Sneaker Care 101: How to Clean Your Shoes Like a Pro
Calling all sneaker lovers! Regardless of your athletic capabilities, there’s no feeling like that of a sneaker to make you feel like you can tackle anything.
But worn sneakers can wear down the mind, too, and we think that can do attitude is worth protecting. So today’s all about sneaker care 101 for devout and wannabe sneaker enthusiasts alike.
In this tutorial, we’re diving deep into all the hows, like:
- How to get stains out of sneakers
- How to get gum off the bottom of a shoe
- How to fill in a scratch
- How to fix a cloudy air bubble
- How to stop a shoe from creasing
- How to clean yellowed sneakers
- How to waterproof sneakers
- How to keep midsoles from crumbling
- How to store sneakers
Phew! Let’s get started.
How to Get Stains Out of Sneakers
Sneakers are a multi-purpose shoe. You’ve got outdoor sneakers for morning walks, indoor sneakers for the gym, and versatile sneakers for everyday to-do’s. With infinite applications, you’re far more likely to encounter all kinds of stains and we’re here to help.
Let’s look at how to get stains out of sneakers and then break down each type of stain specifically.
1. Remove Dirt and Debris
As is true for any shoe cleaning process, it helps to remove dirt or debris first using a microfiber cloth or shoe brush (a clean toothbrush is also fine).
Removing dirt will highlight any hidden stains and help you focus on problem areas.
2. Make a Soap Solution
Unlike suede shoes, sneakers are perfect for water solutions. Add a dab of dish soap or laundry detergent to a bowl of water.
It’s recommended to use non-toxic soaps and detergents, as chemicals can further damage sneaker material. If neither of those are accessible, you can use a 1:1 water to white vinegar solution instead.
3. Scrub Until Clean
Take a clean shoe brush or toothbrush and start scrubbin’! Work your way up from the bottom soles and outsoles to the midsoles and uppers. As you go, dip your brush into the solution to clean it periodically.
If you have specific problem areas, simply scrub (in a circular motion) until you find relief. Depending on where the stains live, consider removing the laces and insoles for easier access. This also makes it easy to eradicate smell (which you can address with baking soda).
4. Let Dry
Let your shoes dry naturally before reuse. Repeat as needed.
To go the extra mile (and save time), remove the laces and soak them in a separate bowl of water with dish soap or detergent.
If using baking soda to eradicate smell, don’t do this when the shoes are wet! Simply remove debris with a dry cloth first, then sprinkle the baking soda everywhere. You can remove the insoles to ensure the baking soda seeps in.
Leave it overnight. Then, shake off in the morning and repeat as needed. Now, onto more unique cases.
How to Get Gum off the Bottom of a Shoe
Ah, rats! Gum is one of the most unwelcome shoe visitors, but no need to panic. Here are a few different ways to get that gum to go.
Tweeze and Pull
Believe it or not, there are several ways to get gum off of a shoe. Here’s our originally coined Tweeze and Pull method.
1. Tweeze
Depending on how hard or sticky the gum still is, see what you can pick off yourself. Snag a pair of tweezers and notice what’s willing to come off naturally.
2. Prep Boiling Water
Prepare a bowl of boiling water to rub into the gum with a microfiber cloth. Though this may take some time, it’ll soften the gum enough for easy removal.
3. Pull As Needed
Use the hot water as your guide and continue to scrape the gum off with the cloth or pick it off with the tweezer. The gum should stay soft for easy manipulation.
PB and Scrape
If you need another gum removal method, two words: Peanut Butter.
1. Prep Peanut Butter
Simply place two tablespoons of peanut butter on the gum to cake over it. Let it rest for 20 minutes.
2. Scrape
Take a spoon to scrape the peanut butter-caked gum off the shoe. If you have textured soles on the bottom, you may need a wire or hanger to reach the nooks and crannies. Repeat as needed.
Freeze and Peel
If you’ve got some time to spare, consider freezing the gum off your shoe. Here’s how.
1. Cover the Shoe
For sanitary purposes, cover the problem shoe with a plastic bag. Stick it in the freezer and keep it there for an hour or two.
2. Peel the Gum
Once the gum hardens, peel it off with a butter knife or spoon.
Another way to do this is to cover the shoe, then press the plastic into the gum. Remove it from the freezer, then pull the plastic off to peel the gum away. Clean up the remaining spots with a microfiber cloth or shoe brush.
Other shoe problems? You know who to call! (Hint: It’s us.)
How to Fill in a Scratch
If you’ve got a pesky scratch that just detracts from your vibe, we’ve got you covered!
1. Use Leather Filler
Now’s the time for a leather filler. Simply take a small portion on a butter knife and start to spread it into the scratch.
Often, you can use the same fillers you’d use for leather furniture or other leather shoes. The same goes for furniture paint, which you can repurpose below in step three.
2. Sand It Down
Take a piece of sandpaper to sand down the leather filler. This will keep it flat and smooth to paint over.
3. Repaint
Using white leather paint, repaint the sneaker to feel good as new!
It’s smart to have versatile household items like the fillers and paints so you’re not scrambling in a pinch.
4. Let Dry
Let the newly refurbished spots dry naturally. Especially when using chemical-based products, air them out with ample time before reuse. Voila!
How to Fix a Cloudy Air Bubble
As you get into the more nitty gritty sneaker care concerns, you may come across some pesky air bubbles. Here’s how to fix them.
1. Get a Blow Dryer
Take out a blow dryer and apply to the air bubble. Use a gentle back and forth motion to cover the entire surface area. Don’t hold the blow dryer too close and avoid the highest setting.
2. Witness Magic
Watch the air bubbles disappear! Repeat as needed.
How to Stop a Shoe From Creasing
It’s hard to feel crisp in the morning when your shoes are anything but. Easily remedy creases in two quick steps.
1. Use a Shoe Tree
Shoe trees preserve a shoe’s shape and prevent creasing. Keep them inserted when you’re resting to maintain mint condition.
2. Stuffed Newspaper
If you don’t have a shoe tree, substitute with tissue paper or newspaper to keep your shoes in tip-top shape.
This is a great option in a pinch, but if you’ll be doing this frequently, it may make more sense (and save more trees) to get a shoe tree instead.
3. Try Toe Caps
Toe caps are a great way to keep your shoes intact, crease-free! Creases can return without these reinforcements. Toe caps are perfect to avoid bumps that contribute to wear and tear.
Ultimately, having healthy expectations helps. Sneakers will likely get creased at some point, so be tactful with your interventions.
How to Clean Yellowed Sneakers
Getting that yellowed, stained look out of your sneakers is likely the most serious DIY project of them all. You’ll want to prepare some peroxide bleach and gloves to keep your hands protected.
Ideally, utilize sunny days to do this outside so the sun can activate the peroxide.
1. Wrap the Shoe
Once you’ve protected your hands with gloves, wrap the shoe in a plastic bag. Don’t seal it yet, as you’ll want to make way for the peroxide.
2. Apply Peroxide
Apply the peroxide onto the shoe. Don’t drench the shoe, but make sure all problem areas are covered. You can use a shoe brush or microfiber cloth to do this. Then, seal the bag so the peroxide sets.
3. Let Sit and Dry
Let the sun work its magic. Once the shoes are dry, you can remove the plastic bag and continue air drying.
As you can see, there’s rarely just one right way to achieve optimal shoe care. If this feels a bit too hard core for your liking, you can also make a paste with one tablespoon of water, one half tablespoon of baking soda, and one half tablespoon of hydrogen peroxide.
Coat the problem areas, let dry, and repeat as needed. Your third option is using equal parts bleach and water, but you’ll want to put those gloves back on for that one.
How to Waterproof Sneakers
There are a couple of ways to waterproof your sneakers. The first is using an aerosol protector to spray over your shoes. If you have leather sneakers, though, you’ll want to use wax instead.
Aerosols are easy to use as they’re a bit more hands off. Apply and let dry. For wax, you’ll want to brush it into all areas of the shoe with a shoe brush or toothbrush. Let it sit for 10 or so minutes, then repeat. Then, let everything rest for a day and you’re good to go!
Other considerations to keep in mind? You got it.
How to Keep Midsoles from Crumbling
Midsoles crumble in humid environments. Store your shoes in the box they came in or keep them in low humidity spaces in the house.
How to Store Sneakers
Other ways to store your sneakers? This is where your innovative DIY ideas come into play. Keep them in an organized section in the front foyer, a laundry room, or with a closet rack.
If you can, separate your shoes by type, as this will keep you organized and prevent layered shoes squishing each other.
For more innovative ideas, including revolving racks and ladders, be sure to check out our shoe care basics tutorial next!
Sneaker Season
Whatever the season or reason, there’s always a need for sneakers. With this comprehensive tutorial, alongside our other shoe care blogs, we know you’re ready to give yours their best life yet.
Check out the Zappos catalog for sneaker types and sneaker care products to keep them—and you—happy and healthy. Now that’s what we call getting off on the right foot. Enjoy!
