How to Clean Old Tennis Shoes the Right Way
You can clean your old tennis shoes the right way by following these tips. You will need a toothbrush, some soap, and a little elbow grease.
Gather your materials
To clean your old tennis shoes the right way, you’ll need a few things:
-An old toothbrush or other small brush
-Baking soda
-Water
-Rubbing alcohol (optional)
-A clean rag
First, take a look at your shoes and decide how dirty they are. If they’re just a little dirty, you can probably get away with just using water and baking soda. If they’re really dirty, you might want to use rubbing alcohol as well.
Prep your shoes
Clean shoes with rubber soles first by scrubbing away any dirt and debris with a soft-bristled brush. If your shoes are extra dirty, you can also pre-treat them with a stain remover before washing. To do this, simply apply the solution to a clean cloth and rub it into the stained areas of your shoes. Let the shoes air dry for at least an hour before proceeding to the next step.
Deep clean your shoes
Take your shoes outside and give them a good shake to loosen any dirt or debris. If your shoes are especially dirty, you can use a soft brush to help loosen the grime.
Next, fill a bucket with warm water and add a small amount of mild detergent. Stir gently to create suds.
Submerge your shoes in the sudsy water and use your hands to swish them around. Be sure to clean the tongue and laces thoroughly. Allow them to soak for about 15 minutes.
After soaking, empty the bucket and rinse your shoes with fresh water. You may need to rinse them several times to remove all the soap.
Once they’re rinsed, stuff each shoe with newspaper or a towel in order to help them hold their shape as they dry. Air dry your shoes away from direct heat or sunlight.
Let your shoes dry
Whether you’re cleaning your shoes after a game of tennis or just trying to get them ready for summer, it’s important to let your shoes dry completely before you start cleaning them. Drying your shoes in the sun is a great way to help prevent mildew and bacteria from growing inside of your shoes.
