Step One

Remove any surface dirt or mud by knocking the soles together, then brush off any debris. We recommend a soft brush or a microfibre cloth. For leather trainers, you could invest in a magic eraser that can buff off any marks, but elbow grease and determination work just as well. On suede, avoid using water, as this will leave a mark. To remove any visible stains, try dabbing a tiny bit (and we mean tiny) of white vinegar on a cloth.

Step Two

Sadly, a surface spot clean rarely does the job. But before you begin your deep clean, first remove the laces. You can throw these in the washing machine, but it’s advisable to put them in a bag to prevent them getting all tangled up. If they’re especially soiled, they might need a soak in a bowl of bleach. NB: Investing in a fresh pair could breathe new life into your men’s or women’s trainers. 

Step Three

Arm yourself with a bowl of warm water and add a dash of our Universal Cleaner. There are lots of specialist cleaners but washing-up liquid works well on leather and canvas. Form a lather by gently scrubbing the surface with a brush. Avoid completely soaking the surface and mop any excess water with a clean towel. Repeat if necessary. Leaver your trainers to dry out thoroughly overnight. 

Step Four

Once dry (whatever you do, don’t attempt to speed up the process using the tumble drier or a radiator), the next step is to protect them from further scuffing. Again, there are endless products available, but you can’t beat good old-fashioned Scotchgard. For leather or suede, invest in a specialist spray but always do a test patch first. This way, you can avoid any fatal mistakes. 

Step Five

So now your trainers look good, how do they smell? The key to keeping them smelling fresh is absorbing moisture. Lining them with drier sheets or deodorising charcoal pouches should do the trick. But don’t leave it until it's too late, the trick is to start doing this from day one. You’re welcome.