Article: This is how you clean knit sneakers

This is how you clean knit sneakers

Q: Make discolored knit white again

Use at your own risk and only suitable white knit: In addition to discoloration, white knit inevitably becomes duller over time. To whiten discolored knit, mix a portion of baking soda or white vinegar with hot water (⅓ vinegar or baking soda to ⅔ water). Thoroughly soak the material with this mixture and let it sit for 30 minutes before rinsing. Then wipe it clean.

Q: Repair frayed knit

Execution at your own risk: If you had no other option but to use the stiff brush to remove stubborn stains, the knit may be a bit frayed. Once the material is completely dry, you can restore the original texture by removing the frayed fibers with a trimmer. If you have patience, you can also do this with scissors.

Sneakers are rarely made of a single material, so it is essential to understand the care your shoes require. For a comprehensive series of cleaning tutorials, click here .

What you need to know when cleaning knit sneakers:

'Knit' is very similar in look and feel to a sock. It is a durable material and is light and breathable. Comparable to mesh and it has the special property that it is super elastic/stretchable. This means it adapts nicely to the shape of your foot and offers more comfort than other materials.

Many sneakers consist of different parts and materials. Making them often creates a lot of waste because a large part is often thrown away when cutting materials. Due to the innovative, low-waste production of this knit, sneakers are friendlier to the environment and more recyclable.

Because it is a material with holes, stains can penetrate deeply and are difficult to remove. That is why it is smart to clean it in time to prevent permanent stains. Due to the structure of this material, it can be sensitive to wear and tear and can easily fray/fluff. Therefore always use a soft brush .

White knit (knitting) can become a bit gray or yellow over time. Below you will find a solution for this:

This is how you clean knit sneakers in 7 easy steps

Preparation
Brush dry
Clean lace
Clean sole
Clean mesh
Let dry
Protect

1. Preparation: make sure you use the right products.

When cleaning knit sneakers, it is crucial to use the right products. Avoid household products such as green soap or dishwashing liquid, as these are less effective and can damage the material.

Instead, opt for specially developed sneaker care products , such as that of First Amsterdam. We also recommend using shoe trees so that cleaning is easier and the shoe does not deform.

Always use a soft brush when knitting.

2. Brush dry: brush loose dirt from the sneaker

A good brush is essential to effectively remove loose dirt before wetting the shoe . We recommend always removing loose dirt with a soft brush, such as our premium brush .

Is there mud on your shoe? Then make sure you remove as much of this as possible to avoid brushing it into the material during cleaning.

3. Clean laces: remove the laces and clean them separately

Are your laces very dirty? Remove the laces from the shoe and immerse the laces in a bowl of water containing a suitable sneaker cleaning agent , such as the specially developed cleaning formula from First Amsterdam.

If there is a lot of dirt or stains, apply a few extra drops to the laces and rub them between your hands until it foams well.

TIP: Run the wet laces through a microfiber cloth to dry them faster and wipe off the dirt.

Are your laces less dirty? Then you can also leave the laces in the shoe and brush them clean with a soft brush, a little water and the cleaning formula.

TIP: Do not use a hard brush for this, because there is a good chance that the laces will fluff when they come into contact with these hard bristles.

4. Clean the sole: clean the sole properly

Use a stiff brush and a good cleaning agent to clean the soles, so that stubborn dirt does not stand a chance. Don't put too much pressure and let the bristles do the work.

Do stains remain? Then add some of the cleaning solution to a microfiber cloth and rub it on the stain with your index finger to remove it.

5. Clean knit: then clean the shoe thoroughly

Is the water very dirty? Preferably replace the water and repeat the steps in step 4. Again: always use a soft brush when cleaning knitwear. So you know make sure you don't damage the material.

6. Allow to dry: Allow your shoes to dry properly

After cleaning, dry the sneakers with a microfiber cloth . Then let them air out naturally for best results. It is best to leave the shoe trees in the shoe. Keep the shoes away from heat sources such as the sun or a heater. This can cause the shoes to deform and/or discolour.

7. Protect: Use a water and dirt-repellent spray to protect your sneakers

Use a good water and dirt-repellent spray to protect your shoes against unwanted stains and wear. Extend the life of your sneakers and maintain their fresh appearance!

Cleaning tips for knit sneakers

Use more water than with leather or suede/nubuck

Stains can penetrate deep into the fibers of the knit. In such cases, more water and detergent are required than with other materials that are less absorbent, such as leather.

Use hot water for stubborn stains

Hot water usually removes stubborn stains from fibers more easily than cold water. Hot water also has disinfectant and deodorizing properties for the material.

Be careful with certain stains, such as mud stains, that can be caused by hot water.

Use a soft brush and a microfiber cloth

As a last resort, to remove stubborn stains, you can use the microfiber or stiff brush in a straight motion and in one direction only.

Do this carefully so as not to damage the knit.

Rinse the knit thoroughly

Rinse the knit with cold water, making sure to thoroughly remove any detergent residue.

This important step promotes proper drying of the material and prevents drying stains or discoloration.

Use shoe trees when cleaning and drying

If you are going to clean shoes and let them dry later, we always recommend using shoe trees.

In addition to making them easier to clean, this ensures that the shoes do not deform or wrinkle.

Wooden shoe trees even absorb moisture and unpleasant odors, which has an additional advantage.

Let dry thoroughly

Wipe as much water from the material as possible to reduce the risk of water spots or discoloration after drying.

If a water stain does appear, gently brush it off with a small amount of clear water.

Make discolored knit white again

Use at your own risk and only suitable white knit:

In addition to discoloration, white knit inevitably becomes duller over time.

To whiten discolored knit, mix a portion of baking soda or white vinegar with hot water (⅓ vinegar or baking soda to ⅔ water).

Thoroughly soak the material with this mixture and let it sit for 30 minutes before rinsing. Then wipe it clean.

Repair frayed knit

Execution at your own risk:

If you had no other option but to use the stiff brush to remove stubborn stains, the knit may be a bit frayed.

Once the material is completely dry, you can restore the original texture by removing the frayed fibers with a trimmer. If you have patience, you can also do this with scissors.

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