There’s nothing quite so deflating, and guilt-inducing, as writing off a brand new pair of white trainers on their very first outing (or any trainers for that matter). Because as well as being a waste of money, the environment is pretty much buckling under the weight of clothes we're binning every year. So, I hear you say, should we just sever all ties with our white trainers? Don't be silly! Not only are they simply the easiest footwear to pull on, whether you're heading to work or very much in 'play' mode, but they're a staple of shoedrobes up and down the country. No, abstinence isn't the solution here - and neither is only wearing them when you're 99% sure it's not going to rain because, you know, we live in the UK.
The answer is learning how to clean your trainers. Because with a few preventative measures, those bin-bound, mud-painted sneakers could easily have lived to see another bbq/holiday/festival season. If you're at a loose end this weekend, in fact, why not show yours a little TLC? That way, instead of making you feel scruffy the next time you slip them on, they're guaranteed to put a spring in your step.
What's the best thing to clean trainers with?
Before getting into the nitty gritty of how exactly to restore your sneakers to their box-fresh status, here are some products that will help you in your mission to clean your trainers.
SHOP: How To Clean Trainers
www.office.co.uk
The best way to keep trainers clean is not to get them dirty in the first place! Of course, that's not entirely feasible. But Liquiproof Labs' Premium Protector is the closest you'll get to keeping your kicks in their prime. A water-based spray that's formulated from natural ingredients, it's designed to protect the surface of garments and shoes from liquids. Clever, no?
www.timberland.co.uk
Timberland's Travel Kit has everything you need to freshen, clean and brighten shoes, including the brand's Balm Proofer™ Water & Stain Repellent, its Renewbuck™ Foaming Cleaner, and its Dry Cleaning Kit
Crep's gift set is the gold standard of shoe care, featuring a spray, brush, cloth and wipes to take your sneaker-drobe to the next level.
www.size.co.uk
Jason Markk's deep-cleaning solution helps to gently remove dirt - and is designed to refresh up to 200 pairs.
axelarigato.com
This cleaning kit's products are safe to use on the majority of materials, including suede, leather, mesh and canvas.
Hannah Rochell, writer and sustainable fashion advocate, is something of an oracle when it comes to keeping your trainers looking box-fresh for as long as possible. Here, she shares her tips for how to clean trainers - and, in particular, how to keep white trainers pristine...
Step 1: Spray Your Shoes
The first step is spray-protecting anything suede. ‘I do this religiously as it’s so easy to wreck a pair of trainers in the rain if you haven’t,’ says Hannah, adding, ‘The creme de la creme is Liquiproof. You need a whole bottle for one pair of shoes, but the liquid literally runs straight off once you’ve used it.’
Step 2: Use A Brush
Rochell also swears by suede brushes to remove spots and keep the texture of your suede looking fluffy after it’s got wet. Mud, incidentally, should be left to dry and then brushed off with a coarse brush.
Step 3: Put Your Trainers In A Pillowcase In The Washing Machine
‘I’ve always washed canvas trainers in the machine and they come up a treat, but you do need to be careful,' says Rochell. 'Place the trainers in a pillowcase - this will protect the drum of your machine - and don’t dry them on a radiator because the heat might shrink the canvas.’ As for how many washes they can survive, Rochell says you need to be sparing. ‘Don’t wash them too often. Eventually it will start to degrade the glue that holds them together. It’s best as a last resort now and then!’
Step 4: Rescue White Trainers With A Cure Kit
If you’ve sworn off white trainers since wrecking your favourite pair, Rochell has good news. ‘I love Crep Protect’s Cure Kit. I’ve used it on white leather shoes and chunky white soles as well as trainers. It’s amazing at getting them gleaming again - and also smells lush.’
Step 5: Buy New Laces
If you've tried everything and your trainers still don't look as clean as you'd like them to, try investing in a new pair of laces. You'll notice the difference immediately.
Natalie Hammond is Grazia’s Senior Fashion News Editor. She loves winter, hates summer and can often be found writing about the weather (and what on earth to wear).