Nobody likes it when their shoes aren't neat, right? We, of course, least of all, that should be clear. At this point, let's first take care of sneakers made of (smooth) leather. How do you get them clean, how can you maybe even protect them from dirt? Leather sneakers are classic daily drivers that go with any outfit. Whether you're a die-hard sneakerhead or just want to keep wearing your favorite pair, white leather sneakers in particular need to be properly cared for to keep them looking good for a long time. For cleaning, you do not necessarily need expensive cleaning products, but can use very simple household products that you already have at home. For this, we give you a step-by-step guide and many tips to the hand, with which you can keep your leather sneakers optimally clean and also explain to you why you should rather not put your shoes in the washing machine.

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First, you should be aware of what type of leather you are dealing with. Leather can come in many different forms, such as smooth leather, suede, or nubuck. Depending on the type of leather, the cleaning process may vary. In our step-by-step guide, we first turn our attention to classic leather sneakers.

Step 1

Start by removing the insole and the laces, you can clean them individually later. Then tap your sneakers and use a soft brush to loosen the coarse dirt and dust.

Step 2

Take a small bowl and fill it with lukewarm water and some soap. Wet your brush with it and scrub your leather sneakers to clean them thoroughly. If you don't have a shoe brush you can also use a simple toothbrush or an eraser sponge. In between, clean your brush or sponge every now and then and repeat the scrubbing as often as necessary. Note: Follow this step only for smooth leather sneakers. Suede and nubuck should not be treated with a damp cloth.

Step 3

You can now dry your leather sneakers with a cloth and easily remove any remaining stains. Microfiber cloths are particularly suitable here, as you can use them several times.

Step 4

Now you can clean the insoles and rub them with soapy water and let them dry.

Step 5

Finally comes the cleaning of your laces. You can simply wash them in the washing machine or clean them under lukewarm water with a toothbrush and some soap.

Step 6

If you are through with all steps, you can treat your leather sneakers with a waterproofing spray and let them dry overnight to create a good base against further dirt.

Brushes: For particularly sensitive leather sneakers (e.g. suede) you should use very soft brushes. We recommend the Shoe brush from Jason Markk. For less sensitive shoes, a toothbrush is sufficient.

Home remedy: For a thorough cleaning you do not necessarily need the most expensive sneaker cleaning sets, lukewarm water and a mild detergent or some soap is enough here.

Suede: You should not treat suede sneakers wet, here you should rather use only a soft brush and go with an eraser carefully over stubborn stains.

Washing machine: You should never put leather sneakers in the washing machine. Fabric shoes or shoelaces can be packed in a mesh bag and washed in a gentle cycle.

Impregnate: Waterproofing spray keeps the leather of your shoes soft and supple and protects it from dirt, water and stains. If you impregnate new shoes before you wear them, you can definitely increase their durability and make sure you don't have to clean them as often. The Waterproofing Spray from Jason Markk is water and oil repellent and convinces with long durability.

Leather sneakers

You should never put leather sneakers in the washing machine, as this can irreparably damage the leather and the sole of the shoe. The leather can become brittle and cracked, while the sole of the shoe can become deformed and detached from the upper part. When cleaning leather sneakers, it's best to stick to our step-by-step guide and they'll stay good and long for you!

Fabric shoes

The cleaning of fabric shoes, on the other hand, you can leave with a clear conscience to your washing machine. Here, the machine is a good and quick way to make your fabric sneakers look like new again. First, remove the laces and insoles and put them in a mesh laundry bag. It is important here to wash the shoes around gentle cycle with cold water and a mild detergent.

How often should I clean my leather sneakers?

In order to keep your leather sneakers for a long time, we recommend that you clean them thoroughly about once a month - but more often if necessary. About every two weeks, you can loosen coarse dirt from your shoes so that it doesn't stick to them too tightly.

How should I store my sneakers?

Store your Sneakers in a cool and dry place. Avoid direct sunlight on your shoes if possible, as this can cause the material to discolor over time. To prevent the soles from deforming, it is also important to stuff the sneakers with newspaper or use shoe trees. If you want to store several pairs of shoes, you should store them in separate boxes or containers so that they don't get scratched or damaged.

How often should I use shoe polish?

You can use shoe polish about once a month to protect your leather sneakers from wear and tear - more often if needed. Before applying the cream, make sure your shoes are clean and dry. Then you can apply a thin layer of cream evenly on the surface of the shoe with a soft cloth or brush, and then polish the shoe with a clean cloth.

How to clean your laces?

In the fifth point of our step-by-step guide you will find our tips for the perfect cleaning of your laces.

How to clean the inside of the sneaker?

In the fourth point of our step-by-step instructions above you will find our tips for the perfect cleaning of your insoles.

How do you clean suede?

Cleaning suede shoes requires a little more care than cleaning regular leather sneakers, as the material is very delicate and can be easily damaged. The first step is to use a soft brush or cloth to remove dirt and debris from the shoes. For stubborn stains, you can then use a conventional eraser and carefully try to erase the stains. Finally, you can once again with a suitable shoe brush go over it.

How to dry sneakers?

To dry your sneakers carefully, you should first remove the laces and the inner soles. Then you can stuff the shoes with newspaper to soak up excess water. Leave them to dry out, preferably in a warm and dry place where they are protected from direct sunlight. When the sneakers are dry again, you can put the insoles and the laces back in.

How to take sneaKers with you when traveling?

If you want to pack several sneakers in your suitcase for your next vacation, you should pack them separately in cotton bags. This will prevent the shoes from rubbing together and possibly staining your clothes. Just in case, it is also recommended to pack a travel kit that contains everything you need to clean your sneakers.

If you often and gladly wear leather sneakers and don't want to throw them away after just one year, you should not do without regular cleaning of your shoes. By cleaning them thoroughly, you can restore even the dirtiest formerly white Air Force 1 sneakers. white Air Force 1 look like clean again. In addition, you will also extend the life of your sneakers, as dirt and grime can lead to premature wear of the material. With our step-by-step guide and other tips and tricks, you can do the cleaning quickly and easily with both home remedies and professional cleaning products.

You want to add to your collection of leather sneakers? No problem, in our store you will find a large selection.

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