Care for sneakers | Why you shouldn't wash them with water and the correct care method
Sneakers are an essential item in everyday life.
It's easy to use at work and on holidays, and because it's something you find yourself using more and more, many people probably worry about how to care for it.
I myself have tried many times thinking that washing them thoroughly with water would be the best way to get them clean, but when I actually tried it, the results were far from ideal, and I learned the hard way that it's best not to wash sneakers with water.
Here, I will introduce the pitfalls of washing with water, along with some of my own experiences, and some care methods you can try instead.
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Washing your sneakers with water...unexpected pitfalls
"If I wash it, it will be like new again" -- I believed that, but when I tried it, I was met with a number of unexpected problems.
Problems with not being able to wear them on the day
I washed my sneakers on a holiday morning, thinking they'd be dry by midday, but by the evening the toes were still damp. I couldn't make it in time for my planned outing, so I had to wear different shoes.
"I can't wear them the same day I wash them" -- this inconvenience was greater than I had imagined.
The shape changes
When I took the dry sneakers out, I was surprised to see that the toes had curled up like a beak. Once the material shrinks or distorts, it can't go back to its original shape. I was quite shocked because they were my favorites.
Yellowing of white sneakers
Even if you're satisfied with the pure white color right after washing, the next day it may turn a faint cream color. This is due to residual detergent and changes in the material, which can cause yellowing. Even though you worked so hard to clean it, the disappointing result is that it ends up looking "older."
Common mistakes people make in a hurry
"I want to dry them quickly" or "I want to get rid of the smell" -- sometimes this impatience can end up damaging your sneakers. Here I'll share some mistakes I've made myself.
The triple whammy of using a hair dryer directly
I once tried to speed up the drying process by using a hair dryer directly on the shoes. While it did dry them quickly, it caused the material to shrink, the surface to become shiny, and the shoes to become misshapen. This significantly affected both the appearance and comfort of the shoes.
The smell of dampness is accentuated
I washed it thinking that the smell would go away, but it didn't dry completely, so the smell remained, and it was even more bothersome than before. I thought I was cleaning it, but it had the opposite effect of making me feel more uncomfortable.
The string shrinks and the color bleeds
Even if the body itself is fine, the strings may become shorter or the colors may bleed, making the overall impression look disjointed. Even if it seems like a small change, it can seriously disrupt the balance of the look.
Floating of adhesive part
The adhesive on the outsole may come loose a little. Even a slight looseness can give the shoe a "used" look and completely change the overall impression.
Rain right after washing ruined everything
Sometimes, just when I finally set out in my dry sneakers, I was caught in the rain. All my hard work was wasted in an instant, and it was a heartbreaking moment.
After experiencing this repeatedly, I came to realize that it's best not to wash sneakers in water.
How to care for your sneakers without washing them
Washing sneakers thoroughly can cause them to lose their shape and lose their color. This is why I recommend incorporating waterless care methods into your daily routine. Here, I'll introduce a method that I've personally found to be effective.
Reset by brushing
When you get home, just give it a quick brush at the front door. That simple step will prevent dust and mud from accumulating. A few seconds of daily habit will affect the appearance of your car in the future.
Wipe it off with a special cleaner
Simply applying foam or spray to a cloth and wiping gently will remove dirt surprisingly well. There is no need to worry about drying like with water washing, and it is convenient to use whenever you notice dirt.
Use waterproof spray to your advantage
Give it a quick spritz when it looks like rain is coming down the road or when you're taking off your new sneakers. It repels dirt and water, so you'll have to wash them less often.
Refresh with insoles
If you start to notice a smell, simply changing the insoles will restore comfort. This is easier and less expensive than washing the entire shoe.
Dry in the shade to remove moisture
If it gets wet in the rain, keep it out of direct sunlight and in a well-ventilated place. Allowing it to dry naturally will reduce the risk of deformation or discoloration.
If you pay attention to these small changes, you won't feel pressured to wash your sneakers completely, and you'll be able to keep them in good condition for longer.
"Easy-to-continue habits" that you can do in your daily life
Taking care of your sneakers can seem like a hassle if you try to do it all at once, but if you make it a habit to do it at small intervals every day, it won't be a hassle at all.
A little extra effort after returning home
A simple brush at the entrance will prevent dirt from building up. It only takes about 10 seconds each time, so it's not a burden.
Weekend Routine
On a nice day off, just wipe it down with the special cleaner. Playing your favorite music while doing it can also be a great way to refresh your mind.
Change your insoles regularly
If you notice a bad smell, simply replace the insoles. This "replacement care" is effective and requires minimal effort and cost.
Waterproofing care for each season
It's easier to remember to reapply waterproof spray if you use it as an opportunity to do so, such as during the rainy rainy season or before winter when clothes tend to get dirty easily.
If you incorporate these "easy-to-continue ideas," you will hardly feel the need to wash with water.
Summary: Enjoy sneaker care in a positive way
Washing sneakers with water comes with unexpected risks, such as losing their appearance and shape, causing a damp smell, and yellowing. After many failed attempts, I have become convinced that it is best not to wash sneakers with water.
However, that doesn't mean you should just leave the dirt behind. By combining waterless methods like brushing, cleaners, and waterproof sprays, you can keep your sneakers clean and comfortable for a long time.
It's difficult to maintain perfectly white sneakers, but by taking care of them in your own way, you will actually grow to love them more. If you treat even a little dirt as a "memory" and enjoy it, you will have a more positive relationship with your sneakers.