How to Keep Your Sneakers Fresh and Clean This Summer

There is nothing like a fresh pair of white shoes to brighten up your Summer look. But, as you wear your sneakers around they can start to collect dirt, dust, and bacteria very quickly. The good news is, you don’t have to avoid white sneakers altogether, you’ll just have to take a few key steps to protect and maintain your shoes. It probably comes as no surprise that the Xpand team loves sneakers. So, we compiled a few of our favourite tips and tricks to help you keep your shoes looking fresh and clean all Summer long. 

Protect Your Sneakers Right Out Of The Box

So, you’ve just got a new pair of sneakers and you can’t wait to take them out for their first spin around town. Every good sneakerhead knows that no matter how pumped you are about your new purchase, it’s important to protect your investment as soon as you take them out of the box with a high-quality protective spray. You’ll need to find out what material your sneakers are made of in order to choose the correct protector. We recommend having an all-protector shoe spray - likethis one by Jason Markk- on hand at all times.We love this option by Jason Markk because it is a much more environmentally friendly protector than those that use hazardous aerosols. Plus,it is a great repellent that works onsuede, nubuck, leather, nylon, canvas, and more. 

Install Your Xpand No-Tie Laces

Your laces are probably one of the first parts of your new sneakers that will begin to collect dust, dirt, and grime and start to look worn out. But, more importantly, aUniversity of Arizona study showed that laces can harbor millions of infection-causing germs and bacteria. EnterXpand No-Tie Laces. Before you start wearing your brand new sneakers, install your Xpand laces right away. No-tie laces give your sneakers a sleek style and, with over 30 colors and patterns to choose from, you can customize your look. Plus, since your laces won’t be dragging on the ground they’ll look fresher for longer and help protect you from harmful germs and bacteria. 

Don’t Forget Regular Upkeep 

When it comes to keeping your white sneakers looking fresh, it is not a set-it-and-forget-it kind of situation. Once you’ve applied your protector spray, it’s a good idea to continue to wipe down your sneakers after each wear. Dampen a towel with warm water and a little bit of vinegar to gently remove salt, and dirt before it has a chance to set. The vinegar will also help kill germs that you may have picked up from the ground while you were out and about.

If you’re not planning on wearing your sneakers for a little while, be sure to store them in a dust bag or a shoebox. This will help prevent dust particles from settling into the sneaker fabric and making them look dull and worn.  

Tackle Dirt, Bacteria & Stains

If you’ve got an especially pesky stain to deal with or you’ve had your sneakers for a while and they need a serious refresh don’t fret! Not all is lost. You can actually throw some sneakers in the washing machine. Be sure to use a cold water cycle and air dry your sneakers. 

If you don’t want to risk putting your sneakers in the washing machine there are a few other hand-washing formulas you can try. We recommend either warm water and dish detergent or warm water and baking soda for stubborn stains. Use a toothbrush to work the solution into the fabric and lift the stains out. 

Enlist A Professional 

Sometimes, you need to call in a professional. Believe it or not, professional sneaker cleaners are actually a thing. Our Xpand team is based in Toronto and we loveSOLE Premium Shoecare Company when our sneakers need a little extra TLC, plus they do restorations, how awesome is that? It might be a bit of an investment but when you get your sneakers back looking as good as new you’ll be sold.

So, there you have it! Xpand’s complete guide to keeping your sneakers fresh and clean all Summer long. It’s just one of the ways we’re helping you move smarter and worry less. So, get out there and enjoy the sunshine!