How To Clean Trainers

It can’t be helped; trainers are destined to get a little grubby – they’re constantly gliding across the floor, after all. But if you want to keep them looking box-fresh, even after muddy hikes, it’s going to take a little scrubbing and some fabric know-how to get them clean. Luckily for you, we’ve got all the information you need on how to clean trainers.

Rid Any Excess Dirt

First things first, no matter what fabric you’re working with, it’s always a good idea to get rid of any loose dirt. To do this, bang the soles of each shoe together to loosen clumps of mud. Then, give each shoe a shake to ensure everything falls off. Doing this will make the job a whole lot quicker and reduce the chance of rubbing dirt further into the fabric.

How To Clean Leather Trainers

Leather trainers like our crocodile-embossed Hampstead pair can be easy to clean, just take care not to disrupt the natural oils that protect the hide.

• Get a bowl of lukewarm water with a small amount of mild dish soap.

• Dip a clean toothbrush into the mixture and gently brush down the sides of the shoe to scrape away any dirt.

• Once the majority of the visible dirt is loosened, take a microfiber cloth to rinse the trainers down. Use a blotting motion so as not to be too abrasive to the leather.

• If the laces need cleaning, de-lace them from the shoes, pop them in a mesh laundry bag and give them a spin in the washing machine. Only use a gentle cycle as too much heat can deform the plastic tips of laces.

• Once finished, leave the trainers and laces out to air dry then apply leather conditioner to the exterior to keep the material smooth and supple.

How To Clean Canvas Trainers

There are two lines of action you can take when cleaning your canvas trainers: washing machine or hand wash. The answer really comes down to the trims. If your shoes have any suede or leather details, it’s best to avoid the harsher spin cycles of a washing machine and opt for the good old-fashioned method of handwashing. If it’s just canvas you’re dealing with, the machine’s all yours.

Machine Washing

• De-lace your trainers. Even though the laces are safe to go into the washing machine with your precious kicks, it’s best to slip the laces out to avoid your shoes becoming tangled and to ensure they receive a thorough wash, too. Place the laces into a mesh bag that’s safe for the washing machine.

• Remove any mud. Large chunks of mud can clog your washing machine. Before placing your trainers inside, make sure to brush off any mud or give the pair a good hose down.

• Opt for a mild wash for your canvas trainers. You can use your normal laundry detergent, but choose a lower spin cycle to avoid any significant damage to the shoes or your washer.

• Add a towel or an item of clothing to the drum. This is done to balance the load and prevent your machine from becoming off balance – trust us, that’s an issue you don’t want to deal with.

• Lift up the tongue. Allow the detergent to fully access the interior exterior of your shoe by lifting up the tongue.

• Leave them to air dry. It’s best to avoid high temperatures when drying your canvas trainers, the heat can work to distort any adhesive and the plastic tips at the end of your laces. Instead, place your shoes and their laces in an area away from direct sunlight and leave them to dry by themselves. To avoid them becoming misshapen during the drying process, stuff your shoes with paper towels to help them hold their form.

Hand Washing

If hand washing is the way to go for you, follow the first two steps for the washing machine, and then head to the sink. Here, you’ll fill a bowl with warm water and a dash of washing detergent.

• Use your fingers or a soft-bristled brush to work the solution into any stains.

• Leave the solution to get to work for 15 minutes as a pre-treatment before you wash.

• Grab a sponge and dip it into your warm soapy water (which should now be lukewarm). Gently rub the sponge across the entire shoe.

• Once all the dirt has lifted, rinse the shoes with a fresh cloth dipped in water.

• Leave to air dry, and don’t forget to stuff your canvas trainers with paper towels to keep their shape.

How To Clean Suede Trainers

Suede trainers like our Spitalfields pair are tricky ones to keep clean. Being the underside of leather, the material isn’t protected the same as its counterpart. It’s also an absorbent material, meaning it can hold onto stains much better than any other material. All in all, it makes suede a little more difficult to clean. But there’s still hope – just steer clear of water.

• Grab a clean toothbrush and use it to gently buff away at any stains or marks.

• Apply deeper pressure for more persistent stains, a soft nail file also works to help lift those stubborn marks.

• If you’re really struggling, take a white flannel and dip it ever so slightly into some rubbing alcohol, then gently brush over the stain.

• And if that doesn’t work, your only option is to take it to a professional. Don’t risk damaging your shoes further.

In future, it’s always best to protect your suede shoes with a shielding spray, that way your kick will always look box fresh come rain or shine.