Questions and answers

Sneaker knowledge in a nutshell: Questions and answers on cleaning and care!

Posted on by Theresa Habermann
17
Feb

Bright white sneakers are simply timeless classics. But they quickly look dirty and dusty – regardless of whether they are white cloth shoes, leather shoes or sneakers made of other materials. So that you can quickly and easily make your sneakers look almost like new again, we have put together some tricks here.

Basically, we recommend cleaning with our sneaker cleaner, which cleans the shoes, regardless of the material, gently and does not break the material.

If you have white sneakers made of fabrics such as canvas or mesh, they can also be cleaned in the washing machine. But caution is advised with the washing temperature – water that is too hot does more harm than good. In addition, aggressive detergent and excessive spin should be avoided. All these points can destroy the material, dissolve adhesives used in the shoe or the shoes could get a yellow tinge. In principle, the manufacturer’s specifications of the shoes should also always be observed. If the shoes and the material allow it, we have summarized all the steps for washing in the washing machine here:

1) Before washing in the washing machine, shoelaces and inserts should be removed and washed by hand.


2) The shoes belong in a specially suitable laundry bag or pillowcase so that both shoes and washing machine are protected.


3) Use a mild detergent without bleach or harsh chemicals.


4) At best, set the washing machine to a gentle program and wash your sneakers as cold as possible, preferably at 30 degrees.


5) The spin cycle should be set low or avoid it completely.


6) After washing, stuff your sneakers with newspaper and let them air dry. This will help you avoid deformation.

Attention: Many materials, such as smooth or suede leather, are by no means suitable for cleaning with the washing machine. It is better to clean by hand with our Tapir products.

If the shoes cannot be cleaned with the washing machine, we naturally recommend our Sneaker Cleaner with the matching dirt brush.

1) Test on an inconspicuous area whether the cleaning agent is suitable for the material and whether it will not be damaged by it.


2) Remove coarse dirt by tapping the shoes against each other or use a special dirt brush.


3) Put some suitable shoe polish, such as Glattleder Tapirs Leather and Saddle Soap , or in cold or lukewarm water and on a moistened sponge. Gently rub the shoes with it.


4) Your shoes are made of a different material? Then use Tapirs Sneaker Cleaner. Simply spray on the shoe and scrub the shoe with a sponge.

When the shoes are white again, you should definitely apply a good impregnation to the shoe as a preventive measure. This protects against dirt, dust and moisture. For example, use our natural Sneaker Protector, which simply has to be sprayed onto the shoe.

It happens far too often. If you don’t pay attention properly and step into a mud puddle, or a small drop of the delicious hot dog mustard gets directly on the shoe. Then you may not notice it directly, but only later and the stain has dried. All the worse when, to make matters worse, they are white sneakers. So what can be done in this case?
We have put together some tips for you. As always, please test all cleaning agents and stain removal methods first on an inconspicuous area!

1) Always treat stains as soon as possible. Because a fresh stain is often much easier to remove.
2) Brush off coarse dirt with a dirt brush so that you do not work the dirt even deeper into the material during the further cleaning process.
3) Home remedies can help with smaller stains. For example, mix baking soda with a little water or washing-up liquid to form a more solid paste, which you can apply to the stain with a small brush.
In addition, a vinegar-water mixture could help. To do this, mix white vinegar and water in a 1:1 ratio and dab the stain with this solution. The baking powder or vinegar now needs some time to soak in and should be removed afterwards.
4) For more stubborn stains, use special cleaners for sneakers. For example, Tapir’s natural sneaker cleaner made from 100% natural ingredients. This works gently but effectively completely without chemicals, but only with forces from nature.
Apply the cleaner to the stain with a brush or cloth and gently work it into the material. Now give the sneaker cleaner some time to work so that the stain comes off. Finally, remove the foam and dissolved residue with a clean, damp cloth to absorb the dirt. After cleaning, the shoe must dry thoroughly. If necessary, stuff it. with newspaper and do not place it in direct sunlight in a dry, well-ventilated room.

To prevent stains from occurring in the first place in the future, impregnation provides protection. This, such as the Sneaker Protector , should be renewed after each cleaning, before the first wear and regularly if necessary. This protects against the penetration of moisture, dirt and grime, and stains are much less likely to occur.

The stains should be a thing of the past and your sneakers should shine in new splendour!

Although white sneakers are absolutely timeless and trendy, it is often difficult to get them bright white, as if fresh from the store. This is because external influences such as sweat, dirt or incorrect storage, too much sunlight or aggressive cleaning agents often lead to a change in colour. But is it really that difficult to get yellowed sneakers white again?
We have put together some tips for you on how to make your favorite shoes shine again. As always, the principle applies: Please test in an inconspicuous area first!

1) First, remove coarse dirt with a soft brush or cloth that will prevent the dirt from being worked even deeper into the material. Then, mix baking soda, water, and white vinegar together in about equal parts to make a paste. Spread them evenly over all affected areas of the shoe. Give the paste enough time to take effect – ideally overnight. Then remove the dried paste with a wet cloth or sponge and then let the shoes dry in a suitable place. This should be dark, cool and not in the immediate vicinity of heaters or sunlight.

Tapir tip: Always use cold water to clean yellowed shoes, as hot water can worsen yellowing.

2) Another way to remove the yellow tint from your sneakers is to use white toothpaste. To do this, apply some toothpaste to a toothbrush with medium-hard bristles. For an even greater cleaning effect, mix the toothpaste with a little washing-up liquid or shaving cream (no gel!). Brush the shoes with it until a dense layer of foam is formed. This must be left on for about ten minutes before it is removed with the help of a damp cloth. Repeat this process while there are still stains.

3) Even though the above tips are long-known household tips, please note that not all materials can tolerate these cleaning methods. So use our new Sneaker Cleaner, especially for sensitive materials. This offers effective but gentle cleaning, as it only works with forces from nature and completely without aggressive chemicals.

4) To keep your shoes white in the long term, there are also a few things you should keep in mind. Clean and maintain them regularly.

Apply a good impregnation after every cleaning and ideally directly before the first wear – such as our new Sneaker Protector. This provides lasting protection against dirt, dirt and moisture. Also, use good insoles to reduce sweat absorption into the shoe.

Before cleaning your sneakers with home remedies such as toothpaste, you should first test this on an inconspicuous area.
Before cleaning, it is advisable to remove the laces. This allows the shoe to be cleaned more thoroughly. In addition, dirty shoelaces can be cleaned directly in a soap layer.
Then remove coarse dirt with a suitable dirt brush or cloth.
For cleaning with toothpaste, choose a pure white one. Apply it with an old toothbrush and a little water and gently work it in until it foams. Leave everything to work well and finally wipe off the excess toothpaste with a damp cloth.

However, toothpaste is not suitable for all materials! To clean your sneakers gently but effectively, simply use Tapirs Sneaker Cleaner. This cleans your shoes gently but thoroughly!

Baking soda has always been considered a home remedy for cleaning stubborn stains on shoes. A simple mixture of baking soda and vinegar will dissolve even deep-seated dirt. However, you should always test home remedies on an inconspicuous area first!

Here’s how it works:
Mix two tablespoons of baking soda with a little vinegar to make a creamy paste. Apply the mixture to the dirty areas with an old toothbrush and let it sit for a short time. Then rinse with clean water and let the shoes dry well.

Even easier and just as effective, however, is cleaning with our sneaker cleaner. The natural ingredients remove stains with the forces of nature and ensure radiant results. Simply spray on, brush in and then remove it again.

To ensure that not only the surface, but also the sole of white sneakers becomes bright white again, we have put together some tips for cleaning and care.

1) In general, it is always advisable to apply impregnation to the shoes. Ideally, even before wearing it for the first time! Be careful, if the shoes are already dirty, please be sure to clean them before impregnating them.
The impregnation can also be applied to the side of the sole of white sneakers. It has a dirt-repellent effect and therefore facilitates future cleaning.

2) Light soiling can be easily cleaned with lukewarm water and a little colourless washing-up liquid. Simply place it a little on a sponge and rub it over the affected areas in circular motions. Please avoid contact with the shoe upper! Then rub off the foam with a cloth and let the sole dry well.
3) Use our Sneaker Cleaner for heavier soiling. Apply one or two sprays of the foam to the sole and work it in with the help of the enclosed dirt brush. The natural ingredients have a gentle but effective effect and clean the sole deeply.

I’m sure everyone knows it. After a hot summer’s day in closed shoes, you take off your shoes in the evening – and immediately an unpleasant smell rises to your nose. The reason for this lies in a mixture of sweat and bacteria, which feel particularly comfortable in the environment of shoes. Here you can find out what you can do about the smell sustainably and measures to prevent it from occurring in the first place.
But first, the most important thing:
Make sure to wear breathable shoes, especially in summer or during sports.
Take advantage of the new natural sneaker refresher, which refreshes your shoes and neutralizes odors. It consists only of valuable, renewable raw materials and, in addition to a fine fragrance, has a disinfecting effect with forces from nature.
Air out the shoes regularly and change them regularly so that they can dry well.
At best, wear breathable cotton socks and make sure to only put on your shoes with dry feet. This is because when the feet sweat and the sweat cannot evaporate sufficiently, it is broken down by bacteria. These microorganisms feel particularly comfortable in the warm, humid climate of the shoe interior. This then creates the unpleasant odors.
If these measures have not already helped, here are some more tips to combat shoe odor sustainably and naturally.
Baking soda against odors
Since baking soda has the ability to absorb and neutralize odors, it is suitable as a home remedy for shoe odor. Simply sprinkle a small amount into the shoes and leave it on overnight. Simply pour it out again the next day or vacuum it off and you can wear your shoes again.
Baking soda as a neutralizer
Similar to baking soda, baking soda can absorb moisture with its absorbent effect, which is responsible for unpleasant odors. Again, a small amount simply has to be sprinkled into the shoe overnight and removed the next day.
The smell of coffee instead of the smell of sweat
Since coffee has a strong odor-binding effect and can quickly neutralize unpleasant odors, simply place dried, used coffee pods in the shoes and leave them on overnight. Simply remove the pads the next morning and let the shoes air out again.
Fresh lemon scent
Because the peels of citrus fruits contain essential oils that have an antibacterial effect and can neutralize unpleasant odors, they are ideal as a natural fresh scent for your shoes. Simply cut the shell into small pieces and place them in the shoes. Leave it on overnight, remove it the next morning and the shoes are ready for the day.
Freezer compartment against shoe odor
Since the bacteria responsible for the smell cannot survive great cold, you can also store your shoes in a sealable bag in the freezer for about 24 hours. After this time, the unpleasant shoe smell should be gone.

All of these are possible sustainable measures to combat shoe odor. This means that nothing stands in the way of your subsequent shoe care and your shoes should be almost as good as new.