3 weeks Ago By Olivia Allen
Whether you’re heading to a muddy music festival , strolling along a sandy beach or just navigating everyday city grime, your trainers will get dirty – it’s an unavoidable fact of life. But don’t worry, keeping your kicks looking brand new is easier than ever – and it doesn’t just involve chucking them into the washing machine. We turned to shoe care experts Jason Markk and Veja ’s Daniel Schmitt for their top tips on how to clean your trainers.
Below, see Vogue ’s step-by-step guide, plus the expert dos and don’ts. 1. Start with a brush Begin the cleaning process by using a soft bristled brush to gently scrub and brush off loose dirt from the upper, midsole and outsole.
This step helps remove the top layer of grime and dust that would have otherwise embedded itself deeper into the material and thus making cleaning more difficult. Different materials demand different tools and brushes should be chosen depending on the trainer’s material – suede, mesh, leather trainers and knits should each be brushed with care using material-specific brushes to avoid damage. 2.
Apply cleaning solution After brushing, take a microfibre towel and apply a small amount of cleaning solution (foam-based cleaners work best). Gently scrub in circular motions to lift off stubborn stains, especially on midsoles. Microfibre cloths are ideal because they don’t scratch or leave behind lint and are also great for reviving suede, making sure it looks as good as new.
3. Let them dry properly The drying step is essential. After cleaning, remove the insoles and allow your trainers to air dry naturally in a well-ventilated area – avoid direct heat sources like radiators or direct sunlight, which can warp or discolour the fabric.
Stuff them with acid-free tissue or clean towels to maintain their shape and absorb excess moisture. Drying can take up to a day, so plan ahead if you’re prepping for an event. 4.
Don’t let dirt build up It goes without saying, but to keep your new sneakers looking sparkling new, you should clean your trainers regularly. The longer dirt sits, the harder it is to remove, and it could mean a shorter life for your kicks. If you’re forgoing wellies for trainers this festival season, pack a cleaning solution that doesn’t need any water for ease and speed, like the RTU Foam .
4. Store them properly Storing sneakers can also have a large impact on their lifespan and it’s essential to dry them before putting them away. After cleaning, remove the insoles and let your shoes air dry naturally in a well-ventilated space, away from direct sunlight or radiators, avoiding direct heat.
Stuff the shoes with acid-free tissue paper or clean towels to help them keep their shape and absorb moisture. 5. Laces, laces, laces If your trainers need a bit of TLC, never underestimate the power of a fresh pair of laces.
Running an existing pair through your washing machine can work, but there’s nothing like that totally fresh feel. For a few pounds, you can give shoes a new lease of life, and even up the ante by choosing creative colours that clash with a new energy. Pink trainers? Choose orange laces.
Green shoes? Opt for grey. The possibilities are endless. What should we avoid when cleaning trainers? Avoid bleach, overly wetting suede or mesh, and don’t scrub too hard; gentle movements are key.
“We also tend to treat dirty shoes as disposable, when a cobbler can often bring them back to life,” says Schmitt, Veja’s social and environmental project manager. Are there considerations for different materials? Absolutely. “Leather is the most resistant material,” the expert continues.
“Suede and mesh need more care, but can still be cleaned with the right tools.” Match your material to the weather – leather for rainy days, suede for dry and cold days, and mesh or cotton for sunshine. “And don’t forget, if your sneakers are white, they’ll need more upkeep than darker pairs,” he adds.
Is it okay to put trainers in the washing machine? Short answer: no. “Shoes in general should not be machine washed,” Schmitt confirms. “It can weaken adhesives and damage delicate materials like mesh or suede.
” Instead, use brush-based methods and foam cleaners. If you absolutely must, use a gentle cycle and always remove the insoles and laces – but proceed with caution. If you’re busy, “a good brush clean with a specialised product can take as little as 10 minutes,” says Daniel.
“The longest bit is the drying, which can take a full day. And if cleaning isn’t bringing you joy, visit a cobbler. They’ll know exactly what to do.
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