Washing and Cleaning Your (Non-Designer) Sneakers

[Shomore]

My brother loves his hip-hop collection of sneakers. He's got an enviable collection, and seems to keep certain ones up on the shelf just for gazing at. But in case you should actually want to WEAR your sneakers, you may want to know how to keep them clean. Especially with the impending slush, here are a few tips for keeping those white high tops or gym shoes clean and stink-free.

Here are a few different methods to try. I wouldn't do this on preciously expensive Air Force Ones and such -- take those to a professional or a crazy sneaker guy, or check out <a href="http://www.sneakerfreaker.com/feature/clean-sneakers/1/">this crazy website</a>!

<a href="http://www.shoeblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/xx.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-9735" src="http://www.shoeblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/xx.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="250" /></a>

But for the rest of you normal folks out there who just want to clean your regular sneakers, check out these suggestions. I can't vet all of them because all I've done is watch my white sneakers in the regular washing machine, but they're worth a try!
<ol>
<li><strong>Only if they are designed as washable</strong> (Check the model online or contact the manufacturer. Not recommended for leather shoes): Remove your laces. Use some white sheets you don't care about too much to keep your shoes from tumbling around too much. Add your detergent. Set your machine to gentle cycle, I did it on warm. I wouldn't do hot as I think they might shrink your shoes, but if you have a really tough stain and they're a little large, that might work. Hang to dry. Do not tumble dry. You can also try putting them in the dishwasher with regular dishwashing detergent.</li>
<li><strong>For small scuffs</strong>: Use a toothbrush with a little bit of bleach mixed with water, or toothpaste, or try the <a href="http://www.mrclean.com/en_US/magic-eraser.do">Magic Marker</a>.</li>
<li><strong>If they are not designed for washing</strong>: Take out the laces. Mix household soap or dish soap with water. Scrub the outside with a toothbrush or shoe brush and the solution. Rinse off with cold water. Wipe down with a soft cloth. Repeat the toothbrush scrubbing rinsing and wiping down with the insides. Dry them the same way as the washable sneakers. Sprinkle the insides with baking powder or odor eaters.</li>
</ol>