Clean White Fabric or Leather Sneakers
Your Stan Smiths or Converses are gray? Don't put them in the machine right away (it unglues the soles).
Recommended Materials
- Baking soda
- Dish soap
- White toothpaste
- Toothbrush
- Magic eraser
Steps to follow
Step 1
Remove the laces and wash them separately (in a machine in a net or by hand with Marseille soap). Clean laces change the whole look of the shoe.
Step 2
For fabric (Converse type): Make a paste with Baking Soda + Dish Soap + a little water. Scrub the whole shoe with an old toothbrush. Let the paste act for 30 mins in the sun if possible. Rinse with a damp sponge.
Step 3
For leather (Stan Smith type): White toothpaste (classic paste, not gel) works very well. Scrub, wipe with a damp cloth. Or use cleansing milk to clean and nourish the leather at the same time.
Step 4
For the rubber sole (the white edge): The magic eraser (melamine foam) is formidable. Wet it, rub, it's white instantly. Otherwise, a little nail polish remover on a cotton pad (in moderation) removes black grime.
Step 5
Drying: Air dry, strictly in the shade (direct sun yellows white rubber and hardens leather). Stuff them with newspaper to keep their shape and absorb moisture from the inside. Change the newspaper after an hour if it is too damp to speed up the process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put them in the washing machine ?
It's risky. Heat and water can melt the glue (the sole comes off), yellow the rubber, and deform the leather. If you do it: cold (30°C max), in an old pillowcase to protect the drum, without strong spin.
Precautions
- Do not put in the dryer (guaranteed death of the shoe).
- Watch out for suede parts (no water).
