Stylish white leather sneakers are a must-have item in any wardrobe. Yet, it can be common to feel like they are forever dirty due to dirt stains that they attract. In this blog, we will provide a step-by-step guide on how to clean leather sneakers by using products that are already found in homes, allowing them to last longer than ever before. Not only this, but we’ll also discuss a few extra tips to take care of your white leather sneakers. Sounds good? Let’s get started!
Why a Proper Leather Sneaker Care Matters?
To preserve the look of your leather sneakers and to ensure they last longer, it’s important to take care of them.
As leather is made of animal skin, it means it will have the same properties as any other dead skin would have. This means it will simply crack, fold, and dry out if not taken care of responsibly. For this reason, learning how to clean leather sneakers will not only increase the longevity of your shoes but also keep them looking fresh and brand new from day one.
How Often Should You Clean White Leather Sneakers?
It's important to clean a white leather sneaker pair at least every fourteen days, depending on how often you wear them. In case of any stained spots, it is important to clean them as soon as possible. By doing this you will not only stop blemishes from occurring but also prevent tough stains that won’t simply budge no matter how hard you try. (If you have a tough stain worry not as we have discussed a few tricks to remove them later in the blog). As a pre-measure, you can also use a waterproof or stain-repellent spray that is leather-friendly to make cleanup easy for future mess-ups.
How to Clean Leather Sneakers: 3 Effective Methods
Knowing how to clean leather sneakers is a crucial part of your sneaker care. Here are three good ways of cleaning leather sneakers effectively without causing any damage.
Method 1: Using a Magic Eraser
This method works well for small scuffs and dirt marks on your sneakers. There is nothing as good as having a Magic Eraser in your cleanup kit. As it is a faster and easier way of solving everything without the involvement of any chemical substances.
What You’ll Need:
- Magic Eraser
- Microfiber towel
Steps:
- Ensure that the Magic Eraser is damp but not soaking.
- Use Magic Eraser to gently rub away any dirt or grime from your sneakers, especially paying attention to the soles.
- Finally, wipe off any leftover foam and completely dry shoes using a microfiber towel to avoid moisture from getting inside.
Method 2: Scrubbing Paste with Toothpaste and Baking Soda
To remove tough stains safely for leather you can simply use a homemade paste. Both toothpaste and baking soda act as a mild abrasive agent and are better than any chemical alternatives.
What You’ll Need:
- White toothpaste (non-gel)
- Baking soda
- Toothbrush or cleaning cloth
- Microfiber towel
Steps:
- Take one tablespoon of white toothpaste, a teaspoon of baking soda, and a few drops of water, and mix it to make a paste.
- Using a toothbrush or rag, apply the mixture to clean leather sneakers and cover them.
- After a few minutes, scrub around in circular motions to remove stains.
- Wipe off the paste from the shoe using a wet cloth then let them dry completely.
- Repeat if necessary for tougher stains.
Method 3: Cleaning with Soap and Water
Soap and water is a classic way of cleaning leather sneakers. The method is both easy and efficient and it particularly helps in dealing with the general accumulation of dirt.
What You’ll Need:
- White soap (bar soap is best)
- Cleaning cloth
- Microfiber towel
Steps:
- Use a clean damp cloth or sponge and apply a bit of soap on it.
- Scrub the upper part of the shoes gently to remove stains in a circular motion.
- Use a moist clean piece of cloth to wipe off soap residue, then use a microfiber towel to dry it.
Extra Tips on How to Clean Leather Sneakers
When discussing how to clean leather sneakers it’s necessary to pay attention to all the fine details. This is important to ensure they stay as good as new. Here are a few extra tips to help you deal with the latter situation.
Clean the Shoe Laces
Shoe laces are easily overlooked and should be spotless as your sneakers can refresh them after soaking in a basin of warm soapy water for just about ten minutes. Remove all the extra dirt by using a brush. After cleaning leather sneakers, dry them completely, or else they won’t re-lace. Laces are unfortunately the first to go when excessively cleaned. So if you find that the time has come to let go, go ahead and purchase new ones. It will add a new dimension to your shoe game instantly instead of trying so hard.
Getting Rid of Sneakers Smell
To get rid of odors in your shoes, place them in a well-ventilated place every day. By wearing socks, you can also reduce moisture thereby preventing any bad smells from breeding up. One can also use tea bags by simply placing them inside your sneakers. If you're more of a coffee person then you can also use baking soda and vinegar solution to deep clean and remove that smelly odor from your leather sneakers.
Removing Stubborn Stains
As mentioned earlier, here’s how to clean white leather sneakers, stubborn stain edition. Your leather sneakers are especially prone to get messy with dirt, grass, or even blood sometimes. Both grass and dirt can easily be cleaned. First, remove the excess dirt and pour a concentrated detergent solution. Let it sit, and then scrub down. Wash with water and you are ready to go. For blood satin you’ll need to take effective measures by using a wet cloth slightly dipped in hydrogen peroxide solution, just be careful with it.
Wrapping Up!
If you want your white leather sneakers to go for the longest time possible, taking care of them regularly is very important. Always ensure that they are dried completely after cleaning to avoid any damage caused by moistness. If they are not in use, keep them in a cool dry place, ideally shoe trees so that they can maintain their original shape at all times.
With these tips on how to clean leather sneakers and regular care, your shoes will always look great. Keep up with this routine, and you’ll enjoy your stylish, comfortable sneakers for a long time. For even more sneaker care tips and product recommendations, visit Barismil: your one-stop shop for all shoe fantasies.
FAQs: All Your Questions on How to Clean Leather Sneakers
How to wash leather sneakers?
Cleaning leather sneakers, you’ll need a damp piece of fabric to remove any dust particles from the upper layer of the shoes. After that, apply gentle soap water or a special cleaner that is specially made for cleaning leather materials. Avoid soaking them inside water as they have to be dried under normal air conditions.
Can you wash leather sneakers?
Yes, you can wash leather sneakers. Although avoid putting them in a washer. Instead, clean such shoes gently by wiping them using a wet rag and mild detergent solution to prevent cracking or peeling off.
How do you clean leather shoes without ruining them?
Clean with care using soft material such as cloth, or mild soap solution. It is not a good idea to use any harsh chemicals on these types of items since they can affect their natural look.
Can you wash leather sneakers with water?
Yes, but sparingly. Dip a damp rag or a sponge in a mild soap solution for cleaning leather sneakers but avoid soaking them. Prolonged exposure to water can simply ruin your shoes.