How to Clean White Leather Sneakers: The Mini-Guide You've Been Looking For
White leather sneakers are that essential and timeless piece that always finds a place in the wardrobe of every fashion and shoe lover in general. Owning them, for some, is comparable to living a real experience that begins the fateful moment in which they take them out of their box. Removing the lid and enjoying a beautiful pair of white, fine shoes is a magical feeling , difficult to describe in words. On the other hand, there is nothing worse than observing that pure beauty ruined by dirt, smog and debris.
We know how difficult it can be to manage a sneaker with a leather of this color , since every little external agent can be a problem. Another situation can also occur, that is, that the white gradually fades or yellows over time.
But did you know that quality shoes like these are designed to be worn anywhere without fear ? That's why it's important to know the right methods that will allow you to preserve the original splendor of the leather of your white sneaker , without feeling forced to buy another pair. In this mini-guide we will reveal some tricks that could revolutionize your vision of this shoe : are you ready to discover them all?
How to clean white leather sneakers: the procedure
Photo by huy-le
Your white leather sneakers can give you so much satisfaction throughout their existence. They allow you to always get your style choices right because with a pair of these on your feet you will always be appropriate for the occasion and the context. In recent years, in fact, the appeal of sneakers has been ennobled and we find them more and more often as protagonists in business environments and even at weddings! To avoid appearing sloppy, however, you must learn to take care of them as if they were the most precious treasure you have to guard.
Your white leather sneakers deserve a happy life but it is important to underline that this type of material is notoriously more delicate than those we easily find on the market such as nylon, canvas or other plastic derivatives. First of all, you must absolutely avoid giving in to the temptation to wash them in the washing machine. Even if many dare to do so, know that abundant water infiltrations can damage the ergonomic structure of the shoe, deforming it. In addition, the rotary movements of the drum can cause perforations and scratches on your footwear.
Another enemy of leather is high-performance chemical cleaners , such as degreasers or bleach. These can yellow the upper and sole or cause deterioration of the leather. In addition to recommending daily cleaning with a soft dry cloth, below you will find the 3 steps to follow to reinvigorate and clean your sneakers.
1. Preparation
The most important phase to proceed with the delicate operation of cleaning your beloved white leather sneakers concerns preparation. Here you will have to be good at properly preparing the shoes for the treatment you are about to reserve for them.
Start by removing the laces and inserting a shoe tree inside to preserve the structure. This tool has a dual function: to keep the shoe in shape and to reduce internal humidity during washing.
Next, get a brush (even one with synthetic bristles will do) that you will use to remove the most stubborn dirt from the sole, a toothbrush to clean the seams and the most difficult to reach areas and a soft microfiber cloth to wet, dry and polish the surface.
Following these steps will allow you to obtain a satisfactory result and will keep the shoe shining over time, as if it were always its first day.
2. Cleaning
If we had to summarize the process in one word, it would be “delicacy” . You must forget about any subterfuge or stratagem you have thought of to reduce the expected time. As anticipated, all chemical detergents containing non-ionic surfactants (almost always derived from petroleum), ethanolamines, synthetic polymers and other powerful substances that, in addition to being potentially harmful to the body, constitute a source of danger for your beloved shoes, must be banned.
We recommend that you rely on the “oldie but a goodie” Marseille soap , whose prodigious qualities are too often underestimated. All you need to do is dilute a teaspoon of this soap in a salad bowl containing warm water. Then, dip your toothbrush in water and delicately treat the upper and seams of your shoe. Don't forget the most hostile and hidden areas such as the eyelets from which the laces come out. Once you have completed this task, move on to the sole. By its very nature, it is the dirtiest part of our shoes: when we use them in particularly polluted cities, it takes just a moment to find the soles in a disgusting pitch black.
Finally, rinse using a well-wrung microfiber cloth , without ever thinking about putting them directly under running water. By following these simple steps, you can ensure your shoes are cleaned effectively without damaging them. Remember that taking care of your shoes is not just a matter of aesthetics, but also of hygiene and durability over time. So give them the time and attention they deserve!
3. Drying
We have reached the last step regarding the way in which our white leather sneakers will have to be dried. Leather shoes are a piece of art and as with precious paintings it is essential to avoid exposure to direct heat sources.
The sun, for example, could cause permanent changes in the color of the leather or rubber that the sole is usually made of, causing it to yellow irreversibly. Even hair dryers, heaters and radiators can damage the texture of the leather, deform the shoe and even cause small burns. Patience is the key to everything: do not try to speed up the drying time, let the shoes dry in the air, placing them strictly in a shaded place. Only in this way will you be able to keep the beauty and softness of your sneakers intact.
Are Your Sneakers Stained? Here's What to Do
Photo by Stephen Murphy
If you're a lover of white leather sneakers, you know how annoying and frequent stains can be. These can appear on your beloved footwear at any time of the day, even if you're paying all the attention in the world. Some, then, are really stubborn and the risk of seeing unsightly halos appear is always around the corner. Don't worry, we're here to help you defeat them once and for all!
Oil or grease stains
Unlike suede, oil stains are less dangerous for leather but will still put you on alert, especially when we are talking about a light or white dye. You should know, in fact, that for some types of leather, oil can even be an excellent polish, if applied with a cotton ball.
However, it is different when it falls heavily on the surface, settling in a large quantity in a single spot. The first thing to do is try to absorb part of the stain by sprinkling talcum powder or corn starch on it and leave it to act for a few minutes. Then brush the powder and dilute two tablespoons of yellow soap in 1/2 liter of hot water. Dampen a microfiber cloth in the mixture, wring out the excess liquid and rub the stain gently. Don't forget to let them air dry properly before putting them away in the appropriate box or shoe rack.
Scratches from rubbing
And what about scuff marks? Sometimes all it takes is a little tap on the door sill, a rub between the shoes while walking, or even just a little scrape on the sidewalk to find ourselves with the blackened dirt mark that we all know so well.
This type of stain can be removed with the help of a simple kneaded eraser. Just pass it over the stain as if you were trying to erase it and you will see that it will disappear as if by magic! If that is not enough, micellar water can also be a valid ally. The micelles it contains will dissolve the dirt, leaving the shoes whiter. Dab the substance on the scuff, using a damp cotton ball and voilà.
Generic but difficult stains
If you are struggling with general stains like mud or other agents that do not seem to want to leave your beloved white sneakers, do not despair! Just use white vinegar. Drop a few drops of vinegar on a damp microfiber cloth and rub slowly on the stain, with circular movements. If the dirt is particularly stubborn, repeat the operation a second time. Let the sneaker dry as previously mentioned and they will be as good as new.
Photo by Nathan Dumlao (left) and Jordan Andrews (right)
Don't forget your laces!
Since details can make the difference, when you decide to do a deep cleaning of your white leather sneakers you can take the opportunity to also clean the laces. The straps are the part of the shoe that we touch most frequently, so they must be disinfected carefully. Furthermore, they are one of the components that come into contact with the ground when they melt, attracting germs and bacteria to them.
Usually, the most common ones on the market are made of cotton or synthetic fabric ending with a plastic or metal material that protects them from fraying. The first thing you need to do is take them out of your sneakers. You can choose to wash them by hand , immersing them for a few minutes in a basin containing a delicate detergent such as yellow soap or Marseille soap. If there are any stains, pre-treat them with a toothbrush. Alternatively, you can put them in the washing machine . The important thing is to protect them inside a laundry bag, such as those dedicated to underwear or swimwear. This will also prevent the dispersion of the same, which could remain stuck in the filter, in the gasket or even in the micro holes of the washing machine drum.
A special mention, however, goes to the laces of our T-Switch . Unlike the most common models currently available on the market, they are made of rubber. To clean them, simply detach them one by one from the sneaker and then rinse under running water. Leave them to dry in the shade and you're done: practical, fast, very simple!
In conclusion, following the right steps in the maintenance of white leather sneakers is an imperative that must be followed in order not to compromise their charm. Do not improvise and do not experiment . If you have done all the steps but are still not satisfied, contact a shoemaker or contact the manufacturing company. Leather is a premium material and must be treated as it deserves. Having perfectly clean and well-kept shoes is the starting point of a winning style: you will convey attention to detail and respect for yourself.
Article by Alessia Capo