When it comes to fashion staples, white sneakers are right up there with a good pair of denims or a plain white teeshirt. But, with all the smudges and dirt that a pair of white sneakers can pick up, how should you be keeping your kicks fresh for the summer season?
Prevention is better than restorations
Of course, hindsight is 20/20, but having some foresight with your sneakers can save them from some abuse and deterioration later. As soon as you whip your new sneakers out the box, use a protection spray to avoid them picking up dirt from the get-go. This will prevent the shoes from absorbing dirt and staining, leaving your sneakers a little more on the yellow scale rather than a bright white.
Remove existing dirt
If your favourite sneakers have seen some ‘things’, it’s best to clean them properly before heading out in them and furthering the problem. Brush off loose dirt and dust from your shoes with the help of a soft brush designed for sneakers (or even a soft-bristled toothbrush) – this will ensure you don’t damage or weaken in the fibres in your sneakers.
Avoid the washing machine
Despite hearing stories of people throwing their shoes in the washing machine, don’t do it. Some sneaker materials will warp in the water or lose their cushioning, in addition to warmer water causing issues on the sneakers’ durability, stitching, and glue on the soles.
Don’t forget the laces
It’s easy for your laces to get dirty due to them being handled and flung around a whole lot more than the sneakers themselves. Thankfully, they’re the easiest to clean. Once again, avoid the washing machine and rather use a soft brush and cleaning spray.
Keep them cool
While it’s difficult to avoid hard heat and sunlight on your sneakers (especially in our beautiful South African climate), it’s best to not leave your shoes in the sun when not in use. Keep them in a cool, dry place to avoid any discolouration or fading from overexposure to the sun or dampness.
Do you have any tips or tricks to keep your sneakers in the best shape? Check out a range of shoe-care and sneaker cleaning products on PriceCheck!
