Aren’t you tired of paying for a fresh pair of sneakers over and over again because of how quickly they get dirty?
You shouldn’t have to sacrifice wearing your sneakers only on holidays and special occasions. You should be able to wear them whenever you want. You just have to learn how to clean them!
If you’ve ever owned a pair of white Air Force Ones, then you know that they don’t stay that way for long. Your shoes will quickly become black and dirty with constant wear and tear. There are many home remedies to clean them up. So if your kicks need some love, keep reading!
Why Do They Get Dirty So Quickly?
Air Force Ones are popular shoes that tend to get dirty quickly because of their material and how often they are worn. The fabric used to make these shoes are not as durable as other materials, so it is more prone to dirt and stains. Additionally, because they are often worn, they accumulate a lot of dust and dirt on the surface. This combination of factors makes this type of footwear one of the dirtiest types of shoes.
How to Clean Them
Soap and Water
There are several ways to clean your sneakers. The first way is to use soap and water. When you do this, make sure to scrub the areas where there is dirt or stains. You should also make sure that you get all of the water off of your shoes after cleaning them with soap and water because leaving water on your shoes for too long can cause damage to them overall.
If you want to ensure you are getting each area completely clean, take a toothbrush and brush away at any tough to reach spots like in between the ridges on the soles or around the laces.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Another popular method is apple cider vinegar. Start by taking a mixing bowl, adding in some warm water, and about half a cup of apple cider vinegar. Thoroughly mix these two ingredients until there are no chunks left of vinegar or water.
Next, take a toothbrush and scrub at any spots that have particularly stubborn stains marrying them. Once you have scrubbed each area all over, allow the soapy mixture to set into the sneakers for an hour.
Afterward, you should be able to take a damp cloth and wipe away any remaining stains.
Baking Soda
Another way of cleaning your shoes is using baking soda. To do this, start by taking some lemon juice or vinegar and putting it into a bowl.
Then mix in some baking soda until there are no lumps left. Next, apply the mixture onto the areas that need the most attention with either a toothbrush or an old toothbrush that you can use just for this process.
Let it sit there for about 5 minutes, then take your toothbrush and scrub at those areas vigorously to remove any dirt or stains that may be leftover after applying this mixture.
Finally, rinse out all of the excess baking soda with some water until there are no lumps left.
Air Dry Your Shoes
After cleaning your shoes, it is best to let them air dry. The last thing you want to do is use a blow dryer because the heat from the blow dryer can cause damage to your shoes.
If you attempt to use heat when they’re not completely dry, then moisture can get trapped inside of them and lead to mold, which will destroy your kicks altogether!
Cleaning Shoe Laces
The laces on your sneakers can also get dirty over time, particularly since they come into contact with the ground and with dust and dirt from your shoes.
To clean them, you can either:
- Soak them in warm water mixed with dish soap for about 30 minutes.
- Scrub them with a toothbrush while they are wet.
- Put them in the washing machine on the gentle cycle.
Be mindful, this is for the shoe laces only! Not the shoes themselves.
Tips to Avoid Damaging Them When Cleaning
When cleaning your shoes, it is important to be careful because you can easily damage them if you are not careful.
Some tips to prevent damaging your shoes including:
- Avoid using very harsh chemicals on your shoes.
- Avoid leaving water on them for too long, which can cause them to warp or lose their shape
- Avoid using the washer, which can cause fabric to wear away and fade.
- Don’t use a blow dryer, which can cause the fabric to melt or burn
- Avoid scrubbing too hard at the material, which can cause it to wear away and fade
If you want to ensure that they stay in pristine condition, we recommend that you take good care of them and avoid the aforementioned methods of cleaning.
Maintenance Tips
It’s important to properly take care of your shoes after you’ve cleaned them. Here are a few tips to help you keep them looking good for longer:
- Make sure they’re completely dry before wearing them again.
- Apply a protectant spray after cleaning to keep them looking newer for longer.
- If they get dirty, you can clean them with a damp cloth.
- If you have to, you can replace the laces or soles.
- Store them in a cool, dry place when not wearing them.
These shoes are a classic, timeless footwear that can be worn with anything.
In this article we’ve given you some great tips on why Air Force One’s become so dirty in such short periods of time as well as some easy ways to clean them without ruining their original look or quality! Now you’ll always have your favorite pair ready for any occasion!
