White shoes are both joy and punishment. It sparkles in the sun, attracts the attention of passers-by, fits perfectly into the wardrobe and complements the image.
But by the time you reach your destination, you go through a whole obstacle course: mud, puddles, slush, a crowded bus. In order not to forget that initially the shoes are still white, they need to be looked after.
How to keep white sneakers looking attractive?
How to properly wash white sneakers?
To whiten white sneakers by washing, you can use one of the methods. You can clean them in the washing machine if it has a “sports shoes” mode.
Not every model of washing machine has this mode. In normal mode, cleaning sneakers in a washing machine is unacceptable, because there is a possibility of completely ruining them.
If it is not possible to put shoes into the washing unit, then wash them by hand.
In order to bleach sneakers, pour warm water into a small basin, dissolve the required amount of washing powder in it and place the sneakers there.
Shoes are washed several times, and at the end they should be rinsed in clean water. This must be taken into account when you are going to clean your sneakers, since the presence of even a small amount of washing powder in the water where the shoes will be rinsed will lead to the formation of yellow stains.
If the surface of the shoe has absorbed a certain amount of dirt, it will not be possible to deal with it with just one wash. To get rid of stains, take a cotton swab dipped in gasoline and wipe the area. After the dirt is gone, wipe the sneakers with wet wipes to remove traces of gasoline. Shoes are thoroughly washed and dried.
A large number of bacteria accumulate in the insoles, the waste products of which become a source of unpleasant odor. You need to clean the insoles from dirt and sweat, but first remove them from the sneakers.
It is not very easy to return the insole to its original appearance - they take laundry soap and thoroughly lather it, after which they go over it well with a toothbrush. After washing off the soap, they evaluate how well the insole was bleached.
If this was not done the first time, the operation is repeated. If necessary, dry the insoles using a standard household hair dryer.
Before washing your white sneakers, remove the laces and insoles. They need to be cleaned separately:
- pour hot water into a small basin;
- dilute oxygen bleach in it;
- soak the laces for 30 minutes;
- wash with laundry soap.
Wet the insoles with warm water, take a brush and rub it with soap. Thoroughly treat each insole, rinse off any soap scum, let the water drain and lay it out to dry on a flat surface. Do not forget that sneaker insoles cannot be dried on a radiator. This causes them to shrink and become deformed.
Manual
If you are not sure that the pair will withstand machine washing, then you should not take risks. You can give it freshness and whiteness manually.
To do this you need to do the following:
prepare shoes for washing: remove dirt, sand and dust;- dilute the detergent in warm water;
- Use a brush to clean the areas that are more heavily contaminated than others;
- rinse the sneakers thoroughly in clean water;
- dry your shoes.
Any detergent is suitable for hand washing sneakers. It can be either powder or regular laundry soap. The main thing is to thoroughly dissolve it in water.
Cleaning process depending on material
To clean light-colored sneakers from stubborn dirt at home, you need to consider the type of material. Textiles and leather require different care. Leather shoes will not “survive” machine washing, but fabric ones can be soaked.
Textile
Textile is a durable material that withstands moisture well. Therefore, you can clean it from dirt by washing. Its method depends on the quality of the shoes. If the sole is glued well, you can put the pair in the machine. The main thing is to properly prepare your sneakers. Before loading, shoes are soaked in warm water with bleach added. The dirt will come off in a couple of hours.
To prevent metal parts from damaging the drum, the products are placed in a special mesh. Some cars do not have a “Shoes” mode. Then select the “Manual” or “Delicate” program. Cleaning white sneakers from dirt using powder will not work. It is better to pour stain remover or bleach into the drum.
Running models need to be machine washed. The mesh on the surface becomes clogged with dirt and is difficult to clean. If the quality of the shoes is in doubt, you should try the following method: put a plastic bag on your hand and wrap it with paper towels. The resulting structure is placed in a sneaker. It will collect moisture, protecting your shoes from getting wet.
Shoes of low quality are washed by hand so as not to damage their shape. It is recommended to clean synthetic material with laundry soap, textiles with stain remover or bleach. The pair is soaked before washing. Warm water (30–40 degrees) is taken into a basin and detergent is added. The products are immersed in the composition and left for about half an hour.
After half an hour, change the water and add bleach. A fresh solution is applied to the fabric and any remaining dirt is removed with a brush. After the stains are completely gone, the solution is washed off with a sponge soaked in water. Shoes need to be wiped until the fabric stops foaming. Hand washing is a convenient way to clean white sneakers.
Soak for a couple of hours in water with bleach
Leather and leatherette
White leather sneakers are easy to clean. It is enough to wipe off the dirt with a damp cloth soaked in a soap solution. If the shoes are used for a long time, the surface becomes yellow and the stains become embedded. In this case, it will be almost impossible to wash leather sneakers. To return them to a well-groomed appearance, you need to cover the surface with shoe paint.
Wipe with a cloth and soapy water
Suede and nubuck
Suede is a capricious material. It requires delicate handling. Wet cleaning of sneakers made from such raw materials will be destructive. They cannot be washed under the tap or soaked. It is better to use one of the following means:
- Steam bath. Water vapor removes dirt and straightens lint. The shoes are held over a boiling pan until they become slightly damp. Then wipe the suede with a soft cloth.
- An aqueous solution of hydrogen peroxide and ammonia. Add a teaspoon of each substance to a glass of heated water. Gently wipe the suede with a cloth dipped in liquid. Using peroxide and alcohol, you can wash away deep stains in a matter of minutes.
- A solution of detergent and ammonia in a ratio of 1:5.
- Powder of crushed chalk, talc and tooth powder. The mixture is applied to the stains, gently rubbing in with a brush.
- A set of products for cleaning sneakers and preventative care. To keep suede looking attractive, you need to take care of it daily. In addition to cleaning products, it is useful to use water-repellent emulsions.
We suggest you read: How to wash Reebok sneakers in the washing machine
Steam bath
Nubuck is a polished leather with a fine-haired structure. It looks like suede and requires careful handling. The easiest way to ruin light-colored shoes. To avoid premature wear, you need to know how to clean white nubuck sneakers. It is enough to follow simple rules:
- Surface dirt is removed using a soft rag or brush.
- Fresh stains can be easily cleaned with a nubuck eraser.
- Wet cleaning is carried out without pressure or friction. The stain is blotted with a wrung out rag and dried. Remaining dirt is brushed off and dried again.
- Nubuck sneakers cannot be placed on a radiator. A well-ventilated area is suitable for drying.
Surface dirt is removed using a soft rag or brush.
Polished leather
To wash light patent leather sneakers, it is advisable to use toothpaste. Simply apply it to the surface and lightly rub with a soft brush. Hard ones may leave scratches.
Patent leather sneakers can be easily cleaned with a damp cloth. It is enough to wipe the coating and “walk” over it with a polishing cloth. Unfortunately, not every sneaker cleaner is suitable for these types of shoes. Stain remover and bleach can destroy the finish. It is recommended to clean it with soapy water or toothpaste.
It is best to use wet wipes for shoes
Features of drying fabric pairs
Drying your white sneakers improperly can ruin all the effort you put into washing them.
Basic recommendations to follow when drying sneakers:
- If the shoes have not been wrung out, then they are left in the bathroom until all the water has drained from them.
- The inside of each sneaker is stuffed with white paper. It is changed when it gets wet.
- Leave shoes to dry in the fresh air, but not in direct sunlight. If possible, the couple is taken out to the balcony. In windy weather the drying process will go faster.
- It is forbidden to dry sneakers with a hairdryer. Hot air will damage the product.
If the sneakers are hung on the balcony, then it is recommended to secure them to the ropes not with clothespins, but with laces that are threaded through 2 holes. After using special clips, dents and stains may remain on shoes .
Do not dry white steam next to heating appliances, on radiators, or near fire sources.
How to prevent white shoes from getting dirty
Before washing your white sneakers, brush them with a brush to remove dry dirt and dust. Wash the soles off the ground under running water, remove stones stuck in the treads and frozen pieces of dirt with a match or toothpick.
- If black streaks appear on the soles, rub them with a paper eraser. It cleanses such contaminants well.
- The yellowish tint on the soles can be easily removed by wiping their surface with cotton wool soaked in nail polish remover.
- You can return the whiteness by dissolving a large amount of bleach in water and placing the soles of sneakers there for 1 hour.
Afterwards they should be rubbed with a brush, rinsed under running water and proceed to general washing.
Immediately after purchase, a snow-white pair must be protected from the negative effects of moisture and pollution. To do this, it is better to purchase ready-made products. They are usually sold in shoe stores and create a special film that repels dirt and water. The following trade names have proven themselves well:
- Tarrago Super White.
- Sapphire for white shoes.
- Dividik.
- Salton.
All of these products are sold in the form of sprays or liquids packaged in a tube with a sponge. Before applying them, wipe the shoes with a damp cloth and allow to dry. An effective coating is formed only on a clean and dry surface. Then spray the spray or gently lubricate the shoes with liquid.
Getting ready for hand washing
Not all items are machine washable. It depends not only on the material, but also on the quality. Therefore, it would be better to wash your sneakers by hand from time to time. Clean the surface with a special brush that is best suited for the fabric of sneakers.
After this, you need to remove the laces and remove the insoles. The sole must be clean: rinse it thoroughly under running water. Dirt from the tread can be removed with a toothbrush that you are not using - it will easily help remove small stones, grass and dried soil.
Different materials always require different means. Synthetics can be easily washed with ordinary laundry soap. However, the use of powder is not recommended. Clean textiles using a neutral liquid composition. Vanish liquid composition is perfect for white items.
Leather products can be washed with soapy water. Nubuck and suede items should be wet cleaned with great care. It is better to use a special product suitable for cleaning a specific material.
Traditional methods for removing stubborn dirt
- White sneakers can be easily cleaned of dirt using the most ordinary toothpaste. To do this, take a toothbrush with soft or medium bristles and gently rub toothpaste onto the areas of the shoe where there is dirt. When the cleaning process is completed, remove any remaining toothpaste with a damp cloth.
- There is a proven recipe with which you can easily deal with even the most difficult stains. You need to take vinegar, washing powder, a small amount of hydrogen peroxide or lemon juice. All these ingredients are mixed to form a thick paste. In order to clean sneakers with this composition, take the same toothbrush. It should be remembered that this method is not suitable for cleaning every material. For example, it will clean leather sneakers perfectly, but the mesh surface can be seriously damaged due to this composition.
- If the methods discussed above do not help, then resort to various oxygen-based bleaches. Dry solutions are diluted with water to the desired thickness, and liquid solutions can be used immediately. Wipe the sneakers with a soft cloth soaked in this liquid and see what the result is.
- There is a method for washing white sneakers, but you will have to invest some money in it and purchase special paint for white shoes. Unfortunately, this method is also only suitable for owners of leather sneakers. Rag products cannot be bleached using this method. This composition is simply applied to the surface of the shoe and left to dry for some time.
- There is another way to clean white sneakers: take standard baking soda, liquid soap and toothpaste, in principle, you can add vinegar to it. All these compositions are mixed until a homogeneous mass is obtained. Then they try to whiten the sneakers using a toothbrush. To consolidate and improve the effect, after such mechanical cleaning, place the shoes in a basin with soapy water. There, the sneakers should be washed and rinsed under running water. Then they are dried outdoors.
It is worth noting that there are times when it is necessary to clean the sole to make it look attractive again.
Cleaning stains from sneakers is not an easy task. You need to be prepared for the fact that the stains will not completely disappear. It depends on the material and degree of contamination. In any case, the stain can be significantly lightened.
Almost all white sneakers have yellow stains on them. This occurs due to getting wet during rain. They can be cleaned with liquid soap or shampoo. Simply apply the product to a soft-bristled brush and rub well. Laundry soap and powder will not lighten yellow spots; on the contrary, they will become brighter.
To remove stubborn dirt from white sneakers, you can use professional or home remedies. It is important to remember that traditional methods require preliminary testing. You should not apply the finished composition to the entire surface of the sneakers; it is better to start with a small area.
Remove stains with liquid soap
The modern market offers a variety of stain removers. Particularly popular among them are:
- Household oxygen bleach. Fabric sneakers quickly accumulate road dust and require deep cleaning. A substance with an aggressive composition may cause skin irritation or damage the material. Therefore, it is better to choose an oxygen analogue. Bleach is diluted in a small volume of water and applied to shoes. 10 minutes is enough for it to become whiter.
- Stain remover. This product differs from bleach due to its local effect. With its help you can remove even stubborn stains. To clean a pair of fabric, you need to apply a small amount of liquid slightly diluted with water to the stain. The shoes are left for 10 minutes. After this, the dirt is wiped off with a brush and the surface is wiped with a sponge.
- Micellar water. At home, you can clean your sneakers using makeup remover. Simply soak a cotton pad in micellar water and rub it onto the stain.
- Sprays containing wax. Ideal for caring for sneakers made of leatherette and leather. This product is both cleaning and water-repellent.
- Foam. It will be a lifesaver when you need to clean your sneakers without water. The substance is applied to the stain using a brush. Such products are suitable for washing clothes and bags.
- Shampoo. Effectively removes fresh dirt. It is enough to dilute a few drops of shampoo with water.
We suggest you read How to wash a membrane jacket in a washing machine
The choice of means depends on the specific tasks. A universal stain remover has not yet been invented. You'll have to try several options to find the most effective one.
Household oxygen bleach
Folk remedies
Craftsmen have come up with many ways to clean white sneakers at home. The following have stood the test of time:
- Baking soda. The substance is mixed with water to a paste. The resulting substance is rubbed into the stain with a toothbrush. After a few minutes, remove the soda with a damp cloth.
- A mixture of vinegar, baking soda, hydrogen peroxide and washing powder. For the best effect, it is recommended to use three percent peroxide. Two tablespoons of vinegar with the same amount of powder are mixed with a teaspoon of soda and a tablespoon of peroxide. Rub into the contaminated area, leave for 15–20 minutes, then rinse with warm water. You can do it easier by cleaning your sneakers with peroxide mixed with baking soda. The two-component composition will not become less effective.
- Toothpaste. You can clean white sneakers at home with a paste without colored granules. It is applied to a dry brush and rubbed into the stain in a circular motion. Then wash off with foam rubber soaked in water.
- Lemon juice. To whiten the entire surface area, you will need two tablespoons of lemon juice mixed with the same volume of water. Rub the product with a soft cloth.
- Laundry soap. It effectively fights stubborn dirt. It is enough to rub the brush with soap, treat the material, and then rinse with warm water.
- A mixture of milk and potato starch. Suitable for cleaning leather products. The components are mixed in a 1:1 ratio. Lubricate the surface with the resulting paste, then wipe with a damp cloth.
- A solution of vinegar and acetone. The liquids are mixed in equal volumes and applied to the shoes using a soft cloth. The composition is washed off with warm water.
Bleach soda and vinegar mixture
When should you go to dry cleaning?
If you are unable to deal with the contamination yourself, you can turn to professionals . Most often, expensive branded shoes are dry-cleaned. It makes no sense to carry a cheap pair there, since the work of specialists will cost about 1000 rubles.
Includes:
- removal of dust and dirt;
- sole whitening;
- removing stubborn stains;
- shoe deodorization;
- washing insoles and laces;
- giving whiteness to all elements of the sneakers.
For an additional fee, a sports pair can be given a lost shape and repaired . When choosing an organization, you need to focus on customer reviews and work experience. The longer dry cleaning exists on the cleaning services market, the better.
Before you give money for work, you need to make sure that all elements of the shoes are intact. It should be clean and smell nice.
Washing fabric sneakers
There is more than one way to wash white fabric sneakers from dirt. They tolerate machine washing well, so you can safely put the prepared shoes in a special bag and load them into the drum.
- Pour a quality fabric detergent into the tray and select the “sport” mode.
- If it is missing, press the “delicate wash” button, turn off spinning, drying and set an additional rinse.
- It is recommended to wash at a temperature not exceeding 40°C. When shoes have reflectors or other fragile parts, hand wash them.
If you need to wash white Nike sneakers, the uppers of which are made of mesh nylon, you can also use a washing machine. For fear of ruining an expensive item, soak each sneaker in a soapy solution for half an hour. Gently brush the surface with a soft bristle brush and rinse thoroughly to remove any soap. When there are persistent dirt and stains on white shoes, they need to be bleached with special means.
We use a bag
The sneaker washing bag is a small mesh that is secured with laces or a zipper. Shoes are placed inside it before being loaded into the washing machine drum.
Benefits of using a bag:
- protection of shoes from deformation and friction;
- extending the life of the pair;
- protecting the drum from getting decorative elements that can come off the sneakers during the washing process.
Sole bleaching
The sole is part of the shoe, which is not very easy to bleach, since it is where the lion's share of dirt falls. Moreover, its textured surface does not allow it to be cleaned in the same way as the upper part of the sneaker.
To return the sole to its original appearance, you can use one of the following methods.
- Prepare a solution from oxygen-based bleach. The product is placed in a basin and sneakers are placed there, making sure that only the soles are submerged. The shoes are left there for about a couple of hours. After removing it from there, the sole can be further whitened using a small toothbrush and running water.
- Take a cotton pad, acetone and vinegar. The liquids are mixed in equal proportions. Use a cotton pad over the entire surface, carefully treating all difficult areas.
- You can use citric acid. There is no need to dilute it, but it is better to work with gloves so that the acid cannot corrode the skin of your hands.
If such methods do not help clean the stains, then resort to washing.
Nail polish remover removes various stains well. It is applied to the sole and left for half an hour. After this, wash off with water. Pemolux has a similar effect.
You can use baking soda or toothpaste to whiten soles. They are diluted with water in a ratio of 1:2 and applied to an old brush (coarsened bristles will erase dirt more easily). You can use baking soda and tooth powder in a similar way.
Another common method is soaking in bleach. For these purposes, it is better to choose a concentrate. Many people believe that stains will be removed in 20–30 minutes. This is wrong. Rubber is less susceptible to chemical attack. The effect will be noticeable after at least 3 hours.
Bleaching will have to be repeated before each time you go outside. The substances described are classified as chemically invasive. This means that the sole treated with them will become less resistant to dirt.
Acetone based nail polish remover
Traditional cleaning methods
You can bleach light or white sneakers at home using simple products.
- Substance
- Description of actions
Toothpaste | Apply the whitening paste to the stained area and rub in thoroughly with a brush. After 20-30 minutes, rinse with warm water. |
Baking soda | Rub the dirty area with a paste solution, leave for 0.5 - 1 hour, rinse with a sponge or soft cloth. You can increase effectiveness by adding toothpaste. |
Acetone and vinegar | The combination of ingredients in equal proportions ensures the return of white color. The treatment is simple - use a cotton pad soaked in the solution to wipe the entire surface. Finally, rinse with water. |
Laundry soap | Lather the surface with a bar, rub with a brush, and rinse with water. |
Lemon | Dirt tends to stick. The acid removes even old stains well. To prepare the solution you need to mix 2 tbsp. spoons of juice and water. Treat the surface with a dampened cloth and rinse. |
Starch and milk | Prepare a thick mixture, apply to the surface, leave for 30 minutes, rinse with water. |
Micellar water | Fresh stains should be wiped with a cotton pad. |
Acetone and cleaning powder | An equal proportion of the ingredients can be used to clean the white soles of sports shoes. |
Onion | It will get rid of old stains on the skin and also polish the surface. |
Egg white and milk | Prepare a solution, apply to the material, leave for 1 hour, rinse. |
Advice! Several layers of clear varnish are a reliable short-term way to protect white soles.
Cleaning white mesh sneakers begins with removing the dust with a brush. A school eraser helps get rid of black stripes on the sole. Yellow stains are easily removed by acetone applied to a cotton pad. White mesh shoes should be cleaned of dirt after pre-soaking them with bleach.
You should wear gloves when caring for shoes. The use of cleaning products for plumbing is undesirable, as they have an aggressive composition and odor.
How to remove stains
It is easy to remove local stains with whitening toothpaste without inclusions. To do this, wet the brush, squeeze out a thick layer of paste onto it and clean the stains on white shoes. Thus, it is easy to tidy up fabric inserts that are constantly clogged with dust. After the procedure, remove any remaining paste with a damp cloth.
How to wash white sneakers so that they shine clean again? Prepare an effective remedy yourself. Take:
- 1 tbsp. l. high quality washing powder;
- 1 tsp. peroxides;
- 1 tsp. vinegar.
We suggest you familiarize yourself with How to wash fuel oil from clothes at home. How to remove fuel oil stains from clothes. How to wash and remove fuel oil from clothes at home
Connect the components. You should get a paste-like mixture. Scoop it up with a brush and go over the shoes, paying special attention to stubborn stains. If you need to wash sneakers with mesh, do not use this method to avoid damaging the thin mesh material. Use baking soda mixed with lemon juice. Lush foam effectively removes stubborn stains.
If stains cannot be removed using traditional methods, purchase Vanish stain remover, treat traces of dirt with it, dissolve 2 caps of the product in hot water, soak the sneakers for 2 hours and wash by hand. This will help whiten your athletic shoes.
Ways to wash white sneakers from dirt
There are two main ways to remove stains from white sneakers: in a washing machine and with your hands in a basin. In both cases, you need to take into account the rules that allow you to return your shoes to their whiteness without causing unnecessary damage to them.
How to wash white sneakers in the washing machine
A washing machine allows you to avoid wasting extra time and effort on washing your sneakers. The shoes are simply loaded into the drum - and then you can go about your business while the wash cycle continues.
To wash white sneakers in a machine, you need:
- wash the sole under the tap with soap to remove all street dust and dirt, remaining adhering debris and small pebbles stuck in the texture of the sole;
- remove the laces and insoles from the sneakers, if the latter are removed;
- put the sneakers in a mesh bag and tie it tightly - thanks to this, the shoes will not move too actively inside the machine and hit the glass of the hatch;
- place a couple of old unnecessary towels in the drum of the washing machine - this will additionally protect both the drum and the shoes themselves from damage;
- Pour bleaching washing powder into the dispenser compartment, add a little bleach and set the wash cycle to delicate.
You can properly wash white fabric on sneakers only in warm, but not hot water - no higher than 40 °C, otherwise yellow stains will appear on the fabric. Also, when washing, you need to turn off the spin mode - when washing sneakers, this function is not needed.
How to wash white sneakers by hand
Hand washing shoes also has its advantages. First of all, it is suitable for washing very old and worn sneakers, as well as shoes made of delicate materials.
- Before washing, you need to remove the insoles and laces from the sneakers, then shake out all the fine sand and random pebbles from them, and also rinse the soles under the tap.
- You need to fill a basin with warm water, immerse the entire sneakers in it and leave for 20-30 minutes.
- After this, the sneakers or sneakers are treated with whitening toothpaste, laundry soap or another product and left for another 20 minutes.
At the last stage, you need to thoroughly soap the fabric and rub particularly problematic areas with a soft brush. Then the shoes are thoroughly rinsed several times until the water is completely clear.
Caring for white canvas sneakers
Cleaning your sneakers properly is half the battle. It is important to dry them according to the rules. Experts give the following advice:
- Leather sneakers are wiped with a dry cloth, then treated with shoe wax.
- Textiles are left to air dry. Do not place shoes on a radiator, heater, or place them in bright sunshine. She may lose her shape.
- Suede suffers from contact with water. If this happens, dry the surface with blotting movements.
To prevent shoes from losing their shape, you can stuff them with paper towels. The peels of oranges or other citrus fruits will help combat the unpleasant odor.
White sneakers will last longer if you don't wear them every day. Shoes accumulate moisture, which leads to odor and wear. Special products will help prevent contamination. The important thing to remember is that they need to be used daily.
Sneakers are easily damaged by machine washing. It is only suitable for artificial materials. Leather and suede shoes are cleaned by hand. You should wash your sneakers after returning home to prevent dirt from being absorbed. Suede is treated with a dry shoe brush. Even if you know how to clean sneakers correctly, failure to follow these simple recommendations will reduce all efforts to a minimum.
Leather sneakers need to be waxed
Sneakers made from fabric are easier to wash in the washing machine than leather items. However, it is better to clean a pair with a sole that is not stitched, but glued, by hand.
How to restore whiteness to fabric sneakers when washed in automatic mode:
- first remove the laces and insoles;
- clean the sole from adhering dirt;
- rub the surface of the sneaker with laundry soap or washing gel;
- place in drum.
To care for a fabric product, it is also better to choose the least traumatic modes with a small number of revolutions. It is recommended to carry out the procedure without spinning. Any gel detergent or washing powder for white items is suitable for washing. For example:
- Gels Laska, Vorsinka, Frosh, Ariel.
- Liquid remedy Eared nannies.
- Powder for white laundry Persil, Tide, MYTH and others.
It is quite difficult to wipe dirt off fabric with your hands. The task can be made easier by using special tools.
Table 3. Products for hand washing white sneakers.
Group | Names |
Household chemicals | Dally, Vanish Oxy Action, Burti, Sorti, Ariel, Persil, ACE. |
Traditional methods | Toothpaste, mustard powder, hydrogen peroxide, vinegar, ammonia. |
Professional cosmetics for shoes | Tarrago. |
For yellow sneakers, stain removers and bleaches can be used according to the instructions. It is strictly forbidden to use any products containing chlorine.
How to care at home?
Behind the leather ones
White leather shoes are a separate source of anxiety. She is not only beautiful, but also expensive, and it is especially a pity to “ruin” her in one season.
Leather sports shoes should always be in “combat readiness”, even if you are not going to “walk” them in the near future:
- After each appearance, white sneakers should be wiped with a damp cloth or sponge without using aggressive chemicals, dried well without a hair dryer or shoe dryer, and put back in place.
- During the off-season, the pair is placed in a special shoe bag, then in a separate box.
- To prevent the sneakers from losing their shape and from forming various dents, cracks and kinks, they can be stuffed with newspapers the old fashioned way.
- You need to take care of each element of the shoe separately: laces and insoles are cleaned separately, and only after complete drying are returned to their place.
- Leather shoes can be washed in a machine, but only on a special cycle and in a bag for washing sneakers. If you still choose to wash by hand, the water temperature should be moderate - neither cold nor hot. Rough products and hard brushes should not be used.
Important! Only sneakers with stitched soles can be machine washed. If the sole is attached using glue, only hand cleaning is suitable.
After complete drying, you need to use a special cream for leather shoes (white or colorless) for a smooth glossy structure.
Watch a video that shows how to use white paint for leather shoes to restore the attractive appearance of your sneakers:
Behind fabric
With fabric sneakers it’s a little more difficult, because you can’t save yourself with an ordinary damp cloth, and dust also sticks to them very well. If you start scrubbing a stain somewhere outside the house, a large stain with streaks will form:
- After wearing fabric sneakers or sneakers, it is advisable to place them on the balcony or in a well-ventilated place.
- During maintenance, all removable elements must be removed. Cloth shoes can be machine washed at temperatures up to 40 degrees.
- It is very important to dry fabric sneakers well using a special dryer, otherwise white spots will appear, especially if the shoes are cheap and of low quality, which cannot be avoided.
Important! Washing powder and fabric softeners are not suitable for machine washing white shoes. The best options are a special shoe bleach or soap shavings.
Sneakers and sneakers made of fabric are shoes for one season. It has to be washed and cleaned frequently, so pellets, “chronic grayness,” and yellow spots may soon appear.
After a couple of months of regular wear, white shoes already look frankly worn out, so it is recommended to say goodbye to them without hesitation.
Mesh
You need to care for sneakers with mesh in almost the same way as fabric ones , only more gently, because the mesh can tear from rough substances, hot water or too intense movements with a brush.
White mesh sneakers are also susceptible to yellowing, so they are washed in a washing machine on a “gentle” cycle without spinning in a soapy solution, dried immediately, and only then the insole, laces are inserted and the shoes are put on.
Attention! For the winter, mesh sneakers are “filled” with paper and put away in a box.
How are sneakers dried?
To return white sneakers to their original appearance, you should properly dry them in an apartment. To ensure that the shape of the shoes does not change, it is necessary to stuff them with toilet paper or paper towels before drying. They do not contain dyes and also absorb moisture well.
It is undesirable to use newspaper for these purposes due to the presence of paint in the paper, and also because the paper is stiffer and is not able to completely fill the volume of the shoe.
If substances with various kinds of flavorings were used during the cleaning process, then before drying, tangerine or orange peels are placed in the sneakers, and this is done literally for a couple of hours.
If the unpleasant smell still remains after cleaning, you can put small pieces of peeled potatoes inside the sneakers. It will perfectly absorb all foreign aromas.
Leave the washed sneakers in the bathroom so that the water can drain off them.
- Fill your shoes with paper towels. This way it won’t lose its shape during drying. And place it away from the hot battery. As the wipes become wet, replace them with new ones.
- In the summer, sneakers dry well on the balcony. Choose a place in the shade to avoid yellowing and set them out to dry.
Insoles, soles and laces
Insoles and laces from sneakers are washed separately. These parts are removed at the first stage of preparing shoes for washing or cleaning.
Laces
It is better to wash the laces by hand using regular laundry soap. The laces are moistened with warm water, soaped and soaked in warm water for an hour. Then rinse and dry on a line or dryer. It is not advisable to dry the laces on the radiator; the laces may turn yellow.
If you cannot remove the dust deposits, you can clean the white laces with whitening toothpaste. You need to wet the laces with water, apply a thick layer of paste and leave until completely dry. Then rinse off the paste with cool water.
You can use oxygen bleaches to wash laces. But using products containing chlorine is prohibited.
Insoles
Insoles need to be washed regularly, otherwise the shoes may develop an unpleasant odor. Usually, it is enough to wash the insoles with soap. Remove the insoles from the sneakers, soap them and rub them with a brush or sponge. Then you need to wash off the dirty foam and repeat the operation 1-2 more times. The product should be dried by laying the insoles flat on a horizontal surface.
Sole
The sole of white shoes gets dirty not only with dust and street dirt, but also with black traces of tar. In addition, the sole material may yellow.
For whitening, it is recommended to prepare a mixture using different conditions:
- powdered bleach or powder for washing white fabrics;
- liquid soap;
- whitening toothpaste.
Everything needs to be mixed and applied to the sole with an old toothbrush. Clean and rinse well. Dry your shoes in the shade.
White sneakers go well with a variety of ensembles, but these shoes require careful maintenance. You can wash your sneakers and remove any yellow spots that appear on your own, using improvised or professional products.
Source of the article: https://gidpotkanyam.ru/otbelit-belye-krossovki.html
How to clean white sneakers: suede, fabric, leather, mesh, cleaning inside and out, How to wash white mesh sneakers.
Cleaning leather sneakers.
White leather shoes look impressive, but quickly lose their luster with constant wear. If you are looking for a way to wash white leather sneakers, keep in mind that it is not recommended to wash or soak them. This causes soft skin to become rough and yellow.
- To wash white leather Nikes, remove the laces and insoles and carefully knock the dust out of the shoes.
- Take a sponge and soap your household items. soap and treat the surface of the product.
- Stains can be rubbed with a soapy solution and a toothbrush. After cleaning, remove the soap with a damp cloth.
Natural leather is easy to clean with a special paste. Mix:
- 1 tbsp. l. starch;
- 2 tbsp. l. milk.
Apply the thick mixture to the shoes, leave for a quarter of an hour and rub lightly with a sponge. Remove the paste with a damp cloth.
When the leather is dry, polish it with colorless cream, replace the washed laces and insoles and enjoy the perfect look of your shoes.
A few more tips
To remove spot stains and black marks, you should turn to little tricks. Use the products from your first aid kit, cosmetic bag and school pencil case.
- Eraser. It will help if you have leather or suede sneakers. Gently rub the dirty areas so that the shoes return to their original whiteness.
- Hydrogen peroxide. Will cope with dirt on suede or leather sneakers. To do this, apply peroxide to a cotton pad and wipe the contaminated surface.
- Acetone. Yellowness from poplar can be easily washed off with nail polish remover or acetone. Apply the product to the problem area and rub a little.
Another universal product that will help clean not only sneakers, but also any light-colored surface is melamine sponges, which clean both kitchen tiles and shoes. The melamine sponge itself resembles an eraser, only wet. Wet the sponge and rub the dirt - the shoes will return to their usual whiteness.
Knowing how to clean white sneakers is important, but even more important is taking preventive measures. At a shoe store you can buy a spray, cream or sponge specifically for white shoes. If you apply a protective agent regularly, a thin film will form on the sneakers, which will prevent the appearance of dirt.
How to reliably clean insoles?
If paint gets on your shoes, don’t waste time. It is easier to remove the stain before it dries.
- You can remove paint from fabric sneakers with a cotton swab soaked in white spirit solvent.
- When you don't have it on hand, use nail polish remover.
- Before use, be sure to test the product on the inside of the tongue. If the appearance of the fabric has not changed, carefully work the edges of the blot and then the center of the stain.
It is easy to damage the skin using aggressive methods, so for cleansing, prepare a gentle composition of 1 tsp. soda dissolved in 100 ml of water. Try to scrub off the paint. If the blot has not completely disappeared, take the shoes to the dry cleaner or paint over the stain with special white leather paint.
Cleaners
Professional
Saphir Sneaker Cleaner:
- The product is available in a convenient 75 ml tube and is intended for cleaning any sneakers.
- It easily copes with dirt from leather, suede, textile and nubuck shoes.
- Using the cleaner does not require special preparation: first, the sneakers are wiped with a damp cloth to remove dust and debris, then Sneaker Cleaner is applied.
- The convenience of its use is that at the end of the tube there is a soft sponge with a rough layer, which allows you to quickly and efficiently get rid of stubborn dirt without the help of auxiliary items.
Lotion for light-colored shoes Light Colorsby Solitaire VIP.:
- An effective German-made cleaning product contains silk proteins, which allow you to clean the leather surface as gently and gently as possible.
- The lotion contains no solvents, so you can safely use it to care for sensitive natural leather and white shoes.
- Beeswax and natural silk proteins protect skin from UV rays.
The product is suitable for any skin type (lacquered, metallic).
Sole Restorer Bleach for White Sneaker Soles:
- The sole cleaner for white shoes from the Spanish brand Tarrago is created using a special formula with active oxygen.
- The product is not recommended for use on painted or porous soles, but Sole Restorer works brilliantly on rubber materials.
- To achieve the effect, a pair of shoes to be cleaned is treated with the product, placed in a special shoe bag and placed in a sunny place for several hours.
- Under the influence of ultraviolet rays, the product is activated and the maximum whitening effect is achieved.
A good result can be achieved using a stain remover pencil, but only on fabric sneakers.
Traditional methods
Many folk methods for cleaning white shoes have been invented: some praise the miraculousness of soda, others - toothpaste.
Attention! There are times when the desired effect is difficult to achieve, sometimes the opposite effect is achieved - it all depends on the quality and material of the shoes, so you need to use traditional cleaning methods very carefully.
Effective means:
- Toothpaste. This product, which is found in every home, has long proven itself to be an excellent “fighter” against stains on white shoes. Squeeze a little toothpaste onto a dry old toothbrush. Rub the product into the surface using circular movements, after which the shoes are rinsed well with warm water.
- Potato starch and milk. Both of these products are sold at any convenience store near your home. The paste is prepared from ingredients in a 1:1 ratio; the result should be a thick, creamy substance. Using a toothbrush or a rough sponge, rub it into white sneakers, and then wipe the shoes with a damp cloth or rag.
- Lemon juice. Freshly squeezed juice of half a lemon mixed with a small amount of water helps to quickly get rid of the grayness and yellowness of white shoes. To do this, soak a cloth in the solution and wipe the sneakers well.
- Baking soda. The powder from the traditional orange box is mixed with warm water to form a thick paste. The product should be rubbed in well with a brush, left for 15-30 minutes, then rinsed with water.
Reference! Many have learned from their own experience that a mixture of vinegar, hydrogen peroxide and washing powder works well to remove dirt on white shoes. If you want to use this method, be sure to use rubber gloves and dry your shoes on the balcony. Vinegar can leave a trail of unpleasant odors.
How to whiten white sneakers using folk remedies is described in the video:
Suede and light
Noble suede in white looks very attractive. But keeping such a pair clean is more difficult than a leather pair.
Dirt, dust and moisture are the enemies of white suede. If you happen to get caught in the rain while wearing such shoes, then you need to dry the sneakers thoroughly before cleaning them. To do this, the inside is stuffed with white paper.
Methods for cleaning white suede sneakers:
Use a special brush for suede to clean the surface. This will not only lift the pile, but also remove dirt.- You can use a special cleaning foam for suede. It must be used in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations, which are indicated on the spray body.
- Individual stains can be removed by rubbing the surface with a regular eraser.
- As a last resort, it can be treated with a soap solution to which a little ammonia has been added (1 tsp per liter of water).
When dealing with a white suede pair, you should avoid over-wetting the material and deforming the pile.
Important nuances
Before you start bleaching your white sneakers, you need to find out what material they are made of. Shoes can be made of natural and artificial leather or fabric. Summer models often have mesh inserts that provide additional ventilation. The sole of the shoe can be made of polyurethane or other polymer material.
It is necessary to choose a bleaching method taking into account the material of manufacture. So, many people simply wash fabric sneakers in a washing machine with the addition of bleach. It is dangerous to immerse leather sneakers completely in water; the shoes may become warped.
Do not clean polyurethane soles with organic solvents; such treatment can destroy them.
You need to air dry any shoes; you cannot use a hairdryer or put a pair on the radiator. Drying at high temperatures will warp your shoes.
Whitening shoes
Whitening sneakers is carried out in several stages:
- Dry cleaning. Without cleaning agents or equipment, dirt (dust, crushed stone, pieces of earth, leaves) is removed from the couple using tapping movements.
- Removing laces and insoles. They need to be washed separately.
- Foam cleansing. You can use dishwashing liquid, soap or shampoo, the main thing is to whip the product into foam. The foam is thoroughly rubbed into the sneakers using a damp soft sponge. They should be left in this state for 10-20 minutes.
- We rinse the sneakers under running warm water.
- Using toothpaste and a dry, stiff brush, clean the sole and side edges of the sole. Rinse well again in clean water.
- We place a pair of shoes in a special laundry bag and put them in the washing machine. We set the “delicate” mode, remove the spin function, and adjust the temperature to 20-30 degrees.
- After the machine turns off, connect the shoe dryer (for fabric sneakers) or fill each sneaker with paper and place the pair on the balcony (for leather ones).
- When the sneakers are completely dry, insert the laces, insert the insole and apply white shoe care cream.
Cleaning suede
Suede is a delicate fabric. Finding an effective and safe way to clean these sneakers is almost impossible. You can try steaming the suede or dry cleaning it. Features of cleaning suede sneakers:
- dry cleaning is carried out with a special brush; before work, you must make sure that the shoes are completely dry;
- To steam, you need to boil water in a kettle and place your shoes under the steaming spout so that the steam raises the fluff and the dust can be removed more easily;
- It’s best to take a special dry shampoo or foam, apply it to the outer surface, measure the required time, and then remove it with a dry cloth.