Sneakers are wonderfully comfortable and stylish too. This is exactly why most people have at least one pair of these fashionable shoes in their wardrobe. They are now available in various designs and colors, which tempts sneaker lovers and others to continually expand their collection. However, shoes are like everything else in life: if they are not looked after properly, they will soon no longer look as chic as they did before. This is not surprising. Shoes in particular have a demanding life. They carry us from A to B and are constantly exposed to wind and weather.
Dirt, rain, heat and cold take their toll on our shoes. If they are not cared for properly, our favourite shoes in particular suffer, quickly becoming unsightly due to holes and stains and then being replaced with a new pair with a heavy heart. Regular and sustainable shoe care could save you a lot of money and do the environment a good service at the same time.
If we consider that around 380 million pairs of shoes end up in the trash in Germany every year, this figure should give us pause for thought. Even more shocking is the fact that 8,000 liters of water and 3.6 kilograms of CO₂ were needed to produce the discarded shoes. In times when our environment is practically crying out for help, this is unnecessary madness that could easily be prevented. The fact is: shoes are often thrown out after just one year because of stains, tears and holes. But with the right care, it's not rocket science to give your shoes a long life.
Proper shoe care: Useful before wearing for the first time!
To ensure that your textile or leather sneakers can withstand all weather conditions right from the start, you should treat them with an environmentally friendly waterproofing spray before wearing them for the first time. Only then will they benefit from an impeccable protective shield that repels dirt and moisture. For sneakers made of smooth or synthetic leather, we recommend choosing a natural shoe wax made from wool or beeswax for perfect protection. When using it, remember that less is often more when it comes to shoe care! Only apply a very thin layer. This allows the leather to breathe, the active ingredients can penetrate deep into the material and your sneakers are protected all around.
How often should you clean your sneakers?
There is no question: sneakers need to be cleaned when they are dirty. Smaller stains are best removed using a sustainable product such as theEmma Green Sneaker SprayRemove immediately. This will prevent the dirt from eating into the material and will also make cleaning the shoes easier. But it is not just the shoes themselves that you should clean regularly. The rubber soles also need attention and care. To do this, remove any coarse dirt residues beforehand. Then you can use the Emma GreenSneaker Sprayand theSneaker cleaning set/shoe cleaner setUse the brush provided to remove any remaining dirt. Psst, the laces also need a little water and cleaning agent from time to time. Remember that you should clean them separately, not on the shoe.
Cleaning sneakers: This is how you get shoes made of knit, mesh, mixed fabric or fabric clean again!
If there is isolated dirt, treat the stain directly with a soft cloth soaked in shoe cleaner, allow it to take effect and then remove it again with a damp microfiber cloth. You can also use a soft brush to remove deeper dirt from the material. There is one thing you should always remember when cleaning: it is better to treat heavy dirt twice using a gentle method than once using aggressive agents and utensils. Your sneakers will thank you!
If you want to give your sneakers with textile uppers a complete clean, you can use significantly more water than for leather models. To ensure that they do not deform when drying, the following tips will help you:
- After cleaning, pat dry with a clean cloth.
- Then stuff the shoes with newspaper and leave them to dry at room temperature. Important: To ensure that they do not lose their shape, please never place them near radiators or in the sun to dry.
- To protect your sneakers from moisture and further dirt, it is advisable to re-impregnate them.
Cleaning sneakers: How to make your smooth or suede leather shoes shine like new again!
You can also clean your natural leather sneakers in no time at all with the right cleaning and care products. Moisten yourEmma Green cleaning sponge from the sneaker cleaning setwith theEmma Green Sneaker CleanerThen you let the sponge move over your shoes in circular movements from the top towards the sole. Once your sneakers are clean, wipe them with a soft cloth until they are dry. For perfect care, finish with a thin layer of leather wax, from whichEmma Green Shoe Cleaning Kitand your sneakers will be chic again and protected against all influences.
Cleaning sneakers: How to remove stubborn stains!
To treat difficult stains, we recommend a targeted application using a sustainable sneaker cleaner. Simply wet the stain with the cleaner and then remove it with a soft sponge or microfiber cloth. Good tip: Before use, the respective product should always be tested on an invisible area for material compatibility. Also note that shoes made of smooth leather require a different type of cleaning and care than models made of suede.
How do you clean white sneakers?
Especially with white sneakers, you often get the feeling that they attract dirt and stains like moths to a light. But don't worry: Luckily, there are the perfect sustainable cleaners and a few household remedies that will make your white sneakers sparkling white again after treatment.
Baking powder, washing soda & toothpaste:To do this, mix two to three tablespoons of baking powder or washing soda with warm water and apply the mixture to the white sneaker using a sponge in circular movements. Repeat this process about two to three times and then wash the mixture off with clean water. If you are not satisfied with the result in some places, we have an insider tip for you: put some white toothpaste on an old toothbrush and work on the stain specifically. Finally, remove all residue with clean water and your shoes will be sparkling white again.
By the way: The harder the leather of your sneakers is, the more susceptible they are to creases, which can quickly turn into unsightly tears or holes. You can prevent this with the right care. A natural care wax with wool fat or beeswax will make your leather sneakers wonderfully supple.
Another tool that will give your shoes a longer life is the good old shoe tree. They reduce unsightly creases and, in addition to a regular care routine, are the perfect prevention against cracks and deformations. Good tip: If small scratches appear on your favorite sneakers due to wear, you can repair this flaw with theEmma Green Liquid Leatherquickly and visually conceal.
Natalie, 
Sarah und über 205.000+ Andere lieben Emma Grün.
