How to wash white sneakers

White sneakers always look stylish, but they get dirty very quickly. You need to know how to properly wash and dry such shoes so that they last as long as possible, retaining their original appearance.

Preparatory actions

Before cleaning your sneakers, do the following:

1. Use a microfiber cloth, sponge or dry brush to remove dirt. It is advisable to do this after each walk so that the sneakers stay clean for a long time.
2. Take out the insoles and laces. They should be washed separately using laundry soap, bleach or a special stain remover.

When cleaning sneakers, do not use products that are designed specifically for plumbing. Such products really whiten, but they have a sharp unpleasant odor, and their chlorine-based composition is quite aggressive. Using such cleaning products, you increase the risk of hopelessly ruining your sneakers.

Can you machine wash sneakers?

This is not always allowed. So, leather and suede sneakers are washed exclusively by hand, so as not to spoil the shoes.

Before washing in the machine, sneakers must first be knocked out. If the shoes are too dirty, dust can clog the holes in the drum.

A suitable mode for washing sneakers is «Delicate». In this case, the machine spins more slowly, which reduces the risk of defects (such as abrasion). The temperature must be as low as possible.

Together with sneakers, it is worth placing unnecessary towels and other tight clothes in the drum. However, additional products that will prevent the deformation of shoes can become dirty, so you should not fill the machine with light-colored things.

Pour exactly as much powder into the compartment as recommended by the manufacturer. If you add too much product, the machine will not be able to rinse clean sneakers, which will stiffen the shoes and lead to unsightly stains. Any detergent is suitable for washing — powder, gel, granules, etc.

How to clean white suede sneakers by hand

If your suede sneakers are exposed to rain and mud, the first step is to let them dry completely. Inside the shoes should be stuffed with newspaper sheets or paper towels.

Then you need to lift the pile and clean the dirty places using a special brush for suede care. You can get rid of stains with a stationery eraser. Next, apply a cleansing foam to the surface of the suede and leave it for a few minutes.

The final step is to treat the pair with a soapy solution with the addition of ammonia.

Cleaning suede sneakers should be done carefully. You can not wet sneakers through, otherwise the shoes may be deformed.

Folk remedies

We offer several folk recipes for quick bleaching of sneakers.

Attention! Before using any of these methods, first test it on an inconspicuous area. Otherwise, there is a risk of ruining the sneakers.

Vinegar, powder and lemon juice

Hydrogen peroxide can be used instead of lemon juice, and any powder is fine.

Procedure:

1. Mix some powder with 1 tbsp. l. vinegar and 1 tbsp. l. lemon juice (or peroxide) so that a thick mixture forms.
2. Gently rub the mixture into the contaminated areas and leave it for 10 minutes.
3. Rinse off any remaining product with warm running water.

Toothpaste

White toothpaste without any inclusions will do. You can also dissolve tooth powder in a small amount of water, if available.

Procedure:

1. Squeeze some toothpaste onto an unused toothbrush.
2. Wipe dirty areas with a brush.
3. Take a sponge or damp cloth and remove any remaining product.

Soda

It is enough to mix soda with water, apply the mixture on sneakers and leave for up to 15 minutes. The remains of the product are removed with a sponge or a damp cloth.

You can use only soda or add powder for an even more successful result.

Milk and starch

Stir 1 tbsp. l. starch with 1 tbsp. l. milk, apply the mixture on the sneakers and wait until it dries.

Residues are easily removed with a sponge or damp cloth.

Micellar water

The product effectively removes stains from white shoes. It is enough to moisten a cotton pad in it and wipe the contaminated places.

Vinegar and acetone

This folk method is suitable for quickly cleaning the soles of shoes.

Procedure:

1. Stir 1 tbsp. l. vinegar with 1 tbsp. l. acetone.
2. Soak a cotton pad in the mixture and wipe the soles of your sneakers with it.
3. Rinse your shoes under warm running water.

1. Oxygen-based bleaches and stain removers

In such products, the composition contains the mark Oxi. They can also be used for fabric sneakers. Mix the selected product with water in a small amount and apply it to the surface of the shoe. After 15 minutes, rinse off the remaining product with warm running water.

There is another way: place the sneakers for 2-3 hours with stain remover or bleach, then go over the dirty places with a brush with baking soda or white toothpaste applied to it. After that, the sneakers need to be thoroughly rinsed.

Mesh sneakers need the most gentle washing. Aggressive means cannot be used. To prevent detergent from getting into the inside, stuff the washed shoes with dry wipes, newspaper pages, etc.

Nail polish remover

Apply the liquid to the sole and rinse it off under warm running water after 30 minutes. Instead of nail polish remover, you can use Pemolux.

How to dry your sneakers

Shoes are dried at room temperature, away from radiators, fireplaces and other heat sources. Do not leave it in direct sunlight.

After cleaning your suede sneakers, go over the surface with a dry cloth. Place them in a well ventilated area away from heat sources. Inside, you can add wads of paper to keep the shape of the shoes.

Features and nuances

Today, there are quite a few dry cleaners that are designed specifically to care for sneakers. Specialists provide a full range of services for cleaning and drying shoes. Sneakers made of artificial leather and synthetic materials are the most expensive. If you need to clean only the sole, then the cost of services will be minimal.

Some people cover the soles of sneakers with several coats of regular colorless nail polish, which allows them to keep them clean for a long time.

When cleaning sneakers, it is advisable to wear durable rubber gloves on your hands, especially if you use aggressive detergents. Thus, you protect the skin of your hands from their negative effects.