Sneaker Maintenance: Basic Knowledge Everyone Should Know

Read on to equip yourself with the essential knowledge on how to care for and clean your sneakers. Most of us probably own at least 2-3 pairs of sneakers, right? Sneakers are not only practical and comfortable but also a fashion statement that reflects our individual style and personality. However, in our tropical climate with unpredictable weather and motorcycles as the primary means of transportation, our beloved sneakers often get dirty and dusty easily.

Don’t let your sneakers collect dust or sit idle in the shoe cabinet for too long. Use this time to take care of your sneakers to ensure they stay clean, in good condition, and ready for use when the situation allows.

Understand the Material Before Cleaning Your Sneakers

Sneakers today are made from various materials, and a single pair of sneakers can incorporate more than four different types of materials. Different materials require different cleaning and care methods, and using the wrong cleaning agent can damage your sneakers.

Canvas Shoe: The primary material for brands like Vans and Converse. Canvas is durable but prone to getting dirty. Fortunately, it’s relatively easy to clean, and you can wash canvas sneakers at home.

Mesh Shoe: Common and comfortable material. Like canvas, it’s susceptible to dirt but can be cleaned easily.
Rubber Shoe: A durable material that’s easy to clean for regular dirt, but some chemicals can be challenging to remove.
Leather Shoe: Comfortable and stylish, but cleaning leather sneakers can be complex and damaging if done incorrectly.
Suede Shoe: Very fashionable but easily stains and is challenging to clean. Consider using a professional nano-coating service for suede sneakers.

These are the primary materials used in sneakers. Once you can identify and differentiate these materials, cleaning your sneakers will become more manageable.

Proper Home Cleaning of Sneakers

Step 1: Remove the laces
Detach the shoelaces to clean them separately and to access all areas of your sneakers more easily.

Step 2: Remove dry dirt, mud, and dust.

Before using water, use a soft brush to remove dirt and dust from the surface of your sneakers and the soles. This will prevent the dirt from smudging when it comes into contact with water and make the cleaning process more straightforward.

Step 3: Use a suitable cleaning product for your material.

Select a specialized sneaker cleaning product that suits your sneaker’s material. These products come in the form of soap or spray. Apply the solution to your sneakers or spray it directly, then use an appropriate brush to scrub in a circular motion until the dirt is removed.

If necessary, clean the inside of your sneakers with water, depending on the cleaning product you’re using.

Step 4: Air dry

When cleaning your sneakers at home, avoid using household hairdryers or washing machine dryer functions, as high temperatures can damage them. Also, refrain from exposing them directly to sunlight, as this can cause fading and damage to the sneakers.

Instead, air dry them as much as possible. Wrap them in tissue paper and place them in a well-ventilated area with minimal exposure to sunlight. You can also use a fan if necessary.

Step 5: Store sneakers carefully

After they are completely dry or when not in use for an extended period, store your sneakers in their original shoeboxes or use specialized shoe cabinets with lids to protect them from insects and dust. Consider using shoe trees to maintain their shape and moisture-absorbing sachets to keep them dry. If you have a transparent shoe cabinet, keep it away from direct sunlight.

Tips and Notes for Long-lasting, Well-maintained Sneakers

Always wear socks: Going sockless can harm your feet and your sneakers. It can cause the inner color of your sneakers to fade quickly and increase the risk of foot odor. If your outfit demands a sockless look, invest in ankle socks.
Use protective services for your sneakers: Many upgrade and protection services are available for sneakers, such as waterproof nano-coating, 3M sole covers, topy sole covers, Vibram soles, and more. These can make sneaker maintenance much easier.
Seek professional help for unique materials or stubborn stains: If your sneakers have intricate details or materials that are hard to clean at home (e.g., Ultra Boost soles), consider using specialized cleaning services. Professionals with the right knowledge and equipment can help you preserve your sneakers.
With the right care and maintenance, your sneakers will stay clean and last longer, ensuring that they’re in great shape for when you can wear them again.