Tips

How Often Should You Clean Your Sneakers? Tips for Storing Shoes When Not in Use.

How often should you clean your sneakers and how do you store them when not in use? If you don't know the answer, you're in the right place.

Administrator

14 July, 2024

Sports shoes tend to get dirty quickly due to frequent outdoor use and exposure to dirt and dust. It’s important to clean them regularly, but how often should you do it? Let’s explore the ideal cleaning frequency and some effective methods to keep your sports shoes looking their best.

1How Often Should You Clean Your Sports Shoes?

The cleaning frequency depends on how often you wear them and their condition. Typically, sports shoes should be cleaned about once a month.

Over-cleaning can damage the leather and fabric, so it’s important to find the right balance. It’s best to address visible stains as they appear and allow them to dry before cleaning.

The cleaning frequency depends on the usage and condition of your sports shoes.

2Should You Machine Wash Sports Shoes?

It’s not recommended to machine wash sports shoes as it can damage both the shoes and the machine. Machine washing can cause the glue to melt, logos to fade, and the structure of the shoes to weaken. It may also cause color bleeding. So, it’s best to avoid machine washing your sports shoes.

Avoid machine washing your sports shoes to prevent damage.

3Effective Ways to Clean Sports Shoes

For Smooth Canvas Shoes

Cleaning smooth canvas shoes

For canvas shoes, you can use a damp cloth or a mild detergent to gently rub the surface in a circular motion. If you notice any stains, use a mixture of water and soap or a detergent to gently rub the affected areas.

Let it sit for a few minutes, then wipe away the stain with a damp cloth. If the stain persists, repeat the process until it’s completely removed.

For Leather Shoes

Cleaning leather shoes

Follow a similar process as with canvas shoes, but instead, use a professional leather cleaner. If you don’t have one, you can create a diluted solution of water and vinegar or a mild detergent. Dip a toothbrush into the solution and gently scrub the stains without damaging the leather.

Cleaning the Shoelaces, Insoles, and Soles

Cleaning the shoelaces, insoles, and soles

For the shoelaces, use soap or a stain remover to clean them. If they’re too dirty, consider buying a new pair, as they’re usually inexpensive. For the insoles, you can wipe them with a damp cloth or a shoe cleaning solution. If they’re fixed, wipe them with a damp cloth and let them air dry. If they’re removable, clean them under running water, dry them, and then put them back.

To clean the soles, make a paste with 1/2 cup of water and 1/2 cup of baking soda. Use a brush to scrub the soles in a circular motion and then wipe them with a damp cloth.

4How to Store Sports Shoes When Not in Use

Storing sports shoes when not in use

Use shoe trees to maintain the shape of your shoes when not in use. This helps preserve their structure, reduce wrinkles, and keep them smelling fresh by absorbing moisture. Store your shoes in a dry place, away from moisture and high temperatures. You can use the shoe bag provided by the manufacturer or any cotton bag to protect them.

If you’re storing your shoes for an extended period, clean and condition them before storing to prevent dryness and stain buildup.

We hope these tips on cleaning and storing your sports shoes will be helpful. Thank you for reading.

Frequently asked questions

It is recommended to clean your sneakers every 2-3 weeks, or after every 8-10 wears, depending on the activities you’ve done and the environment you’ve worn them in.

The best way to clean sneakers varies depending on the material. For leather sneakers, use a mild soap and a damp cloth to wipe away dirt and grime. For canvas sneakers, a mixture of water and vinegar can be effective in removing stains and odors. Be sure to stuff the shoes with newspaper or paper towels to maintain their shape while cleaning.

For tough stains, create a paste from baking soda and water and apply it to the stain. Let it sit for a few minutes before gently scrubbing with a soft-bristled brush. You can also use a melamine foam eraser to gently rub away stains.

When not in use, stuff your sneakers with newspaper or shoe trees to maintain their shape. Keep them in a cool, dry place, and avoid stacking them to prevent creasing and damage. Using a shoe bag or box can also help keep them protected and dust-free.

To prevent sneakers from smelling, keep your feet dry by wearing socks that wick away moisture. Use insoles that are breathable and absorbent, and rotate your sneakers so they have time to air out between wears. You can also stuff them with newspaper to absorb any moisture and odors.