ADVERTISEMENT
—
## 🧼 STEP 4: Scrub the Uppers Gently
Use circular motions to **gently scrub the uppers** (fabric, mesh, leather, or synthetic). Be careful not to soak the material, especially if your shoes are made of delicate fabrics.
If your sneakers are white, **a little baking soda** can help brighten the fabric. Just sprinkle it on and scrub lightly with the soap solution.
—
## 🧽 STEP 5: Clean the Soles
For the rubber soles and toe caps, you can scrub more firmly. A **magic eraser** works wonders here, especially for removing scuffs and dirt from white soles.
—
## 🧺 STEP 6: Rinse & Wipe
Use a clean, damp cloth to **wipe away soap residue**. Avoid running your shoes under water—this can damage the glue and materials. Just a good wipe-down will do the trick.
—
## 🌬️ STEP 7: Let Them Air Dry
Stuff your sneakers with **paper towels or a clean cloth** to help them hold their shape and absorb moisture. Let them air dry in a **cool, well-ventilated area**—avoid direct sunlight or heat sources, which can cause shrinking or warping.
—
## 🧼 STEP 8: Clean the Insoles (Optional but Recommended)
Sprinkle **baking soda** on the insoles and let it sit for an hour to absorb odor, then brush or vacuum it off. For a deeper clean, you can scrub them gently with soap and water and let them air dry completely.
—
## 🔄 Bonus: Waterproof & Deodorize
Once your sneakers are dry, consider using a **sneaker protector spray** to waterproof them and keep them looking fresh longer. You can also pop in a **shoe deodorizer ball** or sachet of baking soda to keep them smelling great.
—
## 🧼 Final Step: Admire Your Work!
That’s it! Your sneakers should now look (and smell) brand new. There’s something super satisfying about bringing your favorite kicks back to life—and once you get the hang of this routine, it becomes an easy part of your style upkeep.
**Clean shoes = confidence boost.** Trust me.
—
Want a printable checklist, TikTok-style video script, or product recommendations to go with this article? Just let me know!
ADVERTISEMENT
