate materials, which can get easily damaged by water. To clean your suede sneakers safely, you only need to follow the steps below, but before then you’ll need the following:
- A soft brush, a suede brush preferably.
- A suede eraser, a clean pencil eraser, also works just fine.
- White vinegar for tough stains.
Step 1: Brush dry dirt away.
The most important tip to remember when it comes to suede sneakers is to never soak them in water. Always make sure you clean your suede sneakers when they are dry. With the help of only a suede brush, you can easily remove any dirt without damaging the texture.
Step 2: Use an eraser for marks.
The suede eraser comes in handy when you have scuffs and stains on your suede sneakers. To get rid of them, gently rub the affected areas with the suede eraser. This will remove them without damaging the fabric.
Step 3: Treat stains carefully.
You have to be careful when it comes to wiping off stains from the suede fabric because vinegar is now involved. For any stubborn stains, lightly dab a cloth with white vinegar and ever so gently blot the area. Never soak your suede sneakers in vinegar under any circumstances.
Step 4: Let it dry and brush again.
Once all the stains have been carefully removed, the cleaning process doesn’t end there. Once your suede sneakers are dry, you just have to brush the suede again to restore its soft fuzzy texture. And there you have it, a clean pair of suede sneakers.
Can I Put Sneakers in the Dryer?
Putting your sneakers in a dryer comes with unnecessary risk, because while it might look like a fast way to dry your sneakers, using a dryer can cause irreversible damage. Dryers can get quite hot, which can be enough to melt glue, distort your sneakers’ shape, or even shrink their fabrics.
If your sneakers are regular canvas or durableathletic shoes, you can put them in a dryer, but there are some steps you must follow to not ruin them. Firstly wrap them in a mesh laundry bag, which will serve as a protective barrier.
Next make sure that the dryer is set to the lowest heat settings. High heat settings are only good for thick fabrics like blankets and towels, but would be a complete nightmare for your sneakers. If you have suede sneakers or leather shoes, the dryer is completely off limits.
How to Keep Sneakers White?
Like the saying goes, “prevention is better than cure.” While cleaning your white sneakers is undeniably important, keeping them white starts with some simple daily habits. We’ve finally reached the part mentioned about consistency.
- Use a protective spray.
To keep your sneakers white, applying a protective, water-repellant spray is the first step. This creates a good barrier around your white sneakers that keeps sirts and spills at bay.
- Wipe them regularly.
Waiting till your white sneakers get very dirty is a no-no. Just a quick wipe with wet fabric or baby wipes after each wear will go a long way in keeping them white for longer.
- Avoid bad weather conditions.
Rainy, muddy, or dusty environments are enemies to white sneakers. Try not to wear them under these conditions if you want to keep your white buddies white for a long time.
- Store properly.
Keeping your white sneakers in a cool, dry place creates the perfect condition to keep them white for longer.
How to Deodorize Sneakers
Ever wondered why your clean white sneakers developed a bad odor after some time? Sweat and bacteria are to blame. To keep your white sneakers smelling fresh for longer, you need to:
- Use the baking soda method.
A small sprinkle of baking soda left inside your sneakers overnight will eradicate unpleasant smells completely. By absorbing the moisture, the baking soda neutralizes the biological threat.
- Use shoe deodorizers.
Shoe deodorizers can be found in stores, and they are tested solutions designed specifically to keep your sneakers fresh and odorless.
- Air them out.
It’s important to air your sneakers out after every wear. It works better if you can remove the insoles before you do this.
When to Replace Sneakers
You could take care of your sneakers like a treasure, but they’ll get worn out eventually. Knowing when to replace them is just as important as maintaining them. You know it’s time for a new pair of customized sneakers when:
- The soles get worn out.
Once you can see that the threads are nonexistent or the soles have become jagged and uneven, it’s time for a replacement. A worn-out sole reduces comfort and traction and may even lead to injuries.
- Persistent odor.
If even after trying the baking soda method or shoe deodorizers, the odor remains persistent, it means bacteria have settled deep into the material, and it’s time to replace the sneaker.
- Visible damage.
Huge cracks, tears, or even separated soles? There is no bigger sign that tells you it’s time to let go.
- Discoloration that won’t go away.
Once you notice that no matter how hard you try to remove a stain, it doesn’t budge, it might be time to replace the sneakers and that’s where Fastprintstar comes in with custom designed sneakers.
Conclusion
Unlike dark-colored sneakers, white sneakers may require a bit more effort to maintain. But with the right cleaning techniques, married to regular maintenance, you can keep them looking fresh and spotless for much longer.
Whether it’s simple step-by-step cleaning or handling delicate suede sneakers and preventing odors, maintaining your sneakers doesn’t have to be difficult. And when it’s time to replace them, you’ll know you got the most out of your pair. Treat your sneakers well, and rest assured that they’ll keep your style sharp every step of the way.