It's happened to all of us - the new white sneakers look worn and dirty even after the second wear. And the more you try to remove the dirt, the worse the shoes look. Knit or mesh shoes in particular often tend to absorb a lot of dirt, which is very stubborn and difficult to remove. Luckily, there are a few methods that effectively remove the impurities so that the sneakers look like new again. We explain in the article how best to clean mesh sneakers.
What are mesh sneakers made of?
Mesh sneakers are very popular because they are light and very comfortable. But what kind of material is mesh? The fabric can be made from various materials, most commonly nylon or polyester, and is primarily used in the manufacture of sportswear and trainers.
The biggest advantage of mesh fabric for shoes is that it is very breathable. The material allows air to circulate around the foot, helping to keep the foot cool and dry during intense activities.
Whether you wear your sneakers for running, playing sports, or for everyday wear, they are bound to get dirty. To ensure that your mesh shoes do not lose their original appearance, you must clean them regularly.
Most manufacturers advise against washing shoes in the washing machine. Instead, hand cleaning is recommended. You can use detergent or mild dishwashing liquid as well as lukewarm water. Home remedies like toothpaste and baking soda should also do a good job. However, you should avoid hot water and harsh cleaning agents such as chlorine bleach as they can damage the shoes. To be honest, I have washed my white Adidas several times in the washing machine with a little bleach. I find this method quicker and more effective and if you use the right program there is less risk of damage. You can find out more about cleaning in the washing machine at the end of the article.
If you want to play it safe and clean your white mesh sneakers by hand, then the following method without much scrubbing is a good alternative. How to proceed step-by-step:
First remove any coarse dirt
This is the very first and most important step. Dust and dried dirt should be removed first so that they do not spread. To do this, use a dry cloth or a clean, soft-bristled brush. An unused toothbrush also works. Forget those tooSneaker-Sohlenot.
Dip the brush or cloth in warm water and gently scrub your shoes to remove any coarse dirt. Be careful not to scrub too hard as mesh is delicate.
Prepare cleaning solution
Next, mix warm water with an oxi crystal stain remover (DM's powder is an inexpensive option) in a large bucket. Add enough water to completely soak the shoes. Use the stain remover dosage instructions to prepare the cleaning solution.
Soak sneakers
Next, you should remove the shoelaces and place them in the water along with the sneakers. To prevent the shoes from floating on the surface, place a heavy object over them. Then let them soak for about 2-4 hours.
Rinse the shoes
After soaking, you should rinse the shoes. This can be done either by hand or on the rinse cycle in the washing machine.
Variant 1
Remove the shoes and shoelaces from the cleaning solution and take them to the shower. Run cold water and rinse the sneakers from all sides with the shower head. The stronger the water jet, the better the shoes are rinsed.
Variant 2
To save some effort, put the shoes in the laundry drum and start the Rinse and Drain program. It is better to turn off the spin cycle to avoid damaging the sneakers.Tipp: Place the shoelaces in a laundry net.
Caution: Only use this method on pure white mesh or knit sneakers! Leather sneakers and sneakers with colorful decorations should not be cleaned with oxi crystals.
Dry mesh sneakers properly
You should let the shoes air dry. The heat of the dryer will inevitably damage them, so never put your sneakers in the dryer.
To help the mesh sneakers keep their shape, you can stuff them with crumpled paper or clean washcloths while they dry. Then thread the laces again and you're done! The shoes should now shine in their original shine again.
How I clean my mesh sneakers in the washing machine
Last year I bought a pair of very cheap sneakers (white of course) that I wore up and down. Of course, after a week you didn't look so good anymore and I wasn't sure what exactly to do. They were so cheap that I could just buy a second pair, but that wouldn't be as sustainable. Instead, I decided to clean the shoes in the washing machine (even though I've heard several times that this is not recommended). It worked wonderfully and since then I have only cleaned this pair using this method because it is quick and works perfectly.Notice: I probably wouldn't try this method with very expensive sneakers, but since mine didn't cost much at all, I took the plunge. You can also try with a cheap pair and then decide whether to clean your high-quality sneakers using the same method.
This is how I do it:
- First, I remove dried dirt and mud from the top with a clean cloth and from the sole with a brush.
- Then I put some liquid detergent in each shoe and throw them in the laundry drum.
- I add a splash of bleach and run the washing machine at 40°C on the delicates program, without spinning.
- The white sneakers come out pure white again and all that's left for me to do is let them air dry.
