The Right Way To Clean Your Sneakers

Whether you are a sneakerhead or just own a couple of sneakers, you have definitely had to deal with the issue of cleaning your shoes before. Unfortunately, shoes don’t stay clean forever, but if you are a collector, you probably have memorized a complex 10-step process to clean your prized possessions ensuring they don’t get damaged. But if you don’t know that much about shoes, you might have been delaying cleaning your comfy sneakers in fear you might ruin them. We get it, it’s scary. So here’s a simple step-by-step guide to help you through the terrifying process of cleaning your beloved sneakers.

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To make a cleaning solution, simply pour some warm water into two bowls and add a little bit of laundry detergent to each one. Then, start your cleaning process by removing your shoelaces and placing them in one of the bowls. After about twenty minutes, retrieve your laces and run them through a microfiber cloth and hang them to dry. If your insoles are not removable, simply dampen a cloth in the solution and use it to clean them.

According to Nike, you should avoid putting your sneakers in a washing machine or dryer, as well as using harsh cleaning products such as bleach. So, to remove dirt from the outsole, midsole and upper, use a soft-bristled brush or old toothbrush to rub the cleaning solution on your sneakers. Lastly, dry your shoes with a soft cloth and let them air-dry at room temperature.