Sneaker Care
Cleaning the upper
- Fabric/mesh: use a soft-bristle brush with mild soap and water. Avoid scrubbing hard.
- Leather: wipe with a slightly damp cloth and, if needed, a leather-specific cleaner. Avoid soaking it.
- Suede: use a dry suede brush and a suede eraser for stains. Never get it wet.
How to wash
- Hand-washing is best, using cold or lukewarm water and mild soap.
- Avoid the washing machine — the agitation and heat can loosen glue and warp the shoe's structure.
- Remove laces and insoles before cleaning and wash them separately.
Drying
- Never dry in direct sunlight or with a hair dryer/heater — heat can dry out materials and cause cracking.
- Air dry in a shaded, well-ventilated spot.
- Stuff the sneakers with crumpled paper towels or newspaper to absorb moisture and help them hold their shape.
Soles and midsoles
- Brush soles clean with water to prevent dirt buildup that wears down the rubber.
- Avoid contact with oil, gasoline, or harsh chemicals — they can damage the midsole.
Storage
- Store in a dry, ventilated space away from humidity.
- Use the original box or a shoe organizer with silica gel packs to prevent mold and mildew.
- Avoid stacking sneakers without protection, as this can deform the upper.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Washing in the washing machine or drying in the dryer.
- Using harsh cleaners or too much rubbing alcohol.
- Leaving wet sneakers in the sun to "dry faster."
Clothing Care
Read the care label first
Before washing, always check the label — it tells you the right water temperature, whether bleach is safe, and if the item can be machine dried or ironed.
Water temperature by fabric
- Cotton: cold to warm water.
- Polyester and synthetics: cold water, to prevent shrinking or warping.
- Denim: cold water, washed inside out to preserve color.
- Knits: cold water, gentle cycle.
Sorting by color and fabric
- Separate lights, darks, and prints.
- Wash delicate pieces separately from heavier items like jeans and sweatshirts.
Drying
- Air drying on a line or drying rack is best, especially for prints and bright colors.
- If using a dryer, choose a low-heat setting and avoid synthetics, which can melt or warp under high heat.
- Don't wring out knitwear — this stretches out the fit.
Ironing
- Cotton and linen: high heat.
- Polyester and synthetics: low heat, ideally with a cloth between the iron and fabric.
- Printed graphics: always iron inside out to protect the design.
Preventing common issues
- Pilling: wash the item inside out and avoid excessive friction with other garments.
- Fading: wash in cold water and limit prolonged sun exposure.
- Stretching out of shape: don't hang knitwear on a line for long periods — lay it flat to dry instead.
Care Symbols

Tips by Material
Leather
Condition periodically with a leather-specific product; avoid prolonged contact with water.
Suede
Never let it get wet; use a dry brush and apply a protective spray before first wear.
Cotton
May shrink on the first wash — wash in cold water to minimize shrinkage.
Polyester
Durable, but heat-sensitive — avoid the dryer and hot iron.
Denim
Wash inside out and less frequently to preserve color and fit.
Knitwear
Dry flat, never on a hanger or line, to avoid stretching.
