How to Wash Your Sneakers and Keep Them Like New

Sneakers have become an essential part of any wardrobe over the last decade. And we’re sure you’ll agree that when you buy a pair you love, it’s incredibly frustrating when they get dirty or scuffed. In fact, you may have even thought they were beyond saving at some point.

But guess what? Everything has a solution, and we’re here to give you the tricks you need to make them look brand new again. Whether they are made of canvas or leather, white or colored, we’ve got options to help you clean and restore your sneakers to their near-original state. Take note!

Is it Safe to Wash Sneakers in the Washing Machine? Steps and Recommendations

Have you ever wondered, “What if I just throw my sneakers in the washing machine?” While it’s possible to do so, you need to be cautious depending on their materials if you don’t want to end up tossing them straight into the trash.

First, you should consider the different materials they are made of. For instance, if they combine suede or leather, the spinning cycle could damage the material. You also need to keep in mind the colors, in case they might bleed and ruin the rest of the sneaker. And, of course, don’t forget to check the care labels that usually come with the shoes or are on the box.

But, without a doubt, the safest option if you want to remove stains is to clean them by hand to avoid spreading them further during washing.

How to Wash White Sneakers Without Damaging Them

Just because putting your white sneakers in the washing machine isn’t the best idea doesn’t mean they’re doomed to stay dirty forever. Cleaning your sneakers can be really simple with any of these tricks:

• Baking Soda and Detergent: Mix them into a paste and use a toothbrush to scrub it into your white sneakers to remove stains. Afterward, just rinse them and let them dry. Be sure to do this after removing the shoelaces.

• Magic Eraser: If your sneakers have rubber soles and you're struggling with stains, you can buy a magic eraser sponge from the supermarket. Just dampen it and scrub.

• Baking Soda and White Vinegar: These two ingredients are perfect for scrubbing your sneakers until they’re clean and shiny, especially if they are made of canvas. Just like the first mixture, apply it with a cloth or toothbrush, then wait 30 minutes before rinsing and letting them dry.

• Micellar Water: Yes, not only is it great for removing makeup, but it’s also perfect for cleaning your white sneakers. It works well on canvas, leather, rubber, and suede finishes.

• Toilet Paper and Water: This method is ideal for canvas shoes that have yellow stains. Soak toilet paper in water and cover your sneakers like you’re making papier-mâché. Then, let them dry for 12 hours until your sneakers are spotless.

Effective Tips to Whiten Your White Sneakers

If your favorite white sneakers have lost that bright white you loved so much, don’t worry, we have some tips to help you whiten them and bring back their shine:

• Toothpaste: Mix it with a bit of water and scrub it onto the sneakers, focusing on the more worn areas. Afterward, just wipe off the excess with a damp cloth.

• Milk and Salt: This mixture might surprise you, but if you add about a liter of milk, half a liter of water, some soap, and salt to a container and soak your sneakers in it, we guarantee they’ll come out super white. Let them soak for at least three hours and scrub them with a brush before rinsing.

• Salt and Detergent: You can also mix these two ingredients to create a paste that you can scrub with a brush to remove dirt. The last step is, as always, rinsing the sneakers.

Whatever the case may be, and no matter what stains they have, we’re sure your sneakers will shine like new again.