Sneakers are one of the easiest items to get dirty, and when you need to clean your sneakers, it becomes difficult. Due to the popularity of Converse models, it is almost inevitable that they will need to be cleaned from time to time. Between running through grass and dirt, they can get grubby in minutes. The good news is that you can easily clean these. Here are some simple cleaning methods and home remedies that can help you. Whether you wear Converse sneakers for exercise or just for styling, learn how to clean all types of sneakers.
Some facts before cleaning your Converse sneakers
The company was founded in February 1908 in Malden, Massachusetts as the Converse Rubber Shoe Company. Chuck Taylor, a basketball player, was hired as a salesman in 1923 and by 1932 his name became synonymous with classic basketball sneakers. Converse was purchased by Nike in July 2003 and rebranded the linecustom shoe designsexpanded.
To clean and care for such sneakers, you can use the following materials: soft bristle brush, small bowl, suede brush, sponge or microfiber cloth, gentle cleaning/detergent, melamine sponge, white tissue paper, baking soda, cornstarch, fabric protector spray.
Remove the laces and clean them
It is always easier to clean any type of sneakers if you remove the laces first. You can access the tongue of the shoe and get deeper inside to clean the insole. To clean shoelaces, fill a small bowl with warm water and add a few drops of dishwashing liquid or laundry detergent. Dip the laces and allow them to soak while you treat the shoes.
After soaking, use your hands or a soft-bristled brush (an old toothbrush works great) to scrub the laces. Rinse well with fresh water and roll the laces in a towel to absorb most of the moisture. Finally, hang the laces to dry. If the laces are the dirtiest part of the sneakers, you can of course replace them to get your shoes looking clean again immediately.
Clean heavy dirt from the outside of the sneakers
If your shoes are covered in mud, let them dry completely and then use a soft brush to remove dirt from the soles and uppers. Mix a solution of warm water and a mild detergent in a small bowl. Dip a sponge or microfiber cloth into the solution and wring it out until it stops dripping.
Gently rub each sneaker to remove dirt from the canvas and outsole. Rinse the cloth often as dirt transfers. If there are scuffs on the outsole, dip a melamine sponge into the cleaning solution and gently scrub the sole. However, do not use such a sponge on canvas or leather uppers.
Clean the inside of the shoes and let them dry
Mix a fresh solution of the cleaning mixture. Dip a microfiber cloth into the solution and wring it well to wipe down the inside of the sneakers. To freshen up smelly sneakers between cleanings, untie the laces and open the shoe as wide as possible. Sprinkle the inside with dry baking soda. Leave the baking soda to work for at least four hours, preferably overnight. Shake out the baking soda before wearing.
Allow the shoes to air dry completely before wearing. To ensure that the tall models retain their shape when drying, stuff them with white tissue paper. If the sneakers are quite damp, change the paper after an hour. Lace up the sneakers when they are completely dry. The manufacturer warns that the sneakers should under no circumstances be machine washed or dried, which makes these cleaning methods quite useful.
How to clean suede sneakers
First, as with the methods described above, remove the laces from the shoes and clean or replace them with the recommended means. If your suede sneakers are covered in mud or wet, allow them to air dry completely before attempting to remove the dirt. Use a soft-bristled brush to clean the sole.
Do not brush the suede with a toothbrush or scrub brush. In addition, suede should be completely dry and only brushed with a special suede brush to remove dirt. If there are oily stains, sprinkle them with cornstarch. Then leave the cornstarch on the suede for several hours to absorb the oil, then brush off the stained area. Repeat the process until all the oil is absorbed.
Again, use a damp melamine sponge or cloth to wipe the outsole of theClean suede shoes. Follow the same cleaning tips as for fabric sneakers to clean the inside of suede sneakers.
After cleaning, let the shoes air dry. Once the inside and outside of the sneakers are completely dry, use the suede brush to lift the pile.
Tips for caring for sneakers
- Allow the sneakers to air dry between each wear to allow the fibers to recover.
- Clean or replace shoelaces frequently.
- Treat canvas sneakers with a fabric protectant spray to help repel dirt.
- Store your Converse sneakers in a breathable cotton bag to prevent dust from settling on the shoes.
