If your favorite everyday shoes are colorful, then you know very well how easy it goes to get them dirty. Any dust can leave a mark on them, especially if they are made of a soft material like suede. Do you want to refresh them, but don’t know how to do it? Don’t worry, we have some simple and effective ways for you to get your favorite shoes clean and shiny. Discover the secrets of effective cleaning and restore your shoes to their original appearance.
The cleaning method depends on the material
Depending on what material your favorite colorful sneakers are made of, the way you clean them will change.
Also remember that if you use laundry detergents or shoe cleaners to make them color-safe. It is a good idea to apply them first to an invisible part of the shoe and check for discoloration.
Colorful mesh shoes
If your shoes are mesh, we recommend using a dry soft-bristle brush to remove excess dirt. Then mix baking soda with vinegar. Apply the solution to the dirt and wait about 15 minutes. Gently scrub for a minute or two, then wipe with a soft, wet cloth.
Colorful synthetic leather shoes
Soak a cloth cloth in warm water and mild laundry detergent and wipe the dirty areas. Then gently scrub the area with a soft brush for a minute or two. Wipe with a soft wet cloth to remove any detergent residue.
Knitted shoes
Handle knitted shoes as gently as possible. The knitted fabric is soft and stretchy, making it softer than other materials. Avoid brushing, as it can damage the material. For knitted running shoes, we recommend using a soft cloth. It requires more effort to get the stains out, but is just as effective
Be careful with your laundry detergent, as the chemicals can sometimes be too harsh on the fabric. Use a mild bath soap. Soak a cloth in cold water and gently rub the soap in. When the stains come off, wipe off any soap residue with a wet cloth.
Colorful canvas shoes
Canvas sneakers are durable, but they get dirty easily. To clean these shoes, we suggest using a toothbrush and a solution created from baking soda and warm water. Dip your brush into the mixture and scrub the canvas until it is clean. Let the shoes dry, then wipe off any hardened bits of baking soda with a damp cloth.
Don’t wash your shoes in the washing machine
Cleaning shoes can seem like a complicated topic, especially since there are many different shoe cleaning products on the market. The number of options can overwhelm, but don’t worry. It’s not as difficult as it seems, especially with a little knowledge.
What we particularly do not recommend is washing shoes in the washing machine. This is probably the most convenient way to clean dirty sneakers. You need to know that washing sneakers in the washing machine can damage them by bouncing them on the drum of the machine. High temperatures can cause the glue to dissolve, making the shoes lose their strength.
In addition, washing your sneakers in the washing machine will likely void your warranty if they are damaged. Manufacturers do not recommend this way of cleaning shoes and will not recognize the warranty if the washing machine destroys them.
However, if you decide to use this cleaning method, remember that you do so at your own risk.
How to dry colored shoes?
After cleaning your shoes, it was time to dry them, This may seem simple and obvious, but it is not.
Shoes should dry naturally so as not to damage them. If you have thought of exposing them to the sun, forget it. The sun’s rays can deform and shrink shoes, especially if they are made of synthetic materials. The same applies to drying under the radiator.
It is safest to leave the shoes in a dry and shady place. Leave them like this until they dry. You can help them by putting paper inside, which will draw the moisture out of them so the sneakers will dry faster.