Sneaker Care Guide: How to Keep Your Sneakers Clean
By Kicks Aura Team ·
Dust, rain and daily wear are tough on sneakers, but a few simple habits can keep a pair looking good for much longer. Always try any cleaner on a small, hidden area first, and follow any care instructions that came with your shoes.
What you will need
- A soft brush (an old toothbrush works for small areas)
- A clean microfibre cloth
- Mild soap or dishwashing liquid mixed with lukewarm water
- Old newspaper or plain paper for drying
The basic clean
- Remove the laces and insoles.
- Knock the soles together and brush away loose dirt.
- Scrub gently with the soapy water, working in small circles.
- Wipe away the suds with a damp cloth.
- Stuff with paper and leave to air-dry in the shade.
Cleaning by material
Canvas: brush with soapy water and blot dry. Hand-wash where you can, since washing machines can weaken glue and change a shoe's shape.
Leather: wipe with a barely damp soapy cloth, then dry it straight away. A little leather conditioner now and then helps prevent cracking.
Mesh and knit: use a soft brush and very little water, then blot rather than rub, so the fibres do not fray.
Suede: avoid water. Use a suede brush and eraser for marks, and keep suede pairs at home on rainy days.
Soles and laces
A brush with soapy water removes most scuffs from rubber soles. Wash laces by hand in soapy water and let them air-dry, or replace them when they look tired. New laces can make an older pair look much fresher.
Surviving the monsoon
If your sneakers get soaked, stuff them with paper straight away and change it when it gets wet. Dry them in a well-ventilated spot and avoid direct sunlight, hair dryers and heaters, which can warp shoes and weaken glue.
Storage
Keep sneakers somewhere cool and dry, away from direct sun. Let them air out before you put them away, and avoid damp, closed spaces where mould can grow during humid months.
Looking for your next pair? Browse the sneakers collection or read how to choose sneakers for everyday wear.