Cleaning tips
Cleaning white sneakers: This is how dirty sneakers can be cleaned again
White sneakers can be cleaned with a few simple household tricks
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As beautiful as white sneakers look, they all have the same weak point: As soon as they are worn, dust and dirt residues are visible on the new kicks. We’ll tell you how you can protect your shoes in advance and which home remedies help against light to heavy soiling.
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 only lasts for a short time. As soon as dust and dirt take over, the new shoes suddenly look old and dirty. In order to avoid this, the first measures must be taken before the arrival. If it’s 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 dust and dirt residues can be easily removed with a normal shoe brush for leather and textiles. Alternatively, you can use a special Cleaning brush for sneakers and caps (also in combination with a Cleaning foam) use.
2. Sneaker cleaner
This product is a combination of a brush and cleaning foam. Before the first use, the shoes must be cleaned of dust and dirt, then comes the Sneaker cleaner Use: First the material (leather or textile) is worked on with circular movements, then the residues are removed with a cloth.
3. Dirt eraser
As the name suggests, a Dirt eraser can remove slight signs of wear on white sneakers (more precisely, it only works on the rubber soles and caps). To do this, the sponge is simply moistened slightly and rubbed over the affected areas.
4. White color care
There is this for white sneakers made of smooth leather Shoe care with integrated applicator. According to the manufacturer, it can freshen up the color, the shoes only have to be cleaned in advance. Then the sponge is pressed lightly and applied evenly.
Cleaning sneakers: the best home remedies
When it comes to dirt, there is always some home remedy that should help – this also applies to white sneakers:
- Whiter toothpaste It is said that they can easily remove visible signs of wear and tear from fabric or leather sneakers. Just put a small amount on an old, damp toothbrush and massage the agent into the material in a circular motion until it foams. Let it work for a short time and wash off the foam.
- baking powder is an all-rounder that, in combination with a dollop of transparent washing-up liquid, can also be used to clean white sneakers. In a ratio of 1: 1. The incorporation works in the same way as with the 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 very dirty, as it is very aggressive. However, use it very sparingly and wear that Bleach best with a small cotton swab. Put on a pair of rubber gloves beforehand to protect your skin.
- Washing-up liquid (preferably a colorless one) is 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 starts to foam. Dab the foam with a towel after allowing it to soak in for a short time and then let the shoes dry.
This will make the laces clean again
While white sneakers should only end up in the washing machine in an emergency, you can safely clean the laces in the machine. It is best to place the fine cords in one Laundry net – Alternatively, you can of course wash the material by hand (in warm water).
Preventive measures for white sneakers
If you have bought white sneakers, the top rule before trying them on for the first time is: waterproof! Regardless of whether you have opted for shoes made of leather or a mix of materials – in order to protect the new treads from moisture and dirt as well as from a yellow tinge and fading from the sun, you should definitely wear them with one Impregnation spray (including sun protection factor). And as the effects wear off over time, you should repeat the treatment periodically. There is even a special one to give the white shoe seams additional protection and to remove dirt Impregnation pen.
That is why the washing machine is only an emergency solution
We’re used to washing dirty textiles in the washing machine – but fabric sneakers are usually not one of them. Because the fact is that too hot water, the detergent and also the spin cycle 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 soiling is so high that you cannot avoid the washing machine, you should take the following tips to heart:
- Store the sneakers in one Laundry bagso that they do not damage other textiles – or themselves.
- It is best to use a special one Detergent for sneakersAlternatively, 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 your 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 unsettle you. You will only see the correct result when the material is dry.
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