Keeping your sneakers clean is vital to maintaining their look and expanding their lifespan. However, many people inadvertently make errors while cleaning that can harm their beloved shoes. This comprehensive guide will highlight common pitfalls to avoid when cleaning sneakers and offer specialized advice on effectively cleaning them with the appropriate sneaker cleaner.
Using the Wrong Cleaning Products
One of the biggest mistakes made is utilizing the incorrect cleaning products. Household cleaners and harsh chemicals often contain ingredients like bleach, ammonia, acetone, and alcohol that can strip color, cause discoloration, and damage the material over time, whether leather, canvas, mesh, or suede.
Opt for a sneaker cleaner designed specifically for the shoe’s fabric. Check that it is pH-balanced and sulfate-free to gently remove grime without eroding the integrity of the sneakers.
Scrubbing Aggressively
Another mistake is scrubbing too aggressively. While removing stains is important, extreme scrubbing with stiff brushes can rapidly deteriorate the exterior material.
Use a soft premium bristle brush and gentle circular motions. Be patient with stubborn marks on leather or canvas, allowing the cleaner to penetrate fully before lightly wiping them away. Rushing through cleaning with force can permanently scratch, peel, or mar the exterior.
Using Water Excessively
Applying too much water is also problematic. Overwetting leather causes dryness, stiffness, and eventual cracking over time.
With canvas, overwetting causes bubbles, shrinking, warping, and misshaping. Instead, mix a small amount of water and cleaner to gently wipe away dirt. Avoid soaking entirely, as excess moisture internally damages the structure.
Drying Sneakers Inadequately
Allowing improper drying ruins freshly cleaned sneakers. Direct sun can fade colors while heat tools like blow dryers can shrink and crack material.
Gently blot wet patches with a microfiber towel before air drying indoors away from direct light. Stuff with a shoetree wrapped in clean newspaper to absorb moisture and hold the ideal form as they fully dry.
DIY Cleaning
Many people try DIY sneaker cleaning instead of hiring a professional. While convenient, DIY scrubbing often misses ingrained stains pros would catch. Additionally, specialized gear like ultrasonic cleaners and solutions means experts can intensively clean with precision. Protect your investment by trusting the deeper cleaning to a reliable shoe care service.
Storing Improperly
Even clean sneakers can rapidly get dirty if stored incorrectly. Always keep them in breathable mesh bags or containers, never airtight plastic. Use moisture-absorbing packs to guard against humidity-ruining dry leather and canvas.
Store in cool, dark places away from heat and light to prevent fading, yellowing, or material deterioration over the months.
Bottom Line
Cleaning sneakers properly maintains their pristine appearance and maximizes durability. Avoid common errors like using the wrong sneaker cleaner, over-scrubbing, overwetting, quick-drying, DIY cleaning, and improper storage; instead, use specialized cleaners and techniques.
When in doubt, let the experts handle the intensive cleaning. Keeping your kicks fresh expands their lifespan and saves money over time. Protect your treasured footwear by mastering standard cleaning and storage practices.
