How to Clean Sneakers

The lifespan of sneakers depends, among other things, on how you use them. To make them last longer, you need to periodically clean them, even if the damage looks insignificant at first glance. At the same time, if it seems to you that the shoes can’t be saved, don’t despair and try to get rid of the stains.

5-Minute Crafts offers 3 ways to clean your sneakers and rid them of light and stubborn stains. To simplify the task, first, remove any sand or dirt. Then use a brush to lightly clean your shoes and remove dust.

Whitening with toothpaste

What you’ll need:

• Toothpaste that’s white, without any dyes or colored granules

• A toothbrush

• If your sneakers are made of leather or suede, or if there are inserts made of these materials, it’s better to use a sponge instead of a brush.

How to clean:

1. Moisten the toothbrush in warm water and apply toothpaste to its bristles.

2. Rub the toothpaste into the fabric in a circular motion. Remember to pay special attention to the outsole. If the shoes are very dirty, you can leave the toothpaste to soak in for 10-20 minutes.

3. Rinse off the remaining toothpaste with running water.

4. Dry your shoes and wear them with pride.

Cleaning with washing powder

What you’ll need:

• 1/2 glass of water
• 2 tbsp of washing powder
• Napkins or paper towels
• A brush

How to clean:

1. Pour the washing powder into warm water. Stir it well.

2. Dip the brush into the solution. Rub against the dirty surface in a circular motion.

3. Immediately, without waiting for the powder to dry, completely wrap the sneakers up with napkins. After a while, the dirt should appear on the napkins.

4. When everything is dry, remove the napkins.

5. Now you can put on the shoes and wear them.

Cleaning with baking soda and hydrogen peroxide

What you’ll need:

• Baking soda, 4 tbsp
• Hydrogen peroxide, 2 tbsp
• Warm water, 2 tbsp
• A brush

How to clean:

1. Mix baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, and water until smooth.

2. Take a brush, dip it in the solution, and clean your shoes.

3. Leave them to dry in a warm place. Don’t place the shoes on a battery because it could damage them.

4. To remove the rest of the solution, knock the sneakers together. Then wipe their surfaces with a dry brush.

5. You can now wear the sneakers.

How to remove stubborn dirt from the outsole only

Is it possible to wash sneakers or tennis shoes in a washing machine?

No shoe brand can 100% guarantee that the quality of sneakers or tennis shoes will stay the same after they’ve been washed in a washing machine. Fabric models are likely to survive this process better, but even they aren’t protected from damage. High temperatures can lead to a decay of the adhesive base, and the shoes themselves can become deformed and may lose their presentable appearance. In the best case, you’ll take the twisted sneakers out of the washing machine. In the worst-case scenario, the sneakers will look like something that can only be sent to the trash can.

However, if you decide to wash your shoes this way, consider a few important aspects:

• The temperature shouldn’t be higher than 86°F.

• Put a plastic shoe insert into each shoe before washing them to help hold the shape better.

• Use a textile bag to minimize hitting the inside of the washing machine.

Tips and life hacks

• Don’t soak your shoes in water. The adhesive base will deteriorate, and the shoe will fall apart.

• Wash insoles and laces separately. You can do this with a bar of simple laundry soap or with any kind of cleanser.

• To get rid of the smell, wipe the inner parts of the shoe with hydrogen peroxide.

• To keep your shoes clean for longer, wipe them with a paraffin candle and dry them with a hairdryer.