So, you’ve got a fresh pair of New Balance sneakers? Awesome! Whether you’re rocking the classic 574s, the sleek 990s, or something more modern, keeping them clean is key to making them last and looking their best. Let’s face it, life happens. Mud, dirt, and the general wear and tear of daily life can take a toll on your kicks. But don’t worry, giving your New Balance sneakers a good cleaning isn’t as daunting as it might seem.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from gathering the right supplies to the best cleaning methods for different materials. We’ll cover everything from a quick spot clean to a more thorough deep clean. We’ll also provide tips on how to protect your sneakers and prevent future stains. Let’s get those New Balances looking fresh!
Understanding Your New Balance Sneakers
Before you start scrubbing, it’s essential to understand the materials your New Balance sneakers are made of. This will determine the best cleaning approach. Different materials require different cleaning methods to avoid damage. Check the tag inside your shoe or the product description online for the specific materials used.
Common New Balance Materials:
- Suede: A soft, napped leather. Requires special care to avoid water damage and staining.
- Nubuck: Similar to suede but with a finer grain. Also sensitive to water.
- Leather: Durable and relatively easy to clean, but can dry out.
- Mesh: Breathable fabric, often found on the uppers. Generally easy to clean.
- Canvas: A sturdy fabric, commonly used for the upper.
- Synthetics: Various man-made materials, often used for overlays and accents.
- Rubber: Used for the soles and often for toe caps and other accents.
Important Note: Always test your cleaning solution on a small, inconspicuous area of the shoe first (like the inside tongue or a hidden part of the upper). This will help you ensure the solution doesn’t discolor or damage the material.
Gathering Your Cleaning Supplies
You don’t need a lot of fancy equipment to clean your New Balance sneakers. In fact, most of the items you need are probably already in your home. Here’s a list of essential supplies:
- Soft-bristled brush: (Old toothbrush, shoe brush, or a soft cleaning brush)
- Mild detergent or sneaker cleaner: Dish soap or a specialized sneaker cleaner. Avoid harsh chemicals.
- Warm water: For cleaning and rinsing.
- Clean towels or microfiber cloths: For drying.
- Optional:
- Shoe trees or paper towels (to maintain shape while drying)
- Stain remover (for tough stains)
- Protective spray (to prevent future stains)
- Eraser (for suede and nubuck)
Step-by-Step Cleaning Guide
Here’s a detailed, step-by-step guide to cleaning your New Balance sneakers. We’ll cover both general cleaning and specific material considerations.
Step 1: Preparation
- Remove the Laces: Untie and remove the laces. Wash them separately (see lace cleaning section below).
- Remove Insoles (if possible): Take out the insoles. This allows you to clean the inside of the shoes more effectively. Wash them separately or wipe them down with a damp cloth.
- Tap off Loose Dirt: Gently tap the soles of your sneakers together to remove any loose dirt, pebbles, or debris.
Step 2: Cleaning the Soles
The soles often get the dirtiest. Here’s how to clean them: (See Also: Has Trump Sold Any Sneakers )
- Mix Cleaning Solution: In a bowl, mix a small amount of mild detergent (dish soap or sneaker cleaner) with warm water.
- Scrub the Soles: Dip your soft-bristled brush into the cleaning solution. Scrub the soles, paying attention to the crevices and edges. Work in circular motions.
- Rinse the Soles: Rinse the brush with clean water and scrub the soles again to remove the soap. Wipe down with a clean, damp cloth.
Step 3: Cleaning the Uppers (general Method)
This method works for most materials, but adjust based on the specific material of your sneakers.
- Apply Cleaning Solution: Dip your soft-bristled brush into the cleaning solution. Gently scrub the uppers, working in small sections. Avoid applying too much water.
- Wipe Down: Use a clean, damp cloth to wipe away the cleaning solution and any dirt.
- Rinse (if needed): If necessary, rinse the cloth with clean water and wipe the uppers again to remove any remaining soap.
Step 4: Cleaning Specific Materials
Here’s how to clean New Balance sneakers made from specific materials:
Suede and Nubuck
These materials require extra care, as water can easily damage them. Avoid getting them excessively wet.
- Dry Brush: Use a suede brush or a soft brush to remove loose dirt and debris.
- Eraser: Use a suede eraser to remove scuff marks and light stains.
- Specialized Cleaner: If necessary, use a suede cleaner specifically designed for these materials. Apply sparingly and follow the product instructions.
- Avoid Water: Try to avoid getting suede and nubuck wet. If they do get wet, let them air dry completely away from direct heat or sunlight.
Leather
Leather is more durable than suede, but it can still dry out. Proper cleaning and conditioning are important.
- Wipe Down: Use a damp cloth to wipe away dirt and grime.
- Cleaning Solution (optional): If needed, use a mild cleaning solution (like diluted dish soap) and a soft brush.
- Condition: After cleaning, apply a leather conditioner to keep the leather soft and supple.
Mesh and Canvas
These materials are generally easier to clean.
- Cleaning Solution: Use a cleaning solution and a soft brush to scrub the mesh or canvas.
- Rinse: Rinse with clean water and wipe with a damp cloth.
Synthetics
Most synthetic materials can be cleaned using the general method (cleaning the uppers). Always test the cleaning solution on a small area first. (See Also: Have Skechers Sneakers Improved )
- Cleaning Solution: Use a cleaning solution and a soft brush.
- Rinse: Rinse with clean water and wipe with a damp cloth.
Step 5: Cleaning the Laces
Laces often get very dirty. Here are a couple of ways to clean them:
- Hand Washing:
- Remove the laces.
- Mix a small amount of detergent with warm water in a bowl.
- Soak the laces in the solution for a few minutes.
- Gently scrub the laces with your hands or a soft brush.
- Rinse thoroughly with clean water.
- Air dry.
- Place the laces in a mesh laundry bag to prevent them from getting tangled or damaged.
- Wash on a gentle cycle with cold water.
- Air dry.
Step 6: Drying Your Sneakers
Proper drying is crucial to prevent damage to your sneakers. Here’s how to dry them properly:
- Air Dry: The best way to dry your sneakers is to air dry them. Avoid direct sunlight or heat, as this can cause the materials to shrink, crack, or fade.
- Stuff with Paper Towels or Shoe Trees: Stuffing your sneakers with paper towels or using shoe trees will help them maintain their shape while drying. Replace the paper towels as they get wet.
- Drying Time: Allow your sneakers to dry completely before wearing them again. This can take several hours or even a day or two, depending on the materials and how wet they got.
Step 7: Protecting Your Sneakers
Once your sneakers are clean, you can take steps to protect them and prevent future stains:
- Protective Spray: Apply a protective spray designed for sneakers. This spray creates a barrier that repels water and stains. Follow the product instructions.
- Regular Cleaning: Clean your sneakers regularly to prevent dirt and grime from building up.
- Avoid Harsh Environments: Try to avoid wearing your sneakers in very muddy or wet conditions.
- Proper Storage: Store your sneakers in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
Advanced Cleaning Techniques and Tips
For tougher stains or more specialized cleaning needs, here are some advanced techniques and tips:
Dealing with Stubborn Stains
Some stains require more than just a regular cleaning. Here are some tips for tackling tough stains:
- Oil Stains: Sprinkle baking soda on the stain and let it sit for several hours or overnight. Then, brush it off and clean the area with a mild detergent.
- Ink Stains: Dab the stain with rubbing alcohol or a specialized ink remover. Test on a small area first.
- Grass Stains: Mix a solution of white vinegar and water. Dab the stain with the solution and let it sit for a few minutes. Then, scrub gently with a soft brush.
- Blood Stains: Rinse the stain with cold water and blot it with a clean cloth. Avoid using hot water, as it can set the stain. If the stain persists, try using a mild detergent and cold water.
Using a Washing Machine (with Caution)
While hand washing is generally recommended, you can sometimes wash your New Balance sneakers in a washing machine. However, it’s essential to proceed with caution and follow these guidelines: (See Also: How Clean Play Sneakers )
- Check the Care Label: Always check the care label inside your sneakers. If it says “Do Not Wash,” do not put them in the washing machine.
- Remove Laces and Insoles: Remove the laces and insoles before washing. Wash the laces separately.
- Use a Mesh Laundry Bag: Place your sneakers in a mesh laundry bag to protect them from damage during the wash cycle.
- Use Cold Water and a Gentle Cycle: Wash your sneakers on a gentle cycle with cold water. Avoid using hot water, as it can damage the materials.
- Use Mild Detergent: Use a mild detergent. Avoid using bleach or harsh chemicals.
- Air Dry: Never put your sneakers in the dryer. Air dry them completely, away from direct heat or sunlight.
Addressing Odors
Sneakers can sometimes develop unpleasant odors. Here are some tips for removing odors:
- Baking Soda: Sprinkle baking soda inside your sneakers and let it sit overnight. Then, shake out the baking soda.
- Vinegar Solution: Mix a solution of white vinegar and water. Spray the inside of your sneakers with the solution and let them air dry.
- Odor-Absorbing Insoles: Use odor-absorbing insoles.
Maintaining White Soles
White soles can be particularly prone to getting dirty. Here are some tips for keeping them clean:
- Regular Cleaning: Clean your white soles regularly to prevent dirt and grime from building up.
- Magic Eraser: A Magic Eraser can be very effective for removing scuff marks and dirt from white soles.
- Toothpaste: Non-gel white toothpaste can be used to scrub white soles. Apply the toothpaste, scrub with a brush, and rinse.
- Bleach (Use with Extreme Caution): Diluted bleach can be used to whiten white soles, but use it with extreme caution. Always test it on a small, inconspicuous area first. Dilute the bleach with water. Apply the solution, scrub gently, and rinse thoroughly.
When to Seek Professional Help
If you’re unsure about cleaning your New Balance sneakers or if they have valuable or delicate materials, it’s always best to seek professional help. A shoe repair shop or a sneaker cleaning service can provide specialized cleaning and restoration services.
Preventative Measures
The best way to keep your New Balance sneakers clean is to prevent them from getting dirty in the first place. Here are some preventative measures you can take:
- Protective Spray: Apply a protective spray to your sneakers before wearing them, especially if you know you’ll be in a messy environment.
- Avoid Harsh Conditions: Try to avoid wearing your sneakers in muddy, wet, or dusty conditions.
- Regular Cleaning: Clean your sneakers regularly, even if they don’t look dirty. This will prevent dirt and grime from building up and making them harder to clean later.
- Proper Storage: Store your sneakers in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
Troubleshooting Common Cleaning Problems
Here are some solutions to common cleaning problems:
- Discoloration: If your sneakers become discolored after cleaning, it’s often due to using the wrong cleaning solution or applying too much water. Try re-cleaning the area with a milder solution and less water.
- Shrinkage: If your sneakers shrink after cleaning, it’s likely due to using hot water or putting them in the dryer. Avoid these methods.
- Stains that Won’t Come Out: Some stains are very difficult to remove. Try using a stain remover specifically designed for sneakers or seek professional help.
Final Verdict
Cleaning your New Balance sneakers doesn’t have to be a chore. By following these steps and using the right techniques, you can keep your kicks looking fresh and extend their lifespan. Remember to consider the materials of your sneakers, gather the right supplies, and take your time. With a little care and attention, you can keep your New Balance sneakers looking their best, whether you’re hitting the gym, walking around town, or just relaxing at home. Regular cleaning and preventative measures are key to maintaining the appearance and longevity of your favorite footwear. Enjoy your clean and stylish New Balance sneakers!
Recommended For You
