Sneaker Care
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Cleaning the upper
- Fabric/mesh: use a soft-bristle brush with mild soap and water. Avoid scrubbing hard.
- Leather: wipe with a slightly damp cloth and, if needed, a leather-specific cleaner. Avoid soaking it.
- Suede: use a dry suede brush and a suede eraser for stains. Never get it wet.
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How to wash
- Hand-washing is best, using cold or lukewarm water and mild soap.
- Avoid the washing machine — the agitation and heat can loosen glue and warp the shoe's structure.
- Remove laces and insoles before cleaning and wash them separately.
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Drying
- Never dry in direct sunlight or with a hair dryer/heater — heat can dry out materials and cause cracking.
- Air dry in a shaded, well-ventilated spot.
- Stuff the sneakers with crumpled paper towels or newspaper to absorb moisture and help them hold their shape.
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Soles and midsoles
- Brush soles clean with water to prevent dirt buildup that wears down the rubber.
- Avoid contact with oil, gasoline, or harsh chemicals — they can damage the midsole.
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Storage
- Store in a dry, ventilated space away from humidity.
- Use the original box or a shoe organizer with silica gel packs to prevent mold and mildew.
- Avoid stacking sneakers without protection, as this can deform the upper.
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Common mistakes to avoid
- Washing in the washing machine or drying in the dryer.
- Using harsh cleaners or too much rubbing alcohol.
- Leaving wet sneakers in the sun to "dry faster."
Clothing Care
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Read the care label first
Before washing, always check the label — it tells you the right water temperature, whether bleach is safe, and if the item can be machine dried or ironed.
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Water temperature by fabric
- Cotton: cold to warm water.
- Polyester and synthetics: cold water, to prevent shrinking or warping.
- Denim: cold water, washed inside out to preserve color.
- Knits: cold water, gentle cycle.
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Sorting by color and fabric
- Separate lights, darks, and prints.
- Wash delicate pieces separately from heavier items like jeans and sweatshirts.
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Drying
- Air drying on a line or drying rack is best, especially for prints and bright colors.
- If using a dryer, choose a low-heat setting and avoid synthetics, which can melt or warp under high heat.
- Don't wring out knitwear — this stretches out the fit.
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Ironing
- Cotton and linen: high heat.
- Polyester and synthetics: low heat, ideally with a cloth between the iron and fabric.
- Printed graphics: always iron inside out to protect the design.
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Preventing common issues
- Pilling: wash the item inside out and avoid excessive friction with other garments.
- Fading: wash in cold water and limit prolonged sun exposure.
- Stretching out of shape: don't hang knitwear on a line for long periods — lay it flat to dry instead.
Care Symbols
Tips by Material
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Leather
Condition periodically with a leather-specific product; avoid prolonged contact with water.
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Suede
Never let it get wet; use a dry brush and apply a protective spray before first wear.
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Cotton
May shrink on the first wash — wash in cold water to minimize shrinkage.
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Polyester
Durable, but heat-sensitive — avoid the dryer and hot iron.
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Denim
Wash inside out and less frequently to preserve color and fit.
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Knitwear
Dry flat, never on a hanger or line, to avoid stretching.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
FAQ
Can I wash my sneakers in the washing machine?
We don't recommend it. The machine can loosen glue and damage the upper. Hand-washing is the safer option.
How do I get rid of sneaker odor?
Let them air out in a ventilated spot and place baking soda or activated charcoal sachets inside overnight.
How do I keep my clothes from shrinking?
Always wash in cold water and avoid the dryer, especially for cotton items.
Can I iron printed designs?
Yes, but always iron inside out on a low-to-medium heat setting to protect the print.
How often should I wash my jeans?
You don't need to wash them after every wear — this helps preserve color and shape. Just air them out between wears.