How to remove stains and odors from shoes – A complete guide to caring for your sneakers

Nothing ruins the experience of wearing stylish sneakers more than an unpleasant odor or unsightly stains. If you regularly find that your sneakers have lost their fresh look or started to emit unwanted smells, this guide will help you solve the problem and keep your favorite shoes in perfect condition.

Let's take a look at how to effectively remove stains and odors from various types of materials and how to maintain the freshness of your sneakers in the long term.

Step 1: How to remove stains from shoes based on the type of material

First, it's important to know how to approach stains depending on the material your shoes are made of.

Textile shoes (canvas, mesh, fabric)

Textile shoes can be prone to dirt and stains, but fortunately, they can be relatively easy to clean. Here is a simple procedure:

  1. Mix 2 tablespoons of baking soda with 1 tablespoon of water to create a paste.
  2. Using an old toothbrush, gently massage the paste into the stain in circular motions.
  3. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes and then rinse with lukewarm water.
  4. Allow the shoes to air dry naturally, away from direct sunlight.

For tougher stains, such as mud or grass, you can use a textile cleaner like Jason Markk Premium Shoe Cleaner.

Leather and synthetic leather shoes

For leather shoes, avoid aggressive cleaning agents that could damage the shoe's surface.

  1. Use a gentle leather cleaner, such as Collonil Leather Cleaner, and apply it to the stain with a soft cloth.
  2. Gently wipe until the stain disappears.
  3. After cleaning, apply a moisturizer to the shoe to help restore its shine and flexibility.

Note: Avoid using too much water when cleaning leather, as this could lead to permanent damage to the material.

Suede shoes

Suede is a very sensitive material, so it is important to approach stains with great care:

  1. Use a special suede eraser or a suede brush and gently rub the stain.
  2. If the stain is more stubborn, you can use a suede cleaning spray, such as Crep Protect Suede Cleaner, which cleans the shoes while also protecting them from further stains.

After cleaning the suede, it is important for the shoes to dry naturally, away from heat sources that could damage the material.

Step 2: How to remove odor from shoes

Unpleasant odors are a common problem, especially with sneakers that are worn every day. There are several tried-and-true methods to effectively eliminate odors and keep your shoes fresh.

Baking soda – a natural odor neutralizer

Baking soda is a great home remedy for combating odors.

  1. Sprinkle a small amount of baking soda into each shoe and let it sit overnight.
  2. In the morning, simply shake it out and your shoes will be fresh and odor-free.

You can repeat this process as needed; baking soda absorbs not only odors but also moisture, making it an ideal prevention against bacteria.

Antibacterial sprays

Another effective method is antibacterial sprays, such as Scholl Fresh Step, which kill the bacteria that cause unpleasant odors.

  1. Spray the product inside the shoes and let it sit for at least 10 minutes.
  2. The spray kills bacteria and gives the shoes a pleasant fresh scent.
Dryers and shoe deodorants

If you need quick and long-lasting odor protection, you can use special shoe deodorants, such as Crep Protect Pills. These pills neutralize odors and keep your shoes fresh for a longer time.

Step 3: Proper storage of shoes for long-lasting freshness

To keep your shoes fresh in the long term, not just after removing odors, it is important to pay attention to their proper storage. Here are a few tips:

  • Shoe stretchers: Stretchers help maintain the shape of the shoes while also absorbing excess moisture, reducing the risk of bacteria.
  • Regular airing: After each wear, let the shoes air out freely in fresh air. Avoid storing shoes in closed spaces, such as plastic bags or boxes, where they do not have adequate airflow.

Step 4: How to prevent stains and odors

To keep shoes in perfect condition and prevent stains and odors, it is good to take preventive measures:

  • Waterproofing: Use waterproofing sprays that protect shoes from moisture and stains. For example, Crep Protect Spray creates an invisible protective layer that repels liquids and dirt.
  • Regular cleaning: Regular cleaning after each wear will prevent dirt from settling and creating stubborn stains.