From The Straits Times    |
How to keep white sneakers clean Thumbnail

It’s apparent by now that all of us are obsessed with white sneakers. They are comfortable, stylish, chic, easy to wear — the pros of these shoes seem exhaustive.

The only gripe everyone seems to have about it? The challenge to keep these sleek kicks fresh and white (duh) even after multiple wears.

One quick trip to a cafe can result in a whole slew of disasters; a spill of my favourite latte on them while I am taking a #fromwhereistand shot, scuffing the alabaster leather because I bumped into something, and the sun is probably my worst enemy — the culprit behind unsightly discoloration.

It sounds like a real commitment to maintain them. But fret not, here are 6 simple ways to help you keep these classic whites sparkling and fresh.

1. Protect them with stain and water repellent

As the adage goes… prevention is better than cure. The second your shoes leave the shoebox, treat them with a repellent. These sprays essentially shield textiles and leather fibers to make them highly resistant to water and stains while allowing the material to breathe.

You can try: Collonil nanopro spray, $35 from Masterfix

2. Do regular spot cleaning

Sorry ladies. I know it sounds like a drone but there’s no way around this. After every wear, briefly inspect your shoes to clean off any obvious dirt and grime. This prevents the dirt and blemishes from penetrating into the fabric or leather. This extra minute will be worth it in the long run.


You can try: Soft cleaner wipe, $4.90 from Colourwash
 

3. Eraser can help remove marks

If your sneakers are rubber soled, you can take a moment to rejoice! Most of these marks and ‘stains’ come off easily with the rub of an eraser. No water or detergent needed.

4. Use an old toothbrush

The bristles on shoe brushes are sometimes too hard for your soft leather sneakers. The soft bristles on the toothbrush is perfect for cleaning up the dirt in the nook and crannies.

5. Keep your shoes indoors

Overexposure to UV can lead to fading and unwanted discolouration. As it is, your shoes are already getting enough exposure whenever you wear them out. Minimize that by storing them in a cool dark place when you are not wearing them.

6. Don’t ever toss them into the washing machine (even your white laces!)

The harsh tumble motion in the machine might rip your sneaker and the heat can discolour the stark white into an awful shade of yellow. As for your laces, just take them out and rinse them lightly with soap and let them air dry.

Find out how you can protect your shoes from sweat, rain and the singapore sun!