A shoe tree is a wood or plastic block with a handle on it. It keeps the fabric, plastic, and rubber from shrinking or creasing when you’re cleaning or not wearing your shoes. Avoid stuffing your sneakers with newspaper, as the ink could transfer to your sneakers.
Leather cleaner: Leather cleaners are specifically designed to lift stains off of real and synthetic leathers, and will work well on your Air Force Ones. Baking soda and white vinegar: Mix 1 tsp (5 g) of baking soda with 2 tsp (9. 9 mL) of white vinegar to create a cleaning paste that’s tough on stains when you scrub it onto your sneakers in a circular motion. Micellar water: Micellar water is an overlooked cleaning agent and is great for washing white shoes—rub it into your shoes with a microfiber towel. Place your shoelaces in the bowl of cleaning solution to let them soak as you work on your shoes.
For the tongue, lift it up with your nondominant hand and use quick flicking motions to scrub the leather without wearing it down. Scrub the inside fabric around the heel, but you don’t need to shove the brush deep into the insole. The cleaning solution may dry out your hands, so wear gloves if you prefer.
You can use a Magic Eraser instead of a hard-bristled brush if you prefer.
This will only work if it’s actually a scuff mark or stain. If the shoe has been torn and the interior layer of leather is exposed, you’ll need to repair the scratch.
Set your shoes down next to a fan or open window to air them out. You can leave them outside, but don’t leave them in the sun. Leave the shoe trees in your shoes while they air dry.
While you can send any shoe tree through the wash, opt for plastic shoe trees, which aren’t prone to rust or water damage, like metal or wooden shoe trees. Alternatively, stuff spare or used socks inside your shoes instead of shoe trees in order to help them keep their shape as you run them through the washing machine.
If you leave your shoes in a humid environment they may get moldy as they dry. Never put your shoes in a dryer. The heat will damage the leather and cause your shoes to shrink. The sun will heat your shoes up and cause the leather to shrink as it dries. If you leave them outside, keep them under a canopy or overhang to keep them out of the sun.
Any white toothpaste with baking soda in it will work for this. Avoid gel toothpaste, as it may leave a layer of residue on your shoes.
You can pick up a Magic Eraser at any big box or cleaning supply store. They’re often marketed as a way to remove marks from drywall.
Alternatively, leave your shoes in an airtight container overnight, along with an open dish of baking soda.
