Helpful tips and instructions on how to wash white sneakers
White sneakers have long ceased to be just sports shoes. They are a common addition to urban style.
Such universal, eye-catching shoes must be clean.
There are several ways to thoroughly wash white sneakers, taking into account their appearance, the material of the upper and the specificity of the model.
Is it possible and how to wash white sneakers from dirt in an automatic washing machine, how to clean them by hand so that there are no yellow stains, we will tell you in the article.
Content
- Preparing for washing
- Choosing a method for cleaning shoes from dirt
- In the washing machine
- Is it possible manually?
- Laces and insoles
- Material imposes limitations
- How to get rid of yellow spots, what to do to avoid streaks?
- We wash the sole
- Proper drying at home
- Alternative Cleaning Methods
- Dry cleaning
- 10 recommendations
- Video on the topic
- Conclusion
Preparing for washing
Before washing your sneakers, they need to be prepared for cleaning.
To do this you should:
- Pull out the laces.
- Remove the insole if it is not glued.
- Clean the sole from dirt.
For sneakers with ribbed soles, simply rinsing them may not be enough. Small pebbles that are stuck in it must be carefully cleaned out. To do this, it is convenient to use an old toothbrush and toothpick.
This pre-treatment is very important. It prevents excess dirt from getting into the water in which the white pair of shoes will be washed.
Choosing a method for cleaning shoes from dirt
After the preparatory stage, you should decide on the washing method. This can be automatic machine washing or hand processing. Sometimes this information is provided by the shoe manufacturer.
Disadvantage of manual processing:
- high labor intensity of the process;
- need to waste time.
Automatic washing is not acceptable for every pair of sneakers. You should not experiment by sending sneakers with embroidery, appliques and other decor to the drum.
You should also not machine wash sneakers made from material that cannot be wetted. Heavily soiled shoes may require pre-washing..
You can learn how to properly wash sneakers here.
In the washing machine
Washing in a machine greatly simplifies the process of caring for shoes. The disadvantage of this treatment is the inability to control the entire washing process, as well as the likelihood that the sneakers will be damaged.
Mode
Many washing machines have a special “sports shoes” mode.. This option suits best. If it is not available, it is better to choose the “delicate wash” option.
Even light sneakers in the drum of a washing machine can damage household appliances and become deformed if you use the spin cycle.
Disabling it will help to avoid problems, as will the mandatory disabling of the “drying” function - it is prohibited for shoes. Its use may cause yellow streaks to appear on white material.
Water heating temperature
You can wash your shoes in a machine without heating, but the best result is obtained by setting temperature indicators in the range from +30? C to +40? C. Higher water temperatures can cause shoes to warp, and cold water is often ineffective at washing.
Powder VS gel
To wash white fabric sneakers, you can use universal products. But preferable are those that are designed specifically for washing white clothes.
There is no need to add fabric softener, as it can create stains that are difficult to remove.
Instructions
Washing procedure using a washing machine:
- Prepare shoes for washing.
- If there are stains on the surface, they must be removed.
- Place the pair in a special shoe washing bag and zip it up.
- Place the bag in the drum of the washing machine.
- Load the detergent into the special compartment of the machine.
- Set the mode to “shoes” or “delicate”.
- Check that the water heating temperature is set to no more than + 40? C.
- Turn off spinning and drying.
- Start the wash cycle.
A bag for washing shoes is a useful thing. This device is significantly different from nets for clothes and linen, as it has sealing elements that protect shoes from excessive mechanical impact on the inner surface of the drum, and the washing machine itself from impacts from shoes.
Is it possible manually?
If white sneakers need to be washed in a gentle way, the manual option is optimal. Unfortunately, even this may not be available if the sneakers are made of suede or the shoes have significant damage.
For hand washing you will need:
- pelvis;
- brush;
- washing powder or gel;
- water.
Cleaning procedure:
- Pour warm water into a basin.
- Dissolve the detergent.
- Dip the prepared sneakers into the solution.
- Wash with a brush.
- Rinse well so that no detergent remains on the fabric.
Laces and insoles
Insoles and laces removed before washing should be washed separately. They clean well when washed by hand with laundry soap. For better processing, you can use a brush.
This is a necessary precaution - if the tip of the cord accidentally comes off, it will not damage the washing machine. Laces and insoles can be washed more often than the sneakers themselves.
Material imposes limitations
When choosing a processing technique, material should be taken into account sneakers In most cases they are made of textiles. This pair can be washed both by hand and in a machine.
But some models with varnished fragments, suede, and complex designer decor cannot be washed at all. More stringent requirements apply to sneakers that are planned to be machine washed.
Textile
Fabric sneakers are comfortable summer shoes. It has a large list of advantages:
- ease;
- breathability;
- attractiveness.
But a white textile pair requires more care than a colored one. High-quality sneakers can be washed both in a machine and by hand.
Between washes, these shoes can be cleaned with a dry brush to prevent dirt from being driven deep into the fibers.
Washing textile sneakers, Try to avoid prolonged soaking and long washing cycles. You can find out more about washing fabric sneakers Here.
Suede
White suede sneakers are very attractive, but at the same time they are easily soiled and not resistant to wet handling. It is advisable to clean such shoes using a dry method.
Faux leather
Leatherette sneakers are not machine washable. A When processing by hand, intense friction is prohibited - the material simply will not survive it.
Leatherette sneakers should only be washed if they are heavily soiled and dry cleaning is ineffective.
Leather
In many fashion collections, sneakers are presented not only in textiles, but also in leather.
If shoes are made of genuine leather, it is necessary to ensure the most delicate treatment, without intense energetic impact and friction.
White leather sneakers in most cases respond well to careful cleaning with soapy water and a light brush. After drying, it is advisable to treat white leather sneakers with a special impregnation.
How to get rid of yellow spots, what to do to avoid streaks?
White color is very sensitive to proper drying and washing rules. The following factors can lead to yellow stains:
- using the wrong detergent;
- poor rinsing after washing;
- washing and rinsing in hot water;
- use for washing dirty water;
- crumpled drying;
- drying in the open sun.
On plain white sneakers, you can try this simple whitening method: rub the problem areas with white toothpaste, using an unnecessary toothbrush.
If white sneakers are very dirty, then washing them is a must.
For this you will need:
- 3 tbsp. l. washing powder for white clothes;
- 2 tbsp. l. vinegar;
- 1 tbsp. l. citric acid.
Processing order:
- Mix all ingredients.
- Using an old toothbrush, apply the mixture with rubbing movements onto the sneakers.
- Set aside for 20 minutes.
- Rinse with a brush in water.
The same composition can be used to clean white soles.
How to bleach sneakers and remove yellow stains from them, video recipe:
We wash the sole
Washing sneakers is not always effective in making the soles white. In order for shoes to acquire a neat appearance, they cannot be left unattended.
Dishwashing liquid
Regular dishwashing detergent or liquid soap is suitable for removing “traces of time” from the soles and rubber sneaker socks. For ease of application, you can use a sponge or an old toothbrush.
White
For complex stains that could not be removed by other methods. You can use white.
It must be applied very carefully so that the caustic liquid does not get on the upper material.. A cotton swab will help to process the joint between the upper and the sole as carefully as possible.
Alcohol
Rubbing alcohol from a pharmacy will work on the soles of white sneakers that have turned yellow as a result of wear. You can use a cotton pad not to treat the entire surface, but only the dirty areas.
Proper drying at home
Washing your sneakers correctly is half the battle.To prevent the white upper from becoming stained and the material from becoming deformed, the shoes must be dried properly.
After washing, the sneakers are turned upside down, allowing the water to drain. For drying, choose a warm, not damp place with good ventilation..
You can speed up the absorption of water from sneakers by filling them with crumpled white paper. Newspapers cannot be used for this purpose - they are ways to color white material with printing ink.
Can:
- Dry outside, but not in the sun;
- dry in a dry place.
It is forbidden:
- try to speed up the drying process by placing shoes near heating devices, near fire sources;
- expose wet sneakers to the sun;
- leave in a damp place;
- dry unflattened.
Alternative Cleaning Methods
There are situations when you cannot wash your sneakers. Alternative methods may help:
- dry cleaning;
- painting;
- dry cleaning
Dry cleaning is a way to care for shoes between washes, as well as an option for cleaning sneakers that are not recommended to be washed. If there is significant contamination, such care may not be sufficient, and you will have to use dry cleaning services.
You can purchase suitable paint in shoe stores and specialized departments.. It must be used strictly according to the instructions provided for the specific product.
If there is no time left for paint and dry cleaning, and you need to put on the sneakers right now, you will have to carefully rub the tops with white toothpaste. This method will give a short-term effect, but will help in a hopeless situation.
Dry cleaning
Turning to shoe dry cleaning services is sometimes the only option to save your sneakers and restore their attractiveness. Sneaker dry cleaners even undertake complex cleaning of not only sports shoes, but also boots, shoes, etc.
The list of services usually includes:
- cleaning;
- restoration;
- disinfection;
- deodorization.
Depending on the model and complexity of the contamination, the cost of the cleaning service is determined. The average cost of standard cleaning will be about 1,500 rubles.
For an additional fee, it is possible to provide other services - painting, minor repairs, replacement of laces.
10 recommendations
Simple tips from experts will help you clean white shoes easier. These recommendations include:
- White sneakers should not be worn in the rain.
- After walking, it is advisable to remove dust from the top of the sneaker immediately.
- To clean sneakers, you should not use kerosene and gasoline, even in purified form.
- The use of stain removers will help maintain the white color of your shoes.
- You can put no more than 2 pairs of sneakers in one washing machine load. Moreover, both pairs must be the same color.
- For fabric, leather and other types of sneaker uppers, you should not use products with chlorine.
- Hot water, even for short periods of time, can cause the material to shrink and deform a pair of shoes.
- If white sneakers have colored laces, then they need to not only be removed before washing, but also processed separately.
- Black lines and marks on the white rubber toe of the sneaker can be removed with a regular school eraser.
- Hand washing sneakers should be done with rubber gloves.
Video on the topic
Several ways to clean white sneakers are presented in the video:
Conclusion
Washing done in accordance with all the rules can refresh the appearance and extend the life of your favorite pair. white sneakers For expensive sneakers with complex, permanent decor, machine cleaning is completely excluded, and even manual cleaning will not always cope with the difficult task.
Solving the problem will help you turn to professionals for help - a sneaker dry cleaner.