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Refresh Your Steps: A Comprehensive Guide to Making Old Sneakers Look Brand New

In today’s fast-paced world, keeping your sneaker game on point is a must for both style and comfort. However, buying a new pair every time…

by  thereclusehub

In today’s fast-paced world, keeping your sneaker game on point is a must for both style and comfort. However, buying a new pair every time your old favorites look worn can be quite a pinch on the pocket.

The good news?

You can easily rejuvenate your old sneakers and make them look brand new with some basic supplies and a little elbow grease.

I’ve previously talked about painting your sneakers to customize them but sometimes all they need is a clean refresh.

This comprehensive guide walks you through the steps to refresh your sneakers and also shares tips on how to maintain them for long-lasting use.

Disclaimer: this blog post contains affiliate links. As a member of the Amazon Affiliates Program, I earn a small commission on qualifying purchases. 

Gather Your Supplies

First things first, gather all the necessary supplies. Here’s a more detailed list of what you’ll need:

  • A mild cleaning solution: You can use dish soap or a sneaker cleaning solution. If you’re using dish soap, mix a small amount with warm water in a bowl. If you’re using a sneaker cleaning solution, follow the instructions on the bottle.
  • A soft-bristle brush or an old toothbrush: This will help you to clean the sneakers without damaging them.
  • A magic eraser or a white rubber: This will help to remove any stubborn dirt or scuff marks.
  • Baby wipes or wet wipes for shoes: These are great for cleaning the midsoles and outsoles of the sneakers.
  • White vinegar or baking soda: These can be used to remove any stubborn stains.
  • Shoe polish or white shoe cream (optional): This can be used to restore the color and shine of the sneakers.
  • Protector spray (optional): This can help to protect the sneakers from future dirt and stains.

Here are some additional tips for gathering your supplies:

  • If you have sneakers made of different materials, such as leather and suede, you may need to use different cleaning solutions and products.
  • Make sure that the brush you choose is soft enough to avoid damaging the sneakers.
  • If you’re using a magic eraser or white rubber, be careful not to rub too hard, as this could damage the sneakers.
  • If you’re using white vinegar or baking soda, be sure to test it in an inconspicuous area of the sneakers first to make sure that it doesn’t damage the material.

Once you have gathered your supplies, you’re ready to start cleaning your sneakers!

Dry Brush the Dirt Off

Begin by removing loose dirt and debris by dry brushing the exterior of the sneakers.

Use a soft-bristle brush or an old toothbrush to gently brush away the dirt, focusing on the sole and crevices where dirt tends to accumulate.

Prepare a Mild Cleaning Solution

Create a mixture of warm water and a few drops of dish soap or a specialized sneaker cleaning solution. Dip your brush into the solution and gently scrub the sneakers in a circular motion.

For stubborn stains or ground-in dirt, a magic eraser or a bit of white vinegar can do wonders.

Homemade sneaker cleaner solution recipe

Here is a recipe for a homemade sneaker cleaning solution that is safe and effective:

Ingredients:

  • 1 part mild dish soap
  • 2 parts warm water
  • 1 part white vinegar (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Mix all ingredients together in a bowl.
  2. Dip a soft-bristled brush or toothbrush into the solution.
  3. Gently scrub the sneakers, paying attention to any areas that are particularly dirty.
  4. Rinse the sneakers with clean water.
  5. Allow the sneakers to air dry completely before wearing them again.

If you have any stubborn stains, you can try adding a tablespoon of white vinegar to the solution. Be sure to test the vinegar in an inconspicuous area of the sneakers first to make sure that it does not damage the material.

Here are some additional tips for making and using a homemade sneaker cleaning solution:

  • Be sure to use a mild dish soap. Avoid using harsh detergents or soaps, as these can damage the sneakers.
  • Use warm water. Hot water can damage the sneakers, while cold water will not be as effective at cleaning them.
  • If you are using white vinegar, be sure to test it in an inconspicuous area of the sneakers first to make sure that it does not damage the material.
  • Be careful not to over-scrub the sneakers, as this can damage the material.
  • Allow the sneakers to air dry completely before wearing them again.

With this homemade sneaker cleaning solution, you can keep your sneakers looking their best without spending a lot of money.

Tackle Scuff Marks and Stubborn Stains

Scuff marks can make sneakers look old and tired. A magic eraser or white rubber is perfect for erasing these unsightly marks.

For more stubborn stains, create a paste of baking soda and water, apply to the stain, let sit for a few minutes, then gently scrub away.

Clean the Laces

To clean shoelaces, you can follow these steps:

  1. Remove the shoelaces from your shoes.
  2. Rinse the shoelaces under warm water to remove any loose dirt or debris.
  3. Fill a sink or basin with warm water and add a small amount of mild soap.
  4. Soak the shoelaces in the soapy water for 15-20 minutes.
  5. Use a soft-bristled brush or toothbrush to scrub the shoelaces, paying attention to any areas that are particularly dirty.
  6. Rinse the shoelaces thoroughly with clean water.
  7. Air dry the shoelaces completely before putting them back in your shoes.

Here are some additional tips for cleaning shoelaces:

  • If you have white shoelaces, you can soak them in a solution of 1 part bleach to 10 parts water for 10-15 minutes before scrubbing them. Be sure to rinse the shoelaces thoroughly with clean water afterwards.
  • If you have shoelaces with stubborn stains, you can try using a paste of baking soda and water to scrub them. Apply the paste to the stains and let it sit for 15-20 minutes before scrubbing it off with a soft-bristled brush or toothbrush.
  • Be careful not to over-scrub the shoelaces, as this can damage them.
  • Allow the shoelaces to air dry completely before putting them back in your shoes.

With these tips, you can keep your shoelaces clean and looking their best.

Wash the Insoles

Remove the insoles and wash them separately using the mild cleaning solution. If the insoles are especially smelly, a mixture of baking soda and water can help deodorize them. Lay them flat to dry.

Freshen Up the Color

If your sneakers are white or a light color, a white shoe cream or polish can help freshen up the color. Apply according to the instructions on the product and allow to dry completely.

Protect Your Sneakers

Once your sneakers are clean and dry, apply a protective spray to help repel dirt and water. This will help keep your sneakers looking new for longer.

Maintain Regularly

Regular maintenance is key to keeping your sneakers looking new. Wipe them down with baby wipes or wet wipes after each wear to prevent dirt build-up.

Conclusion

Reviving your old sneakers not only saves you money but is also a great sustainable choice in the long run. With the right cleaning and maintenance routine, you can keep your sneakers looking brand new and stay stylish on the go!

Your sneaker’s lifespan is in your hands. This guide has provided a clear path to rescuing your worn-out sneakers, making them shine again, and ensuring they stay that way for as long as possible. Step up your shoe care routine today and strut with revived confidence in your refreshed kicks!