The truism goes: You do better when you know better. This is perfectly applicable to the science of cleaning your shoes. You should know that prevention is better than a cure but sometimes stuff happens causing our kicks to enter a warzone. Following our cleaning guide will significantly improve your chances of never having to write off your favourite pair.

FIXING FUR:

It’s hard to beat a luxe-looking suede or nubuck upper, but they can be a nightmare to clean. You will want to apply and reapply a sneaker protection once a week to guard your shoes against liquid penetration and soften fatal blows from oils and grease. When it comes to removing stains, a suede brush is your starting point. 

How to clean:

• • Begin by gently using a hard-bristle head to loosen stubborn stains. Don’t apply a lot of pressure.
  • Liquid and suede aren’t friends but they can coexist. Spray your entire shoes (neer spot clean) with Sneaker Lab’s cleaning solution, being careful not to soak the upper.
  • Dip a soft-bristled cleaning brush lightly in a bowl of cold water, shaking off the excess before starting to clean, using a light touch and circular motion.
  • Once complete, remove any excess foam with a microfibre cloth and leave it to dry out of direct sunlight for at least 24 hours.
  • Once completely dry, the suede/nubuck will require you to rejuvenate the nap. Do this using the rubber heads on your suede brush, stroking lightly against the grain until the upper regains a natural, soft feel.
  • Pump two sprays of Sneaker Lab odour protector inside.

YES, YOU CAN(VAS)

After suede and nubuck, canvas uppers are the hardest to clean. They have a magnetic attraction to dirt and once a stain is in dee, you have to add prayer to your cleaning routine. Try this…

How to:

• • • Soak heavily soiled kicks in a tub of warm water with a small amount of washing powder for no longer than 30 minutes. This will help loosen dirt.
    • Dip a soft-bristled cleaning brush in a bowl of cold water before starting to clean using a firm touch and a circular motion.
    • Once complete, remove any excess foam with a microfibre cloth and leave it to dry out of direct sunlight for at least 24 hours. Canvas sneakers go yellow or brown if left to dry in direct sunlight.
    • Pump two sprays of Sneaker Lab odour protector inside. 

KNIT KNACKS

These days, many sneaker uppers are constructed from a knitted or woven fabric. That fabric is often infused with elastic properties to aid comfort. This adds a layer of complexity to cleaning. 

How to:

• • • • Soak heavily soiled kicks in a tub of warm water with a small amount of washing powder for no longer than 30 minutes. This will help loosen dirt.
      • Dip a soft-bristled cleaning brush in a bowl of cold water, before starting to clean using a light touch (you don’t want to compromise the knit) and circular motion.
      • Once complete, remove any excess foam with a microfibre cloth. This fabric often retains water, so a short spin cycle in the washing machine on the delicate setting is required before drying.
      • Leave to dry out of direct sunlight for at least 24 hours.
      • Pump two sprays of Sneaker Lab odour protector inside.

Bonus Pro-tip

Denim often leaves dye stains at the top of your suede or nubuck kicks. A sneaker protector will limit the damage, but if the problem is entrenched, try dipping your cleaning brush in hot water and applying additional cleaning solution and pressure to the affected area.