How to Properly Clean Your Sneakers by Hand?

your sneakers, shoes, or trainers by hand is essential to maintain their fresh look and prolong their lifespan. Whether you own classic white sneakers, canvas, or leather trainers, following the correct steps and using the right products can make all the difference. This article will guide you through the necessary steps to clean your trainers effectively using common household products and simple methods.

Materials Needed to Clean Sneakers

To properly clean your sneakers by hand, you will need a few basic materials:

• Warm water
• Marseille soap or a gentle cleaner
• Toothbrush or a special shoe brush
• Clean cloth
• Sponge
• White vinegar
• Baking soda
• White toothpaste (for white areas)
• Bowl
• Makeup remover milk (for leather)
• Cotton

Step 1: Prepare Your Sneakers

Before starting the cleaning process, prepare your sneakers:

1. Remove the laces: Take out the laces and set them aside. You can clean them separately by soaking them in a solution of soap and water.
2. Take out the insoles: If possible, remove the insoles to clean them separately.
3. Shake the shoes: Remove any loose dirt and dust by gently shaking the sneakers or tapping them together.

Step 2: Clean the Exterior of the Sneakers

For Canvas Sneakers:

1. Prepare a cleaning solution: Mix warm water with some Marseille soap or a gentle cleaner in a bowl.
2. Gently scrub: Use a toothbrush or a special shoe brush to gently scrub the canvas surface. Avoid over-soaking the fabric.
3. Remove stubborn stains: For tougher stains, apply a mixture of baking soda and white vinegar. Gently scrub until the stain disappears.
4. Rinse: Use a slightly damp sponge to remove soap residue.
5. Air dry: Let your sneakers air dry in the shade to prevent discoloration from the sun.

For Leather Sneakers:

1. Prepare a cleaning solution: Mix makeup remover milk with a little warm water.
2. Apply to the leather: Use a clean cloth to apply the mixture, rubbing gently on the leather surface.
3. Tackle stains: For stubborn stains, use a bit of white toothpaste on a toothbrush and gently scrub the stained area.
4. Clean the stitching: Use a toothbrush to clean the stitching and hard-to-reach areas.
5. Wipe down: Wipe the leather with a clean, dry cloth.
6. Apply a waterproofing spray: Protect the leather by applying a waterproofing spray after cleaning.

For White Sneakers:

1. Prepare a cleaning solution: Mix Marseille soap with warm water.
2. Scrub the white parts: Use a toothbrush to scrub the white areas of the shoe. For extra brightness, use a mix of baking soda and toothpaste.
3. Rinse: Use a damp sponge to rinse the cleaned areas.
4. Air dry: Let your sneakers air dry.
5. Brightening tip: Mix lemon juice, vinegar, and baking soda for an even brighter finish.

For Suede Sneakers:

1. Brush the suede: Use a special suede brush to remove dirt and dust from the surface. Always brush in the direction of the suede fibers.
2. Use a suede eraser: For light stains, use a suede eraser. Rub the stain gently until it disappears.
3. Clean with a mild solution: For tougher stains, prepare a mixture of white vinegar and water. Lightly dampen a clean cloth with the solution and gently rub the stain.
4. Air dry: Let the sneakers air dry away from direct heat and sunlight.
5. Restore the suede texture: Once dry, use the suede brush to restore the fibers’ texture.

Step 3: Clean the Soles

1. Prepare a cleaning solution: Mix soap with warm water.
2. Scrub the soles: Use a toothbrush or special shoe brush to scrub the soles, paying close attention to grooves to remove embedded dirt.
3. Rinse: Use a damp sponge to remove the soap.
4. Dry: Wipe with a clean cloth and let the soles air dry.

Step 4: Clean the Laces

1. Soak the laces: Submerge the laces in a bowl of warm water with a bit of soap.
2. Scrub the laces: Use your hands or a brush to scrub away dirt.
3. Rinse: Rinse with clear water.
4. Dry: Lay the laces flat to dry.

Step 5: Reassemble the Sneakers

1. Insert the insoles: Put the insoles back in place once they’re dry.
2. Relace the shoes: Thread the laces back through the eyelets.

Additional Tips

• Use talcum powder: Sprinkle talcum powder inside your sneakers to eliminate bad odors.
• Protect with waterproofing spray: Use a waterproofing spray after each cleaning session to prolong the life of your sneakers.
• Regular maintenance: Frequent cleaning keeps your sneakers looking fresh for longer.
• Avoid the washing machine: Although tempting, machine washing can damage your sneakers.

Tips for Stubborn Stains

For Mud or Dirt:

1. Let mud dry: Allow the mud to dry completely before cleaning.
2. Brush off dried dirt: Use a toothbrush or special shoe brush to gently remove dried dirt.
3. Clean the remaining stain: Use a damp sponge and some soap to clean off any residue.

For Grease or Oil:

1. Apply talcum powder or baking soda: Sprinkle the stain with talcum powder or baking soda to absorb the grease.
2. Let it sit: Leave it for several hours, then gently brush off the powder.
3. Clean with a mild detergent: Use a sponge and a mild detergent to clean the remaining stain.

For Wine or Fruit Stains:

1. Apply white vinegar: Dampen a cloth with white vinegar and apply it to the stain.
2. Let it sit: Allow it to sit for a few minutes.
3. Rinse with clear water: Use a damp sponge to rinse the area.

For Blood Stains:

1. Use cold water: Rinse the bloodstain immediately with cold water.
2. Apply hydrogen peroxide: For tougher stains, apply a bit of hydrogen peroxide and let it sit for a few minutes.
3. Rinse and clean: Rinse with cold water and clean as usual.

Mistakes to Avoid

• Using hot water: Hot water can set certain stains and damage your sneakers’ materials.
• Scrubbing too hard: Scrubbing too hard can damage the fabric or leather of your shoes.
• Using harsh chemicals: Avoid aggressive chemicals like bleach that can discolor or damage your sneakers. Opt for natural products like lemon or bicarbonate instead.

Cleaning your sneakers by hand may seem tedious, but with the right tools and methods, it’s a simple and effective process. By regularly taking care of your shoes, you can not only improve their appearance but also extend their lifespan. Follow these steps and tips to keep your sneakers in perfect condition and always ready to wear.

With these tips, you can bring your favorite sneakers back to life, whether they’re leather, canvas, white, or colorful. Proper care is essential to maintain their shine and durability, and with a little effort, your shoes will remain impeccable and ready to wear in any situation.

While machine washing sneakers is generally not recommended, it can be done using the proper technique.