1. REPEL THE WATER, REPEL THE DIRT
Just don’t expect a quick spritz to cover your next 5,000 kilometres – the chemical coating that causes water to bead off your shoes will wear down over time. Start the season with a full spray-down, then reapply every time you clean your shoes.
2. USE A MAGIC ERASER TO MAKE SCUFFS DISAPPEAR
A magic eraser can take miles off of your rubber and leather shoes.
To remove dark scuffs, dip the eraser into a cup of water and buff out any stains. Then, wipe the shoes down with a wet cloth.
A word of caution, though: These suckers are powerful. Make sure not to rub the eraser on coloured leather, like the stripes on your Adidas, or you’ll risk messing up the dye.
3. BLEACH OR SWAP OUT YOUR SNEAKERS’ LACES
Cleaning your shoes without freshening up your laces is like driving a Lamborghini with dirty rims.
Pull out your laces and scrub off caked dirt with an old toothbrush, then throw them in the washer. Just place them in a mesh bag first to prevent them from tangling up and strangling your turtlenecks.
Another option is to take a medium-sized bowl and make a solution of dish soap, baking soda, and a dash of bleach.
Let the laces soak for a couple of minutes, then, wearing a pair of plastic or latex gloves, rub the solution into the laces.
Rinse with hot water, and allow to air dry—tossing them in the dryer will leave you with dental floss.
4. FRESHEN UP WHITE RUBBER SOLES WITH TOOTHPASTE
The same product you use to polish your teeth can make stubborn outsoles sparkle.
Look for pure, non-gel white toothpaste that contains hydrogen peroxide. (Coloured toothpaste could actually stain your shoes.)
Scrub your soles with an old toothbrush, then wipe clean with a damp cloth.
5. YES, THERE IS SUCH A THING AS WHITE SHOE POLISH
While all of these methods will clean your shoes, only shoe polish will condition and nourish the leather. Think of it as moisturiser for your sneakers.
Rub the polish into the leather with a cotton cloth, let it sit for a couple of minutes, then buff it out with a dry, soft cloth (or a shoe brush, if you’re fancy).
