Sneakers are the athlete's best friend, and outdoor enthusiasts often wear them until they're filthy. But do you know how to properly clean outdoor sneakers?
1. Soak the upper and interior
Place the shoes in a basin filled with 2/3 clean water (washing temperature must not exceed 45°C). Ensure the shoes are fully saturated. Most athletic shoes can be washed with water, but avoid laundry detergent as its phosphorus content can cause yellowing. Use a toothbrush dipped in toothpaste to scrub the heel area. After washing, place a layer of white paper inside the shoe to prevent discoloration during drying.
Prolonged soaking also damages shoes. Never leave them submerged in water, and certainly don't abandon them in a basin like dirty laundry, only to wash them hours later. This causes glue to separate once dry—a costly mistake, especially for brand-name shoes.
During cleaning, avoid machine washing or prolonged soaking. Washing sneakers in a washing machine can severely damage them, leading to issues like adhesive failure and deformation—regrets you won't want.
2. Eliminating Odors Inside Shoes
For thorough cleaning, use white liquor or white vinegar. After washing the shoes, fill a basin with warm water and add a small amount of white vinegar. Soak the shoes for about half an hour. For everyday maintenance, you can also directly sprinkle white liquor inside. Due to its high volatility, the white liquor evaporates quickly, effectively removing any lingering odors from the sneakers.
3. Remove and Clean Laces and Insoles
Leaving laces attached prevents thorough cleaning of outdoor sneakers, as brushes can't reach deep inside. Always remove laces before washing. Simply scrub them with soap—just like washing clothes.
4. Clean the soles and insoles
Dip a shoe brush into soapy water, then scrub the soles and insoles thoroughly. Clean both the outer and inner surfaces repeatedly, discarding dirty water and replacing it with fresh water. Soak the shoes in water; you don't need to scrub with soap—just use a toothbrush to clean them. Use a toothpick to remove any small stones lodged in the glue seams of the soles.① Mesh Sports Shoes This is the most common and popular style of sports shoe. Cleaning requires little special attention, except avoid using plastic brushes on the mesh surface. Plastic brushes can easily cause pilling and fuzz on the mesh.For cleaning tools, opt for a soft-bristled brush. This ensures quick and thorough cleaning while preventing scratches or unnecessary damage to the shoe surface.
An old toothbrush works well, provided the bristles aren't splayed. Alternatively, purchase a new toothbrush with soft bristles (around $0.30) to use exclusively for shoe cleaning. Shoe brushes are acceptable for professional track shoes, but they can damage the mesh on everyday running shoes.
② Leather Sneakers
Avoid washing leather with water whenever possible.Typically, wipe them down with a towel instead. This protects the leather. Remember, genuine leather sneakers are quite expensive. Neglecting proper care can lead to significant losses.
When cleaning branded sneakers, keep water temperatures below 45°C (113°F). High heat can cause the shoes to deform, compromising their quality.
Use specialized cleaning products to prevent corrosion.
For leather surfaces, only use clean water with a brush—never add detergents. Otherwise, the leather may yellow or crack. Avoid contact with organic solvents or oily solutions.
Cleaning agents for leather athletic shoes should have a pH level between 5 and 7.5 (never exceeding 7.5). Preferably oil-based (test by burning a small amount on tissue paper), they must not contain leather-damaging detergents or solvents. Cream cleaners work well when mixed with warm water; avoid rinsing afterward and instead pat dry with a soft foam cloth.
Previous Page
1
2
Next Page