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Cleaning sneakers: How to get dirty sneakers clean again
White sneakers have a weak point: As soon as they are worn, they start to show dust and dirt residue. Which home remedies and tips help against light to heavy dirt.
It doesn’t matter what type of sneaker it is: whether made of leather or fabric, white shoes are – in the truest sense of the word – marked by their wearers. In fact, a light patina even gives most models a fashionable touch, but this look is only short-lived. As soon as dust and dirt get out of hand, the new shoes suddenly look old and dirty. In order to avoid this, the first measures must be taken before entry. If it is already too late for that, you can use the following (household) tricks to clean white sneakers.
Cleaning gadgets for white sneakers
1. Shoe brush
When dry, light residues of dust and dirt can be easily removed with a normal shoe brush for leather and textiles. Alternatively, you can also use a special one and caps (also in combination with one ) use.
2. Sneaker Cleaner
This product is a combination of brush and cleaning foam. Before the first use, the shoes must be cleaned of dust and dirt, then comes the To use: First, the material (leather or textile) is processed with circular movements, then the residue is removed with a cloth.
3. Dirt eraser
As the name suggests, a… can remove slight signs of wear on white sneakers (more precisely, it only works on the rubber soles and toes). To do this, simply moisten the sponge slightly and rub it over the affected areas.
4. White color care
These are available for white sneakers made of smooth leather with integrated applicator. According to the manufacturer, it can freshen up the color, but the shoes just need to be cleaned beforehand. The sponge is then lightly pressed and applied evenly.
Cleaning sneakers: The best home remedies
When it comes to the topic of dirt, there is always some kind of home remedy that is supposed to help – this also applies to white sneakers:
- whiter toothpaste It is said that they can easily remove visible signs of wear on sneakers made of fabric or leather. To do this, just put a small amount on an old, damp toothbrush and massage the product into the material in circular motions until it foams. Leave to act briefly and wash off the foam.
- baking powder is an all-rounder that can also be used to clean white sneakers in combination with a dab of transparent detergent. In a ratio of 1:1. The incorporation works in the same way as with toothpaste and here too the foam must then be dabbed off with a damp cloth.
- A Bleach can be used if the rubber soles are heavily soiled as it is very aggressive. However, use it very sparingly and wear that It’s best to use a small cotton swab. Put on a pair of rubber gloves beforehand to protect your skin.
- Dishwashing liquid (preferably a colorless one) is also a tried and tested home remedy for cleaning white sneakers. Rub it sparingly into the material with a fine shoe brush or toothbrush until it begins to foam. After a short exposure time, dab the foam with a towel and then let the shoes dry.
This will make the shoelaces clean again
While white sneakers should only end up in the washing machine if necessary, you can safely clean the laces in the machine. It is best to place the fine cords in one – Alternatively, you can of course also wash the material by hand (in warm water).
Preventive measures for white sneakers
If you have bought white sneakers, the first rule before trying them on for the first time is: waterproof them! Regardless of whether you have chosen shoes made of leather or a mix of materials – to protect your new shoes from moisture and dirt as well as from yellowing and fading from the sun’s rays, you should definitely wear them with one (including sun protection factor). And since the effect wears off over time, you should repeat the treatment at regular intervals. There is even a special one to further protect the white shoe seams and remove dirt .
That’s why the washing machine is only an emergency solution
We are used to cleaning dirty textiles in the washing machine – but fabric sneakers are usually not one of them. The fact is that water that is too hot, the detergent and the spin cycle can attack the materials and make them unstable (i.e. the glue comes off). In addition, the white sole often has a yellow tinge. However, if the level of dirt is so high that you cannot avoid the washing machine, you should heed the following tips:
- Store the sneakers in one so that they don’t damage other textiles – or themselves.
- It is best to use a special one alternatively you can use a normal heavy-duty detergent.
- Wash the shoes as cold as possible, i.e. at 30 degrees or a special (cold) gentle program.
- Do not dry the sneakers on or under the heater as wet leather is sensitive to heat.
- Stuff the shoes with newspaper and then let them dry out in the fresh air.
And another note:
Wet sneakers look gray after cleaning, don’t let that worry you. You will only see the correct result when the material is dry.
*This article contains so-called affiliate links to products in online shops. If a user clicks on it and buys something, the publisher receives a commission from the retailer, not the manufacturer. There is more information about this .
Source: Stern
I am an author and journalist who has worked in the entertainment industry for over a decade. I currently work as a news editor at a major news website, and my focus is on covering the latest trends in entertainment. I also write occasional pieces for other outlets, and have authored two books about the entertainment industry.
