Have you finally got your hands on a pair of new kicks?

Getting new shoes is like getting a new phone. You’ll be extra careful with them for the first few weeks or months, brushing off every bit of dust or dirt. After a few months or so of use, you start to get complacent, and your new shoes start looking a little worse for wear.

Don’t get us wrong – some shoes look a little better banged up! But sneaker care is essential to get the most use out of your shoes.

So, unless you plan on never wearing your shoes, it’s best to pick up some good habits while you can. Here are some tips to maintain sneakers so they always look brand new.

Invest in Sneaker Protection

Nothing is worse than buying new shoes and getting dirt on them on the same day.

Prevention is always better than the cure, and that’s true with new sneakers too! A stain protector spray can uphold your shoes’ initial integrity. Using the right spray gives your shoes extra protection to repel stains and water.

These sprays are best for fabric and especially suede shoes. Suede shoes are sleek and stunning, but they are also notorious for being difficult to maintain. When brushing suede shoes, we recommend using a shoe protector spray.

Doing this prevents you from damaging the material. If you have leather shoes, use a protective wax or conditioner.

Check the Label Before Cleaning

Before cleaning your sneakers, you must always first check the label. Sneaker tags often contain cleaning instructions, so you know what and what not to use. These instructions pertain to machine washing.

But sometimes, a quick machine wash isn’t enough.

Some shoe materials, like suede and leather, do not do well in the washing machine. This does mean you will have to get down and dirty with your shoes but don’t worry. Here’s a quick step-by-step on how to clean every type of sneaker.

First Things First

Before anything else, you want to brush your sneakers to remove dirt and debris. This prevents build-up and potential damage when you start deep-cleaning your shoes. You can use a toothbrush or stiffer brush for fabric shoes.

If you have leather shoes, use a clean towel instead. When cleaning suede material, you should always use a soft-bristled brush. This prevents you from damaging the suede.

It’s also best to take off the laces before you start cleaning your shoes. Dirt and debris can accumulate around the eyelets. Removing the laces first will make your shoes much easier to clean.

Cleaning Suede Sneakers

When cleaning suede sneakers, keep in mind that they must remain dry except for the soles. You may use a sneaker protector spray for some peace of mind. Start with the soles by applying a small amount of cleaning solution.

Use a paper towel or toothbrush to scrub the sole. Wipe the soap off with a clean towel, and be careful not to get it on the delicate material.

Using a suede brush, gently brush out stains or scuffs from the material. Crepe block erasers can help with more stubborn stains. If you want to freshen up the material, use a soft eraser.

Cleaning Fabric Sneakers

Fabric sneakers include mesh, canvas, and wool sneakers. If you must use a washing machine, throw your shoes into a pillow cover or a washable mesh bag. Use only cold water and avoid using too much detergent.

Using extra detergent can result in residue build-up, which can ruin your sneakers. However, most sneaker experts recommend skipping the washing machine entirely, especially for non-canvas shoes.

Canvas shoes are the most durable, but putting them in the wash can ruin their integrity.

Instead, make a paste using equal parts of warm water and baking soda. Dip a soft-bristled brush or a toothbrush into the mixture. Scrub the fabric until it’s clean.

Cleaning Leather Sneakers

Leather sneakers are the easiest to clean. Start by wetting a soft brush and scrubbing the soles. This will help you loosen some stains before adding soap.

After adding a bit of soap, scrub the shoes using a circular motion. You can use a toothbrush for the nooks and crannies that are hard to clean.

Allow the mixture to dry, then wipe your shoes with a clean cloth or towel. If you prefer leather sneakers, consider looking for Air Jordan 3. 

Don’t Forget the Laces

Fill a bowl with water and a gentle detergent or sneaker cleaner. Let the laces soak for a few minutes before using a toothbrush to remove stubborn stains. Even if you have white laces, we advise you not to use bleach as it can damage the fibers.

If the laces on your old sneakers look worn out, consider buying new ones instead. This saves you time and energy and gives your sneakers a fresh look.

Combat the Funky Foot Smell

Body odor is normal, but stinky shoes are enough to put anyone off of wearing them. To address smelly shoes, remove the insoles and allow them to air out. Use a deodorizer or make your own by mixing tea tree and peppermint essential oils with water.

If you often do sports or work out in your shoes, consider investing in some moisture-wicking socks. Always allow your sneakers to dry out between uses.

Learn How to Store Your Sneakers

The best way to preserve your sneakers is to store them properly. Throwing your shoes in a corner can soil or ruin the shape.

Store your sneakers on a shoe rack or in the box they came with. You can also use shoe trees to prevent creasing.

The Ultimate Sneaker Care Guide

Now you know how to preserve and clean your sneakers. Sneaker care is essential to keeping your favorite shoes in good condition.

Thanks for reading our article. If you found this helpful, consider checking out our other blog posts! We have more great content for you to discover.