Cleaning leather tennis shoes is essential to maintaining their quality and extending their lifespan. Although the process may seem daunting, it’s actually a straightforward and simple process. With a few basic supplies and some patience, you can have your leather tennis shoes looking as good as new. This article will guide you through the step-by-step process of how to clean leather tennis shoes.
Instruction how to Clean Leather Tennis Shoes
1. Gather the necessary materials
Before you begin cleaning your leather tennis shoes, you’ll need to gather a few supplies. You’ll need a soft-bristled brush, a clean cloth, a bowl of warm water, a mild detergent, and a leather conditioner. Be sure to choose a mild detergent, as harsh chemicals can damage the leather. You can also use a specific leather cleaner or conditioner for tennis shoes, which are readily available in the market.
2. Gently wipe away surface dirt
The first step on how to clean leather tennis shoes is to remove any loose dirt or debris. Use the soft-bristled brush to gently brush away any dirt or debris from the surface of the shoe. Be sure to brush in the direction of the grain of the leather to avoid damaging the surface.
3. Wipe the shoes with a clean cloth
After removing any loose dirt or debris, use a clean cloth to wipe the surface of the shoes. This will help to remove any remaining dirt and prepare the shoes for the cleaning process.
4. Use Your Preferred Cleaning Solution
Your leather tennis shoes will be easier to clean with the right cleaning solution now that you’ve taken care of the major stains. There is no one perfect procedure because it depends on the kind of stain, grime, or scuff mark, as well as the kind of leather in your tennis shoes.
There are numerous types of professional and homemade solutions accessible. You may restore the clean of your leather tennis shoes by using the four most efficient ways how to clean leather tennis shoes listed below.
For Hard Stains: You might need to combine these techniques if the stains are really difficult to remove. Please avoid using any harsh chemicals that could harm the leather of your shoes and feel free to use some of these treatments more than once.
Method 1: Utilize A Specialized Leather Shoe Cleaner
To get rid of tough stains, use a special leather shoe cleaning.
Instruction: Just lightly scrape the stains and scuff marks away with a brush and some leather shoe cleaning. Make sure the brush isn’t too stiff, then begin with circular motions with low pressure.
Method 2: Use An Eraser Sponge
Another excellent method how to clean leather tennis shoes is with magic eraser. They typically consist of melamine foam and are useful for removing tough stains.
Instruction: Grab a piece of the eraser sponge and wet it. Then squeeze it to remove any stains from your tennis shoes. Just use this on the areas that require cleaning.
Method 3: Use A Vinegar & Olive Oil Mixture
You can use vinegar and oil as a fantastic home remedy on your leather tennis shoes. Apply it with a soft brush or sponge after combining the ingredients in a spray bottle.
Instruction: In a bowl or spray bottle, combine olive oil and white vinegar in a 2:1 ratio. Rub the stains away by lightly applying on your tennis shoes. This should be very effective.
Method 4: Use A Baking Soda & White Vinegar Mixture
Instead of olive oil, baking soda also achieves the same results. Baking soda works incredibly well to remove organic substances like dirt, mud, or markings.
Instruction: Simply add a little baking soda and some white vinegar to a bowl and mix. Apply the mixture to your tennis shoes using a handy applicator in moderate circular motions.
Method 5: Use Toothpaste
You can also use toothpaste that has been diluted with some water. Using it on white-colored leather shoes is likewise safe, and it works wonders for eliminating scuff marks off leather.
Instruction: Simply apply toothpaste that has been mixed with water to your tennis shoes with a toothbrush or a sponge. Furthermore, it’s secure to use and won’t taint white leather.
5. Rinse the shoes with clean water
Once you’ve finished washing the shoes, rinse them thoroughly with clean water to remove any remaining detergent. Be sure to rinse the shoes in the direction of the grain of the leather to avoid damaging the surface. Use a clean cloth to wipe away any excess water.
6. Condition the shoes
After cleaning and rinsing the shoes, it’s important to condition the leather to keep it soft and supple. Apply a small amount of leather conditioner to a clean cloth and rub it into the surface of the shoes, making sure to cover all areas. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on the conditioner label to ensure that you apply the correct amount. Allow the shoes to dry for at least 24 hours before wearing them.
7. Polish the shoes (Optional)
If you want to give your leather tennis shoes a little extra shine, you can polish them with a leather polish. Apply a small amount of polish to a clean cloth and rub it into the surface of the shoes. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions on the polish label to ensure that you apply the correct amount. Allow the shoes to dry for at least 30 minutes before wearing them.
How to Avoid Stains on Your Leather Tennis Shoes
1. On your shoes, use a water-repellent product. Your shoes will last longer and won’t suffer water damage if you use water repellent. Repellents are available as sprays, waxes, and oils. Read the product’s directions carefully, then abide by them. Normally, you should spray the water repellent all over your shoe and wait until it is dry before adding another coat.
- Prior to applying a repellant to your shoe, remember to clean it.
- Brands like Meltonian, Obenauf, Scotchguard, and Jason Markk Repel are well-known leather water repellents.
- Check to be sure the repellant is made for leather and not suede.
2. As soon as your shoes become soiled, clean them. Maintaining the appearance of your white shoes is simple with spot cleaning. As soon as dirt, scrapes, and scuffs land on your shoes, wipe them off with a moist rag or paper towel. Every day when you return home from work or school, check your shoes and remove any dirt.
- You won’t have to clean the white leather as much if you are more rigorous about routine spot cleaning.
- To remove the filth from deeper stains, use a toothbrush and undyed mild dish soap.
3. Keep your shoes indoors and away of the sun. Your shoes’ leather may deteriorate and turn yellow with exposure to sunlight. When not in use, store them in a cool, dark place in your home to keep them from deteriorating.
The bottom line
In conclusion, knowing ways how to clean leather tennis shoes is an essential part of maintaining their quality and extending their lifespan. With a few basic supplies and some patience, you can have your leather tennis shoes looking as good as new. Follow above simple steps to keep your leather tennis shoes clean, soft, and supple for years to come.
