by Kaitlyn Hamilton

Created on: August 16, 2008

How to Clean Your Sneakers

WHITE LEATHER, VINYL, PLASTIC, OR RUBBER:
If your sneakers are muddy, then use a stiff cleaning brush (outside or over a garbage can) to remove the excess mud and dirt. Don't scrub too roughly at the uppers or you might scar them, but focus more on brushing away anything on the rubber soles and edges.

Once you have removed the loose soil and debris, then it's time for a more detailed cleaning. You will need a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser, water, an old toothbrush, and either hand soap or white toothpaste. You'll also want to keep either a cleaning rag or towel handy that you don't mind getting dirty.

If the shoes still have any heavily soiled areas, then start with those first. Use just a little of the white toothpaste on a wet toothbrush. Go over the heavily soiled areas in a circular pattern. Use the damp cleaning rag to wipe away the toothpaste and soil. This should take care of a majority of the soil.

Next, you will wet the Mr. Clean Magic Eraser and squeeze out most of the water. Rub the eraser over the entire surface of the shoes. Be careful not to get the insides wet when you do this. This will take care of scuffs and any remaining soil, leaving your sneakers bright white.

If your shoe laces are very dirty, then remove them from the shoes, scrub them under running water with hand soap and a toothbrush. Rinse well and allow to air dry before putting them back on the shoes. Or, you can choose to replace the laces with new ones if the old laces are beyond repair.

MACHINE WASHING

Most sneakers are durable enough to withstand a cleaning in the washing machine. Just keep in mind that you will have to completely dry the insides before wearing and this takes time.

Before throwing your sneakers in the washing machine, use a cleaning brush to remove any heavy soil.

Toss your shoes in the washing machine and use just a 1/4 of the detergent for a regular size load. Set it on cold wash and delicate, then run it for a full cycle. Don't wander too far from your washing machine while washing shoes or heavy objects because it might need you to open the lid now and then to rearrange the shoes if the tub gets out of balance.

TO DRY YOUR SHOES

If you are fortunate enough to have a dryer with a dryer rack attachment, then simply place your shoes inside on the rack. Make sure the rack is properly sitting inside the drum, then set on low or delicate heat and set for about 5 minutes at a time until the shoes are completely dry.

For those of us who do not have a dryer

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