It would be difficult to find someone who doesn't own a pair of the iconic Nike Air Force 1s. With most people buying the same pair of triple-whites over and over again, we admit that there is something satisfying about having a fresh pair. Although, it's such a challenge to keep them looking that way when they're your go-to pair of beaters. Most people let their AF-1s go to rack and ruin, only to invest in another pair a couple of years later. So, how can you save some dosh and get your Forces looking as fresh as they did when you first bought them, without having to buy a new pair? We've got the answers right here.
Step one: don't be lazy! With a little bit of effort, you'll have them looking spick and span in no time. Think about what else you could spend that £100 on! We know, probably another pair of sneakers... Stick with us, we're about to give you the dish the dirt on all the sneaker cleaning hacks, so you never have to buy another pair of triple-white Nike Air Force 1s ever again.
Equipment List: What You Need To Clean Air Force Ones
First up, what might you need if you're going to tackle the build up of sweat, blood and tears on your sneaks? When it comes to getting the stubborn dirt and grime off your favourite pair of white Nike Air Force 1s, there's a variety of avenues you can take:
- A soft-bristle brush. Something like an old toothbrush would work perfectly.
- You might want to invest in specialist sneaker cleaning products, like Jason Markk or Reshoevn8r. If not, soapy, warm water should do the trick.
- For particularly bad stains and scuffs, baking soda and white vinegar or hydrogen peroxide might be required.
- A washing machine.
- To go with this, laundry detergent so your laces will be looking sparkling white in no time.
- A microfibre towel.
- The Pink Stuff (found in most supermarkets) is an absolute miracle worker when paired with an old toothbrush.
Recommended Products For Cleaning AF1s
If you're feeling bougie, you might want to invest in some sneaker cleaning solutions. Jason Markk, Crep Protect, Sneak Defender and SneakersER all work the trick. There's also a lot of products out there that you can spray on your sneakers before you wear them, so they stay fresher, for longer.
Reshoevn8r sell shoe trees, which are ideal for keeping the shape of your white sneakers in tact when they're not being worn. However, a bunched up pairs of socks can stand in for those without shoe trees.
How To Clean Air Force 1s
There are so many methods you can use for cleaning your white Air Force 1 trainers, which is lucky as they are one of the most popular shoes of all time and SO prone to getting dirty. Apparently, Nike sell over 10 million pairs of these sneakers in ONE year. Maybe their attraction to dirt is a clever marketing tactic?
Before you stick them in the washing machine, it's best to try by hand to get the best results. In each instance, take out the laces to be washed separately and stuff the ends of the shoes with shoe trees or a pair of socks as mentioned previously.
As well as this, prior to starting any of the following methods, it's useful to have scrubbed off any dried-out mud or dirt using a dry brush.
Use Soapy Water, Sneaker Cleaner or Laundry Detergent
Luckily for you, Air Force 1s are made out of leather and fabric with a rubber outsole, so they are probably one of the easiest sneakers to clean!
- Fill up a small bowl with water and add the laundry detergent, specialist sneaker cleaner or just some good, old Fairy Liquid.
- Using a soft-bristle brush, dip the tips in the cleaning solution and scrub, scrub, scrub away at the white leather body of the shoe. You can afford to really go ham on the midsoles to get rid of the build up of grime! Lots of dirt collects in the seams between the body and the midsole. Remember to scrub the inside too, especially around the ankle where sweat may have built up.
- Still not budging? Bring a microfibre cloth into the fold. Again, dip it in the solution you have made and keep rubbing away until the stains begin to lift. This may take three or four times.
- Once you are happy with the results, use the microfiber towel to remove any excess product.
Put Them In The Washing Machine
- Make sure to pop your sneakers and laces separately in a pillow case or a laundry bag.
- Put them in the wash with a load of other old, white towels or bed sheets to make sure they are not rattling around.
- Put the machine on a delicate wash and fill up with laundry detergent, as you usually would.
- Take them out to air dry. This should not be a humid environment, otherwise the wet material will get mouldy. Equally, the sun will cause the shoes to shrink, so shade only please if you are leaving the AF-1s to dry outside.
Try to avoid doing this method too often, as it really can wear out the rubber on the soles.
Try Baking Soda And White Vinegar Or Hydrogen Peroxide
- One tablespoon of baking soda mixed with two tablespoons of white vinegar and water is a great solution for getting rid of harsh stains or yellowing.
- Make sure to wait until the baking soda has fully dissolved in the vinegar and cold water solution before cleaning.
- Dip in an old toothbrush and start to work at the stains. You may have to do this two or three times.
You can swap out the two tablespoons of white vinegar for half a tablespoon of hydrogen peroxide. If you are using the vinegar, make sure you go for white specifically, as this has less of an odour than other types.
How To Clean Shoelaces
Whilst undertaking the methods above (whichever you go for), the best way to clean your shoelaces is to pop them in a cleaning solution whilst you work. Again, a mixture of warm, soapy water, or the specialist cleaning solution will do. You can also put them in the wash along with any other washing you have for that day. For laces that have particularly tough stains, you can soak them in bleach and detergent to whiten them again. They should be kept in this for 1 hour, before you let them air dry.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Remove Creases From AF1s?
A hack that has taken the world of TikTok by storm, you can remove the creases from the front of your Air Forces with an iron. Pop your shoe tree in, or a bunched up pair of socks if you don't have a shoe tree, and place a damp (not wet) cloth on the front of your shoe. Place your iron over the toe box and let the steam work its magic! The final ingredient to make your AF-1s look as good as new. Make sure that the cloth is dampened with cold water.
Can I Use A Washing Machine To Wash Air Force 1s?
You absolutely can put your Air Force 1s in the washing machine. Make sure to remove the laces from the white shoes before washing and place them in a pillow case or material bag. You can also wash the laces by hand. However, it is important to remember that you shouldn't put them in the dryer. Only air dry your clean shoes! Don't wash the sneakers in too hot a wash, otherwise the glue holding the shoe together may melt.
How Do I Fix Yellow Stains On My Air Forces?
Yellowing occurs due to oxidation and unfortunately is inevitable! Although, bleach or sneaker cleaner will be able to get rid of this in no time at all, just follow the cleaning methods we've outlined in this article.
For the best results, try the baking soda, white vinegar and water solution mentioned above. This works to reduce the yellow of both leather and fabric, so you can tackle the insoles and the outsoles in one go. Make sure to not try this tactic on suede, as this is much more delicate than other materials. Specialised suede cleaner will be required. You can find this on places like Amazon and it will work perfectly for all different sneakers; AF1s and adidas sneakers alike!
How Do I Remove Odours From My AF1s?
Let's be real, we've all worn a pair of shoes so much that they've got a bit pongy. To avoid this with your Air Force 1s, get an airtight box and pop your shoes in without the laces. Lift up the tongues and set a cup full of baking soda inside the box with them. Shut the lid tight and wait 24 hours for the magic to happen! You'll be amazed at the outcome.
That's How You Clean Your Air Force 1s
We hope that these methods help you on your way to cleaner Air Force 1s, so you don't have to fork out £100 every six months! Yes, it takes a bit more effort than going online and pressing 'Buy Now', but you'll be so satisfied when it's done. Make sure to take before and after photos to show your mates. They'll be well impressed!
None of these helped? Apparently a bit of toothpaste and water do an outstanding job at removing stains. Although, make sure to use a white, non-gel paste. No one wants a greeny-blue hue left on their white sneakers! They'll also smell nice and fresh after.... And that's that. Happy cleaning!
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