how to clean native shoes? If you don’t know how to do it, then we can help you. In this article, we’re going to share some steps to clean your native shoes. So, keep reading this article.
Cleaning native shoes is essential to maintaining their quality and extending their life. These versatile shoes, known for their lightweight, eco-conscious design, are loved for their comfort and style.
However, with wear, they often encounter dirt, stains, and grime. Fear not; an effective cleaning routine can easily revive these shoes, returning them to their original charm.
Why It’s Important to Clean Native Shoes
Before discussing how to clean native shoes, it’s important to know why you should clean them. It’s easy to overlook cleaning your Native Shoes since the canvas and rubber materials seem low-maintenance. But dirt and grime build up over time, and failing to properly clean them can lead to staining, odours, and a shorter lifespan.
Regular cleaning keeps your Native Shoes looking fresh and new. A quick wipe-down removes surface dirt and debris after wearing them outside. For a deeper clean, brush away caked-on mud and scrub any stains. Letting dirt sit leads to permanent discoloration and damage to the materials.
A periodic wash also eliminates odours that come from bacteria buildup. Your shoes may still look clean, but if they smell, it’s time for a wash. A detergent specifically for delicates will remove odours without fading the colours. After washing, air-drying them completely is key to avoiding musty smells.
Proper care extends the life of your Native Shoes. The repeated stretching and compression of the materials during wear can weaken them over time. Washing and drying restores shape and structure, allowing your shoes to last longer. With regular cleaning and conditioning, a well-made pair of Native shoes can last for several years.
Keeping your Native shoes clean is worth the effort. Protect your investment and keep them looking and smelling fresh with a regular cleaning routine. Your shoes and feet will thank you, and you’ll get more mileage out of this comfortable and eco-friendly footwear. A win-win all around!
Ingredients You’ll Need to Clean Native Shoes
So you want to know how to clean native shoes, right? But before that, you need to know what elements you need to do this task. To get your Native shoes looking like new again, you’ll need a few simple supplies.
Cleaning Wipes
Baby wipes or cleaning Wipes designed for shoes work great for spot-cleaning and freshening up your Natives. Look for wipes that are safe for various materials, and gently wipe down the inside and outside of your shoes to remove dirt and stains.
Baking Soda
Baking soda is a natural odour absorber and cleaner. Sprinkle some inside your shoes, especially under the insoles, to help eliminate odours. Let it sit overnight, if possible, before dumping it out. The baking soda will soak up odours and leave your Natives smelling fresh.
Detergent and Water
For a deeper clean, make a detergent solution of warm water and a gentle detergent, dish soap, or laundry detergent. Use a soft-bristled brush to scrub the inside and outside of your shoes, and then rinse well with water. Now you need to remove the insoles and laces from your shoes. And then wash them separately with clean water.
White Vinegar
White vinegar is a natural disinfectant that can deodorise and brighten your home. Combine equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle and spritz the inside of your shoes, including the tongue and seams. Let the air dry completely. The vinegar smell will fade as it dries and leave your shoes odor-free.
With some basic cleaning supplies and a little elbow grease, you can get your Native shoes looking and smelling like new again. Keeping them clean will help keep them comfortable, too. Happy cleaning, and enjoy your refreshed Natives!
How to Clean Native Shoes: A Step-by-Step Step Guideline
After getting all the necessary items, you’re ready to clean your native shoes. Now follow these step-by-step guidelines on how to clean native shoes.
Remove Inserts and Laces
First, remove any inserts or laces from your shoes. Take out the inserts and unlace the shoes completely, removing the laces. Now place them on the other side and clean them separately.
Brush Away Debris
Use a soft brush, like an old toothbrush, to brush away any dirt or debris from the outsole, midsole, and upper of the shoes. Pay extra attention to any creases or seams where dirt can collect. A quick wipedown with a damp cloth may also help dislodge any caked-on particles.
Treat Any Stains
If there are any stains on the shoes, treat them before washing. For leather uppers, use a leather cleaner or conditioner. For canvas, try a stain remover like white vinegar or dish soap. Follow the directions on the product to blot and lift the stain from the fabric.
Machine Wash on Gentle Cycle
For most Native shoes, the uppers can be machine washed on a gentle, cold cycle using a mild detergent. Lace-up shoes should be tied together or placed in a mesh laundry bag before washing to prevent damage. Air-dry the shoes completely away from direct heat.
Hand Wash as Needed
Certain Native shoes may require hand washing to avoid damage. Now check the precise care guidelines applicable to your particular pair.For hand washing, use a damp cloth or soft-bristled brush to clean the surface. Avoid submerging the shoes in water. Now, the air is completely dry.
Clean Insoles and Laces
Any inserts can typically be machine washed with the shoes. Laces should be hand washed with detergent and air dried. For stubborn odours in laces, try soaking them in a mixture of detergent and baking soda before washing.
Condition and Protect
For a final step, consider conditioning leather uppers and sealing suede or canvas with a protectant spray. These products will moisturise, soften, and help shield from stains and spills, extending the life of your Native shoes.
Tips for Cleaning the Upper Portion and Laces
While discussing how to clean native shoes, you also need to know about cleaning the upper portion and laces of your shoes. Cleaning the upper portion and laces of your Native shoes regularly will help keep them looking their best and prevent damage. Here are four tips to properly clean these areas:
Remove Laces and Wash Separately
Remove the laces from your Natives and wash them separately from the shoes in warm, soapy water. Use a detergent that’s safe for delicates. Gently scrub any visibly dirty areas and rinse well with water to remove all detergent residue. Dry the laces in the air, away from direct heat.
Spot-Clean Any Stains
Treat any stains on the upper part of the shoes before washing. Use a stain remover made for delicates and dab at stains gently with a damp cloth. For tougher protein stains, try using an enzymatic cleaner. Rinse the area with water after stain removal and before washing the shoes.
Wash by Hand or Use the Gentle Cycle in the Washing Machine
You can hand wash the upper portion of Natives in a sink or basin using warm water and a mild detergent. Gently scrub the entire surface of the shoe with a soft-bristled brush to loosen dirt and odours.
Alternatively, you can machine wash the shoes on a gentle cycle using cold or warm water. Place them in a mesh laundry bag and secure the zipper or opening to avoid damage. Remove and air-dry as soon as the cycle is done.
Air-dry away from Direct Heat
After washing, gently squeeze out excess water from the shoes without twisting them. Stuff them with newspaper to help them retain their shape as they air dry. Avoid machine-drying Natives, as this can cause damage. Allow 24 to 48 hours for them to air dry completely.
With regular cleaning and care, your Native shoes will continue to look and feel as comfortable as the day you bought them. Be sure to also frequently clean the inside of your Natives to prevent odours from building up. Treat any stains right away and wash them at least once a month or if they get visibly dirty.
How to Care for Native Shoes Long-Term
After getting an idea of how to clean native shoes, it’s also important to know how you can take care of them. To keep your Native Shoes in great shape for years to come, you need to care for them properly. Here are some tips you can follow to maintain your native shoes:
Clean Regularly
Clean your Native Shoes after every 3–4 wears to prevent dirt and grime from building up. Use a damp cloth to wipe down the outside of the shoes. For stubborn stains, make a cleaning solution of warm water and a mild detergent. Dip a cloth in the solution and blot until the stains come out. Rinse well with water and air-dry away from direct heat.
Disinfect When Needed
If your Native Shoes develop odours from sweat or get dirty from outdoor use, disinfect them. Make a solution of equal parts water and white vinegar or a commercial shoe disinfectant. Now its time to spray on the inside and outside of your shoes.
Let them sit for at least 2 hours or as directed before wiping clean with a damp cloth. The vinegar will deodorise and kill bacteria, leaving your shoes fresh-smelling.
Stuff With Newspaper
When your Native Shoes aren’t in use, stuff them with newspaper to retain their shape. Newspaper also absorbs moisture and prevents musty smells from developing. Replace the newspaper every few months to keep your shoes smelling fresh.
Deep Clean Periodically
For a deep clean, you’ll need to remove the inserts and laces from your Native Shoes. Soak the laces in detergent and water. Use an old toothbrush to scrub any dirt from small crevices and the tread. Soak the entire shoe in a solution of detergent and water if it is very dirty.
Rinse all parts thoroughly with water and air dry away from heat and sunlight. Re-insert laces and inserts once everything is completely dry. A deep clean 2-3 times a season will keep your Native Shoes in like-new condition.
Final Thought
We tried to share a guideline on how to clean native shoes. By following these tips for general care and specific stain removal, you’ll be well on your way to many more adventures in your favourite kicks.
Treat your shoes right, and they’ll treat you right back. Now lace up those freshly cleaned Natives and get outside. Hopefully, this small effort will be helpful for all of you to have a clean idea of how to clean native shoes. Thank you all for reading this article.
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Hello everyone! I’m Eric C Davis, a former shoe enthusiast who is now a fashion writer. I go deeply into the history of fashionable footwear, offering style and comfort advice. Come talk about anything shoe-related with me on Twitter.
