Trainers are notoriously difficult to keep clean, especially when it comes to the likes of white trainers and other light colours.
During the winter season, your trainers are likely to go through even more than usual, with the likes of rain and snow commonly causing stains and discolouration that can be tricky to get rid of if in too deep.
Today, we’ll be sharing our top 10 tips for keeping trainers clean in the winter, as well as helping you know how to keep white trainers white.
Get rid of stains straight away
Just like clothes, targeting stains as soon as possible stops them from fully setting in and causing long-lasting damage.
Many things can cause stains and marks, but most should come off by gently rubbing a mixture of baking soda and water on them.
Leave for a few minutes before wiping away with a damp cloth.
Prepare for cleaning
To ensure the most effective and easy clean of your trainers, prepare for cleaning by banging shoes together so that any mud and other debris fall off naturally.
Ridding shoes of excess dirt and dust stops any scratching from happening throughout the cleaning process and makes it easier to cover all the shoes.
Make sure to bang your shoes together outside instead of inside so not to get dirt in the house!
Clean shoelaces separately
Removing shoelaces before cleaning the rest of your shoes will benefit both the shoe cleaning process and your shoelaces.
As they’re made from a different material, shoelaces need to be cared for differently and should be cleaned in the washing machine or soaked in warm water with detergent or stain remover.
Use a toothbrush and an old cloth
Sometimes the best shoe cleaning products are items you already have around the house.
Mix warm water and soap, then use an old toothbrush to get into the nooks and crannies of your trainers that wouldn’t be reached with a cloth.
Use an old cloth for larger areas of the shoe, wiping over the material to get rid of any surface marks.
Store them properly
There’s no point in cleaning your trainers just to store them away with other muddy shoes and boots, so make sure you’re storing them in a place that’s free from mud, dirt and dust that could damage their appearance.
We recommend using a shoe cupboard or even the shoebox that your trainers came in, as these will cover your trainers and protect them from any damage caused by damp, dust and general household dirt that can cause discolouration.
Don’t use the washing machine and tumble dryer
Although the washing machine can clean your trainers well, not all trainers are suitable.
Washing machines are also notorious for damaging the material of the trainers, which creates a more difficult problem to fix than the likes of a small stain.
Use shoe protector
Footwear care doesn’t just come down to how you care for your trainers, but also the products used with them.
There is a wide range of shoe protectors available on the market today, with a suitable protector available for all types of materials. From a white shoe cleaner kit to waterproofing spray, every shoe protector has a different purpose and can help extend the life of your trainers.
Don’t over-do it
Although it’s nice to have sparkling clean trainers every day, it’s important not to give them a thorough clean after every use, as that can do more damage than good.
Excessive cleaning can cause deterioration of the material, while also fading any colours and turning whites more yellow.
Wear socks
Sweat can mark shoes just like it marks clothes, and feet tend to sweat a lot, especially in trainers that might get used for sport.
This is why it’s vital to wear socks every day, as it will create a barrier between your shoe and your foot.
As well as this, wearing socks in winter stops the majority of rain or snow from getting into your inner soles and making your trainers damp and cold.
Give your shoes a rest
Just because you want to wear your favourite pair of trainers every day, doesn’t mean you should.
Wearing the same pair of shoes every day in winter will undoubtedly wear them out, no matter how well they’re protected and cared for.
Alternating trainers and shoes help protect them throughout winter, helping them last long into the next year.
These steps offer just a few of the ways you can take care of your trainers this winter.
Always follow the specific care instructions set out by the trainer brand for your specific model of trainers, to ensure they are cared for efficiently.
Browse our full range of women’s designer trainers and men’s designer trainers to find the perfect pair for you this winter.