Maintaining your sneakers and trainers is essential to extend their lifespan and maintain their appearance. Whether canvas, leather, suede or nubuck: here is a complete guide to cleaning your favourite trainers and giving them back the shine they had when you unboxed them!
Small gestures that avoid major cleaning
Prevention is key to keeping your sneakers in good condition. Simple steps can save you from tedious cleaning and extend the life of your shoes. Here are some simple tips to incorporate into your routine:
- Alternate Pairs : Letting your shoes rest and alternating with another pair allows the leather or other materials to breathe and reduces wear.
- Use cedar shoe trees : Shoe trees help shoes retain their shape and absorb moisture, especially after a long day.
- Brush gently with a soft brush after each use : This helps remove surface dust and dirt that may build up over time.
- Store your sneakers in a dry, ventilated place : A well-ventilated space, protected from dust and humidity, is ideal for avoiding mold and odors.
How to clean your white sneakers?
The big advantage of white sneakers? They are a must-have in our wardrobes, the most worn color. The disadvantage? They get dirty quickly.
Fortunately, there are several cleaning methods to restore their shine without damaging delicate materials like canvas or leather. Here are two particularly effective techniques, simple to do at home, to get your white sneakers looking spotless:
Cleaning with classic soap
This method is gentle and works great for white canvas, faux leather, or smooth leather sneakers.
- Mix warm water with a mild soap, such as Marseille soap or a non-aggressive liquid detergent. Warm water helps dissolve dirt, while mild soap cleans without damaging surfaces.
- Using a soft brush (an old toothbrush works great), gently scrub the dirty areas, avoiding any sudden movements. Brushing gently is essential to avoid scratching the leather or damaging the canvas.
- Once the dirt is removed, take a clean cloth slightly dampened with water and wipe it over the entire surface of the shoe to remove the soap residue. This prevents white marks from appearing once the shoe is dry.
- Finally, let your sneakers air dry in a well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight which could discolor the fabric or yellow the surface.
Cleaning with white vinegar
Ideal for treating stubborn stains, this method uses natural ingredients that act in depth, while respecting the materials.
- Prepare a solution by mixing warm water, white vinegar (known for its cleaning and disinfecting properties) and a small amount of Marseille soap. Marseille soap adds a touch of softness that helps to remove dirt residue without attacking the materials.
- Then soak your sneakers in this solution for a few minutes to allow the vinegar to penetrate the fibers and begin to dissolve the stains.
- Take a soft brush and, using circular motions, brush the stained areas. This spiral motion helps target the stains without scrubbing too hard, minimizing the risk of damaging the material.
When finished cleaning, rinse lightly with a damp cloth to remove any vinegar and soap residue, then allow to air dry.
How to clean your suede and nubuck sneakers?
Suede or nubuck sneakers are elegant and pleasant to the touch, but their delicate material requires proper care. Here are the steps to clean them effectively without risking damage:
- Dusting : Use a crepe brush, specially designed for suede and nubuck, to gently remove dust and surface dirt. This prepares the surface for deep cleaning without damaging the soft texture of the material.
- Soften with steam : Hold your sneakers over a source of steam (like a pot of hot water) for a few seconds to soften the fibers. This step helps loosen embedded dirt without harsh scrubbing. Be sure not to expose the suede to too much steam to avoid excess moisture.
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Clean with a mild solution :
- Mix warm water with a few drops of white vinegar and a little mild dishwashing liquid. The vinegar acts as a natural stain remover, and the dishwashing liquid gently removes grease marks.
- Using a special suede brush or a very soft brush, apply the solution by gently rubbing in circular movements on the stained areas so as not to damage the texture of the suede or nubuck.
- Dry and waterproof : Let the shoes dry naturally in a ventilated place, away from direct sunlight, which could discolor them. Once completely dry, apply a waterproofing spray specific to suede or nubuck. This product forms a protective barrier against water and stains, making future cleaning easier and preserving the suppleness of the material.
Cleaning leather sneakers
Leather sneakers, although more durable than suede or fabric ones, require proper care to prevent the leather from drying out, cracking and losing its shine. Follow these steps for effective and respectful cleaning of leather:
- Dusting : Before cleaning, run a soft brush or dry cloth over your sneakers to remove surface dust and dirt. This prepares the shoe for more thorough care without the particles scratching the leather.
- Clean with a specific product : Use a cleaner specially designed for leather. Apply a small amount of the product to a soft, clean cloth, then gently rub the surface of the shoe with circular movements. This movement helps to remove impurities without damaging the leather.
- Wipe and shine : Once you're done cleaning, take a clean microfiber cloth to wipe down the shoe, removing any excess product. This helps to shine the leather and keep it looking smooth.
- Nourish and protect : To prevent the leather from cracking and splitting, apply a nourishing cream or leather balm. Using a soft cloth, massage the product over the entire surface to ensure the treatment penetrates well. This deeply hydrates the leather and prevents wear.
- Waterproof : Finally, to protect your sneakers from stains and moisture, spray a leather waterproofing spray. Apply it in a thin layer and let it air dry. This step is essential to extend the life of your shoes, especially if you wear them regularly.
Cleaning shoelaces, our tutorial:
Clean laces can transform the look of your sneakers and give them a fresh look. Cleaning them couldn't be easier:
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Soak in a solution of hot water and detergent :
Mix warm water with a little mild detergent or liquid soap. Soak your laces in this solution for a few minutes to dissolve dirt and stains.
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Rub gently :
Use a small brush (an old toothbrush works best) to gently scrub the laces. Focus on the dirtiest areas to loosen the dirt without damaging the fabric.
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Rinse with clean water :
Once cleaning is complete, rinse the laces with clean water to remove any soap or detergent residue. Gently squeeze them to remove excess water without twisting them.
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Dry naturally :
Let the laces air dry, preferably in the shade to prevent them from fading in the sun. Do not expose them to direct heat to prevent them from deforming.
Bonus Tip: For very dirty or yellow shoelaces, add a small amount of baking soda to the warm water and detergent solution. Baking soda acts as a natural whitener and will help brighten white shoelaces.
Natural products to maintain your shoes
Natural products are both economical and effective for maintaining your sneakers. Here are some essentials:
- Marseille soap : Used with a damp cloth, it cleans gently and is perfect for leather or canvas.
- White vinegar : This product is a natural stain remover, effective for disinfecting and removing odors. Dilute it in water before application to avoid damaging the materials.
- Baking Soda : This natural deodorizer is perfect for eliminating sweat odors. Mix it with water to create a paste and apply to white sneakers.
- Coconut Oil : This oil nourishes and protects the leather, use sparingly to avoid greasy residue.
These products are non-aggressive on materials and help to extend the life of your sneakers.
Our latest tips for extending the life of your sneakers
Here are the best tips to maximize the longevity of your shoes:
- Waterproof your sneakers regularly : Use a suitable protective spray to protect them from water and stains.
- Avoid direct exposure to sunlight : Sunlight can discolor and weaken materials.
- Clean stains as soon as they appear : The sooner you intervene, the easier it is to remove stains without leaving any traces.
- Call in professionals for major renovations : For deep stains or repairs, professionals have the products and techniques to restore your sneakers without risk.
