When it comes to sports shoes that can be worn from morning to evening, you can’t beat a trusty pair of leather sneakers. These good-old fashioned shoes are comfortable enough to play sports in for a few hours, yet they are also classy enough to wear to an event with a smart-casual dress code. Unfortunately, it doesn’t matter how new your sneakers are or whether they are made from the highest quality leather, after a while they will begin to look worn. So, here are a few top tips to help you make your old leather sneakers look like new again.
Deep Clean
Before you do anything else, give your sneakers a deep clean. Remove the laces then use a damp, soft-bristled brush to get rid of any dust, sand, mud, or other dirt from your sneakers. Be mindful about how wet you get your shoes. You want to keep them as dry as possible so that they don’t stiffen up and develop cracks. Once your shoes are dry, use a moisturizing leather cleaner, such as a high-quality saddle soap, to thoroughly clean your sneakers. Again, try not to let your shoes get too wet and let them air dry fully once you have finished.
Follow Up With a Good Polish
Once your sneakers have air dried, gently rub some leather conditioner into your shoes using your fingers, or a clean cloth. After letting it sit for a few minutes, wipe it off with a dry, clean cloth.
Whiten Leather With Lemon Juice and Water
A simple formula of lemon juice and water can get the stains out of your sneakers and help keep them white. Apply the solution with a sponge while making sure you reach the nooks and crevices of your shoes. Once you have spread the solution all over your sneakers, simply rinse the shoes before allowing them to air dry immediately.
Repaint and Restore
Sometimes, it doesn’t matter how many times you clean your sneakers, they still look faded and old. However, if you’re determined to save your favorite pair of sneakers, use a bit of leather paint to restore them to their original state. Angelus Paint are a reputable brand who provide a variety of paints that are perfect for leather. Before application, prepare your shoes with a deglazer, then apply a finisher to lock in and protect the paint after you have applied the leather paint.
Invest in a Specially Formulated Cleaner for Suede
It is notoriously difficult to keep suede leather sneakers clean and looking fresh. Although suede is super durable, it can also soak in oil, moisture and sweat easily. Not to mention, deep staining can occur if it is not cleaned immediately after being in contact with dirt. Invest in a specially formulated suede cleaner, and make sure you use it as soon as you spot dirt and debris on your sneakers.
Don’t Forget the Laces
The simplest way to clean standard laces is with warm water and soap. Scrub them with a brush, soak them in the mixture then give them another good scrub to finish.
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