Sneakers have become more than just footwear. Today, they’ve transformed into a cultural symbol, with one of the most cherished options being jordan sneakers. Apart from their athletic performance and stylish designs, these sneakers boast high sportsmanship and uniqueness. But if you want to keep your kicks looking crisp and increase their lifespan, it’s time to learn some sneaker care tips. This detailed guide is all about why taking care of your Jordan sneakers matters and gives you essential tips to keep them looking awesome.
Cleaning Techniques for Jordan Shoes
The most important thing about keeping sneakers looking good is cleaning them regularly after wearing them. Here are some guidelines to properly clean your sneakers:
For normal dirt and dust, wipe down the entire upper with a damp cloth to remove loose debris. Use a soft bristled brush for any caked on particles in small crevices. For tougher stains on leather or other synthetic material, try a stain remover or a mixture of detergent and water. Scrub gently and blot until the stain lifts.
For the midsole, use a toothbrush dipped in a detergent solution and warm water. Pay extra attention to any grooves in the midsole, as dirt tends to collect there. Rinse well with water to remove all detergent residue.
The outsole can be cleaned using the same detergent solution and an old toothbrush. For stubborn dirt lodged in the tread, you may need a blunt knife to pry it loose. Rinse and air dry the soles completely.
For the laces, remove and soak in detergent and water before scrubbing and rinsing. Air dry away from direct heat.
Recommended Cleaning Products and Tools for Jordan Shoes
The right gear are a must-have for people looking forward to keeping their Jordan Sneakers fresh. Here are some recommended cleaning products and tools to properly care for your kicks:
Cleaning Solutions
For leather Jordans like the Jordan 1s, Jordan 3s and Jordan 4s, use a solution specifically for leather, like Jason Markk Premium Shoe Cleaner. For leather with canvas and faux leather sneakers, try a multi-surface cleaner like Reshoevn8r 3-in-1.
Mild dish soap and water also work in a pinch for most materials. Just dilute the soap and avoid harsh chemicals.
Brushes
Invest in a variety of brushes for different areas of your J’s. A soft brush is good for uppers, while a stiffer bristled brush handles soles. For knit or perforated panels, a small scrub brush works well.
Cleaning Wipes
Baby wipes or lens cleaning wipes are great for quick cleanups or spot stains on the go. Look for fragrance-free, hypoallergenic wipes.
Sneaker sprays
These are varieties of specialized products designed to protect, refresh, or enhance different aspects of sneakers. They’re available in various formulations, each serving a specific purpose including waterproofing sprays, Odor eliminating sprays, color reviving or enhancing sprays, and cleaning sprays.
Microfiber Cloths
Ultra-soft microfiber cloths are essential for buffing and polishing your Jordans. They are very effective at lifting dirt and debris from the surface of your shoes without damaging the material.
Old Toothbrush
An old toothbrush is perfect for cleaning small crevices, seams and grooves on your Jordans. Soft bristled toothbrushes are ideal for this task.
Importance of using appropriate brushes and cloths
Brushes and clothes are probably the most vital tools when cleaning Jordans. While other tools -sprays and cleaning solutions- are important, they cannot be used on their own; either a brush or a cloth is needed. So why would you want to be so specific on the brush/cloth? Or better still, why should you not consider using any other brush/cloth? Well, using the appropriate brush/cloth has 3 critical advantages:
Material specific care
A single Jordan may be made from different materials, for instance, leather, mesh, knit, and canvas, warranting the use of different brushes/clothes for one cleaning procedure. Using the appropriate tool helps address the unique cleaning needs of different materials thus, preserving their appearance, quality, and details.
Avoids color bleeding
When wet, some brushes/cloths may transfer color to your Jordans. Choosing appropriate tools that are non-bleeding and colorfast help retain the original color for your Jordans.
Efficient stain removal
Appropriate brushes for specific materials are designed to effectively remove stains without unnecessary strain or rather aggressive scrubbing. This saves you time, energy, and helps minimize risk of scratches.
Proper Storage and Maintenance for Jordan Shoes
The way you store your Jordan sneakers speaks volume about their attractiveness and durability. So, proper storage and maintenance is a commitment that deserves to be prioritized to preserve their legacy. Here are some best practices to follow:
Air them out
After wearing your Jordans, remove the inserts and laces and let all parts air out away from direct heat. This allows moisture to evaporate and prevents odor buildup.
Stuff with tissue
Gently stuff the toes of the shoes with tissue to retain their shape as they air out. Remove the tissue once fully dry before wearing again.
Rotate your shoes
Don’t wear the same pair of Jordans every day. Give them at least 24 hours of rest between wears. Rotating multiple pairs allows the padding and soles to decompress, increasing the life of your sneakers.
Keep the box
Store your Jordans in their original box when not wearing them. The box protects from dust and environmental damage. If space is limited, you can carefully stack multiple boxes.
Control temperature
Keep Jordans in a cool, dry spot away from extreme heat or cold. Temperatures between 55 to 85 degrees are ideal. High heat can cause glue and materials to break down faster while cold can cause brittle soles.
Protect from elements
Keep your Jordans away from direct sunlight, moisture, and chemicals. UV radiation, water damage, and harsh chemicals are all sneaker enemies.
Protecting Your Jordan Shoes From Water, Dirt and Other Elements
Keeping your Jordan sneakers clean and protected will help maintain their condition and value over time. Here are some tips to shield them from potential damage:
- Avoid getting your Jordans wet
Water can stain and damage the materials, and cause the adhesives and glues to break down more quickly. Don’t wear them in rain or snow, and be careful walking on wet ground. If they do get wet, stuff them with newspaper and let them air dry away from direct heat.
- Dirt and mud are sneaker enemies
Wipe your Jordans down after wearing them outside to remove any dirt or debris. Pay extra attention to the crevices and seams where dirt can build up. For stubborn stains, make a paste from water and baking soda or water and white vinegar and scrub gently with an old toothbrush. Rinse well with water and let air dry.
- Protect from sun damage
Too much sun exposure can cause Jordans to fade and crack over time. When possible, avoid leaving them in direct sunlight. You can also apply a UV-protectant spray, especially to lighter colored shoes.
- Avoid contact with chemicals
Exposure to harsh chemicals like chlorine can damage the materials and cause discoloration. Don’t wear your Jordans while doing things like painting, gardening or anything where strong chemicals are involved.
- Use protective sprays
Apply a water protectant or stain guard spray, especially before wearing the shoes for the first time. Reapply these sprays every few wears to maintain protection. These sprays can help prevent stains and make the shoes more water resistant.
Removing Stains and Restoring Your Jordan Shoes’ Resale Value
Stains, despite altering the appearance of your Jordan sneakers also lower their re-sale value, just in case you are planning for it. While stains are always unwanted, they are in most cases inevitable- after all accidents happen. The good news is that stains can be removed from your Jordans with the use of the right products and techniques and restore back their re-sale value.
Protein stains like food and blood should be treated immediately first by blotting a clean damp cloth on the stain to absorb as much of it as possible. Then mix hydrogen peroxide with water in the ration of 1:1 and use a soft cloth to apply on the area then leave it to sit for 5 minutes before rinsing with clean water. Leave it to dry and just in case the stain were quite stubborn to clear completely with the first attempt, repeat the process a few more times.
For oil and grease stains, use cornstarch, baby powder, or talcum powder. Apply generously to the stain and leave it overnight or at least 8 hours before wiping way with a damp cloth. These powers absorb the stains almost in one attempt but you may have to repeat the process for stubborn stains.
Mud and dirt stains are relatively easy to remove and require some warm water, mild detergent, and the right brush. Scrub the stain and rinse thoroughly with water. For stubborn stains, form a paste of water and baking soda or a solution of water and vinegar in equal proportions then apply on the stain and leave it for approximately 2 hours. Rinse off with water and let it dry. If the stains are very stubborn, you can repeat the procedure until the stains are gone.
Conclusion
Your Jordans are probably some of the most worthwhile gear and for this reason, you ought to show them the love and care they deserve. Invest in the right cleaning tools and procedures, store them properly, and deal with stains accordingly. Doing all these will help keep your sneakers fresh and valuable for a long time.