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Remove streaks and stains
You and your sneakers regularly hit the road. But all those adventures can leave their mark: a kerb, bicycle pedal or rubber floor are sometimes enough to leave a black mark. And that’s particularly noticeable on light-coloured sneakers. Fortunately, these marks can usually be removed easily.
How do marks appear?
Black marks are often caused by friction, which can happen if you rub your shoes against a rough surface, such as a kerb or stairs. Rubber flooring as used in gyms or schools can also leave streaks. The sides of your sneakers and the sole are most prone to this.
Cleaning straight away prevents damage
The quicker you treat marks, the better. Timely cleaning prevents dirt from penetrating fibres or material structures. So don’t let stains set in. Check your sneakers when you take them off and clean them straight away if you see any marks. That will keep them looking great and fresh for longer.
Marks on smooth leather
Smooth leather is strong and relatively easy to clean. Use a damp cloth to wipe away the streak. If that doesn’t work, you can try using a gentle leather cleaner. Rub gently in a circular motion using a soft cloth or toothbrush. Allow the shoes to dry well, before applying a nourishing cream that matches your shoes’ leather type to keep your shoes feeling supple and looking beautiful.
Marks on suede
You need to be careful with suede. Don’t use any water or washing-up liquid. Rub a suede eraser gently over the black mark in the direction of the fibres. You can then blow away the remaining rubber or brush it away gently using a suede brush. Allow the shoes to air dry before protecting them with a suede protector spray.
Marks on textiles
It’s usually easy to clean marks on textiles using soapy water. First, dab the surface with a damp cloth. Mix a small amount of washing-up liquid with lukewarm water and gently rub the streak clean, using a soft brush or cloth. Allow the sneaker to air dry slowly, out of direct sunlight.
Oil, ink or mud marks
Some stains require a targeted approach. It’s best to let mud dry first. Then brush it away carefully using a soft brush and clean the surface with lukewarm water and a mild cleaning agent. Ink stains can be removed safely using a special leather cleaner or rubbing alcohol. Apply sparingly using a cotton pad and dab gently. Oil stains are best treated using a professional degreaser that is suitable for leather. Always first test new products on an inconspicuous area.
Prevention is better than cure
Good preparation is half the battle. Protect your new sneakers before wearing them for the first time with a water and dirt repellent, such as Xsensible Protection Spray or Collonil Carbon. This provides the shoe with an invisible protective layer, which protects shoes from moisture and dirt and makes any marks easier to remove.
What you shouldn’t do
Never use aggressive cleaning agents or bleach, as these can damage the material. You shouldn’t put sneakers in the washing machine or dry them near a source of heat. This can cause warping or cracking. Preferably use a leather cleaner and treat your sneakers step by step. This reduces the risk of damage and your sneakers will stay looking great for longer.
When should you go to a specialist?
If the stains remain after several attempts, or you’re not sure what your sneakers are made of, it’s best to speak to an expert. Be especially cautious with suede, nubuck or luxury leather. Staff at our retail outlets will be delighted to offer you personal advice.
