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Article: This is how you clean knit sneakers

This is how you clean knit sneakers

Sneakers are rarely made of a single material, so it's essential to understand the care your shoes require. For a comprehensive series of cleaning tutorials, click here .

Knit

What you need to know when cleaning knit sneakers:

Knitting resembles a sock in both look and feel. It's a durable, lightweight, and highly breathable material, similar to mesh, and its unique characteristic is its exceptional elasticity. This allows it to conform beautifully to the shape of your foot and offer greater comfort than other materials.

Many sneakers are made from various parts and materials. Their production often generates a lot of waste because a large portion of the material is often discarded during the cutting process. Thanks to the innovative, low-waste production of this knit, sneakers are more environmentally friendly and easily recyclable.

Because it's a material with holes, stains can penetrate deeply and be difficult to remove. Therefore, it's wise to clean it regularly to prevent permanent stains. Due to the structure of this material, it can be susceptible to wear and tear and fray/pill easily. Therefore, always use a soft brush .

White knitwear can become a bit gray or yellow over time. Here's a solution:

 

How to clean knit sneakers in 7 easy steps

  1. Preparation
  2. Brush dry
  3. Clean the lace
  4. Clean sole
  5. Clean mesh
  6. Let it dry
  7. Protect


1. Preparation: make sure you use the right products.

When cleaning knit sneakers, it's crucial to use the right products. Avoid household products like green soap or dish soap, as these are less effective and can damage the material.

Instead, choose specially developed sneaker care products , such as those from First Amsterdam. We also recommend using shoe trees to make cleaning easier and prevent the shoe from becoming deformed.

When knitting, always use a soft brush.

 

2. Brush dry: brush loose dirt from the sneaker

A good brush is essential for effectively removing loose dirt before wetting the shoe . We recommend always removing loose dirt with a soft brush, such as our premium brush .

Is there mud on your shoe? Make sure to remove as much of it as possible to avoid brushing it into the material while cleaning.


3. Clean the laces: remove the laces and clean them separately

Are your laces very dirty? Remove them from the shoe and soak them in a bowl of water containing a suitable sneaker cleaning solution , such as the specially developed cleaning formula from First Amsterdam.

If there is a lot of dirt or stains, apply a few extra drops to the laces and rub them between your hands until they lather well.

TIP: Run wet laces through a microfiber cloth to dry them faster and remove dirt.

Are your laces less dirty? Then you can also leave them in the shoe and clean them with a soft brush, a little water, and the cleaning formula.

TIP: Don't use a hard brush for this, as there's a good chance the laces will fluff up if they come into contact with these hard bristles.

 

4. Clean the sole: Clean the sole properly

Use a stiff brush and a good cleaning product to clean the soles, eliminating stubborn dirt. Don't apply too much pressure and let the bristles do the work.

If stains remain, add some cleaning solution to a microfiber cloth and rub it on the stain with your index finger to remove it.


5. Clean knitwear: then clean the shoe thoroughly

Dip the premium brush in the container of water, shake it well , and apply a few drops of the solution to the brush. Then, use a circular motion to clean the shoes. Dab with the microfiber cloth. Repeat until you achieve the desired result.

If the water is very dirty, replace the water and repeat the steps in step 4. Again: always use a soft brush when cleaning knitwear. This way you know make sure you don't damage the material.

 

6. Let dry: Let your shoes dry properly

After cleaning, dry the sneakers with a microfiber cloth . Let them air naturally for best results. It's best to leave the shoe trees in the shoes. Keep the shoes away from heat sources such as the sun or a radiator. This can cause the shoes to warp and/or discolor.

 

7. Protect: Use a water and dirt repellent spray to protect your sneakers.

Use a good water and dirt repellent spray to protect your shoes from unwanted stains and wear. Extend the life of your sneakers and keep them looking fresh!

Cleaning tips for knit sneakers