Blogger shares genius $3 white sneakers cleaning hack
Got a pair of not-so-white sneakers that are looking past their prime? This stylist’s clever three-minute trick will have them looking brand new.
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If you’ve ever looked at a pair of no-longer white sneakers in frustration, we just may have the solution.
Blogger and stylist behind the popular Instagram account @trashtotreasured, Tina Abeysekara, shared a genius trick to get your kicks looking good as new. Better yet, it’s super cheap and requires next to no effort.
Posting a short video to her Instagram profile, Tina used a Chux Magic Eraser to effortlessly buff away the dirt and scuff marks from a pair of white leather sneakers, leaving them looking as good as new.
We did a bit of digging and the cleaning product will set you back just $3.60 on Amazon or $4.30 at Woolworths and comes in a jumbo ‘Big Pack’ size for larger jobs too. Speaking from experience, this normally involves a looming end-of-lease bond clean and about two years worth of lived-in scuff marks, random stains and built-up grime you never got around to cleaning.
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Speaking to news.com.au, Tina says she actually learnt the hack from one of her over 150,000 followers.
“I’d shared that I use wet wipes (like the baby ones!) to clean my sneakers and a few of them mentioned that Magic Erasers are a more sustainable option than single-use wet wipes,” she shared.
“I just clean them when they look like they need it and can go a few months between cleans. I let the sneakers get a bit grubbier before I did the [Instagram] Reel so you could really see the difference!”
RELATED: Our round-up of white sneakers that go with everything
More commonly used as a household cleaning product, the sponges tackle a number of messes including dirt, grime, mould, grease and mystery marks from crayon to nail polish.
They’re made out of melamine foam and while they might be smooth to the touch, the material has a sandpaper-like effect which helps lift grime, stains and dirt. It does all this without the need of a cleaning agent and the material is non-toxic as well.
Just make sure to always use the sponge while wet as it can be quite harsh when used dry. Also keep in mind that the eraser can scratch polished and varnished surfaces like your car, stone benchtops, marble, stainless steel and non-stick pans if used too forcefully.
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For the complete sneaker care kit, consider treating your favourite white kicks with a waterproofer and stain repellent. Something like Nanoman’s Shoes + Bags waterproofer and stain repellent spray is highly-reviewed on Amazon and can be used on fabric, suede and leather as well.
A shoelaces refresh will also make even the most worn-in shoes look new. These bright white picks from Crep Protect come pre-treated to repel water and stains as well.
Now if you need a new pair of sparkling white sneakers to freshen up your summer wardrobe might we recommend these kicks?
Lacoste Gripshot B1 21 Sneakers, THE ICONIC, $170
If you have your eye on the chic white sneakers Tina features in the video, these white picks from Lacoste are very similar. They’re a fresh addition to any footwear collection and show off the brand’s iconic alligator logo without looking overly branded or unnecessarily flashy.
Everlane The Forever Sneaker, $106
A wear everywhere pair of shoes, these sneakers were made with the environment in mind. They’re created using 50 per cent recycled cotton canvas, 100 per cent recycled polyester laces and under ethical conditions where workers are guaranteed fair wages, reasonable hours and safe workplace conditions. Plus, you can buy them in five different colours.
Keds Women’s Chillax Fashion Sneaker, Amazon Australia, from $41
One of the most iconic white sneakers, Keds have actually been around since 1916. Since then they’ve been worn by the likes of Taylor Swift, Mischa Barton and even silver-screen legends like Marilyn Monroe and Audrey Hepburn. They’re still just as on trend today. The shoes can be worn with or without laces and lend themselves perfectly to year-round wear.
Adidas Originals Stan Smith Vegan (Unisex), $140
One of the first iconic white sneakers, Adidas’ classic Stan Smiths have received an environmental update. They’re now manufactured without animal-based materials and the upper is made from recycled materials. The cupsole (the bit of the sole that wraps around the bottom-side of the shoe) is also made from a mix of natural rubber (90 per cent) and waste rubber (10 per cent).
HOW DO I CLEAN WHITE SNEAKERS?
While the above method works a treat on your leather shoes, the process is a bit easier for sneakers made out of canvas. Feel free to throw canvas sneakers like Converse and Vans in the washing machine on a short cool cycle before drying them in the sun. Don’t forget that your local cobbler is also a great source for advice.
WHAT WHITE SNEAKERS ARE IN STYLE IN 2020?
From statement dad sneakers, to classic Converse or Vans, white sneakers have made a lasting impact on the fashion industry. If you want to narrow down your search, sporting brands like Nike, Adidas, Reebok and Superga all create fashion-forward and comfortable options while high-end designers like Gucci, Golden Goose and Veja are create for statement logos and bold, quirky designs.
WHAT WHITE SNEAKERS ARE CELEBRITIES WEARING?
Despite being able to pick from an endless supply of heels and designer footwear, even celebrities love a clean and fresh pair of white sneakers. From Harry Styles, to the Kardashians the, humble low cut Converse Chuck Taylor All Stars are style staples, as are the cult popular Nike Air Force 1s (just ask Emily Ratajkowski, Kendall Jenner and Hailey Beiber).
When it comes to royal picks, Meghan Markle is of course a fan of the environmentally-friendly Vejas, while Kate Middleton has had a well-documented history with the Superga 2750 COTU Classic Sneaker.
To make your outfit really come together, check out the tried and tested pair of $42.50 jeans worth the hype.
Looking for more style ideas and fashion staples? Check out our Best Of Fashion section.
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