Everyone who likes basketball knows that it is very important to care about the Basketball Shoes. Apart from decreasing the friction such as in the court, the dirt and grime on the shoes cause slips and fall. Luckily, we’re here to help you with some useful tips on how to revive your sneakers with ease.

Here in this easy-to-follow guide, we will share with you what we think is a straightforward yet efficient way of cleaning your basketball sneakers. So whether you are wearing the best Jordan 1s or any other basketball shoes, the guidelines mentioned above will assist you in getting your shoes to look as good as new.

How To Clean Basketball Shoes

Caring for basketball shoes involves cleaning them, mainly because this would help in the preservation of the material used in making the shoes. The technique described below, is what we have come to consider as the most efficient one when cleaning basketball shoes: However, it is crucial to note that not all sneakers are made with the same material and finish. In this part, we will cover the process of washing synthetic shoes and leather sneakers.

What You'll Need:

Here's a list of items you'll need before you start cleaning your basketball shoes:

• Mild Soap
• Large Bowl
• Shoe Cleaner
• Towel
• Soft-bristled Brush or Toothbrush
• Shoe Protector
• Old Newspaper

Steps:

Follow these eight simple steps to clean your basketball shoes like a pro:

Step 1: The first step in this process is to ensure that there are no stones or debris on the soles of your shoes. Then, take out the shoes and the laces. The laces should be cleaned with mild soap and warm water. For cleaning white laces, it can also be worth incorporating a pinch of baking soda to the mixture.

Step 2: Take a soft brush and start wiping off any dirt that maybe on your sneakers. The idea is to scrape off any bigger patches of mud when dry.

Step 3: Fill another bowl with warm water and dilute shoe cleaner in it according to the instructions given on the cleaner’s label. For basketball shoes, something like the Angelus Easy Cleaner might work well.

Step 4: Dip a cloth in the cleaner then proceed to use it to gently rub the cleaner over your sneakers in circular motions. For deeper stains, you might find using the soft bristle brush to be most effective. It could be easier to spot clean some parts of the body using a toothbrush due to the small bristles it has.

Step 5: Rinse your shoes until no suds are visible then gently wipe the shoes with a towel in a bid to reduce the time taken to dry them.

Step 6: It is advised to put some old newspaper into the shoes, then let them dry with shoelaces down and avoiding direct sun or heat.

Step 7: We would suggest that you apply a protective spray such as the Crep Protect to your sneakers so that you do not have to clean them so often. Same as above but in line with the instructions.

Step 8: Take off your basketball shoes and let them dry again so that you can wear them for the next game.

By following the steps highlighted above, your basketball shoes will remain clean and in good condition. Heed the fact that certain materials will call for different cleaning approaches and as such, make sure to look up the appropriate method for each shoe.

What About Other Materials?

In case you get basketball shoes that are not synthetic or leather, here is how to maintain their cleanliness and quality.

Suede

The cleaning of suede is a very arduous task but it is not altogether an unachievable feat. Nike advises that one should use a suede brush or a towel to wipe off dirt that is on the surface of the material while rubbing in the direction of the material. It is also possible to employ a suede eraser so as to eliminate any spots on the exterior of the shoes.

Canvas

Canvas is not a material that has been used in the production of basketball shoes; however, it is a material that was used in the production of one of the most popular basketball shoes to date – the Converse. Cotton canvas is slightly less delicate than suede and can be cleaned like leather and synthetic fabrics. Just as cotton, canvas is not suitable for washing in massive amounts of water; therefore, it is recommendable to use a limited amount of water during the washing process since it takes longer for canvas to dry.

In summary, it is recommendable to always consult the manufacturer’s guide when cleaning basketball shoes, especially when they are made of the above-mentioned materials. The best part is that with proper care, your basketball shoes will serve you longer and better on the field.

Things To Avoid Doing When Cleaning Basketball Shoes

Here are a few things that you should never do when cleaning your basketball shoes to ensure that they do not get ruined. Firstly, one should never wash their shoes in a washing machine or dry them because the spinning motion, water, and heat will cause glue to weaken or break/disappear making the shape of the shoe change or crack.

You should also not put your shoes near a heater, close to a vent with air circulation, or use a hairdryer to dry your shoes as heat can distort the rubber components just like how one would roast their sneakers in the sun.

Avoid washing your basketball shoes with rubbing alcohol, bleach, scented laundry detergent, or fabric softeners as they will dry out the sneakers and cause cracking as well as leaving a greasy finish.

Finally, it is advised to avoid using wired brushes or hard sponges as they can damage the surface of the shoe by leaving behind scratches. Instead, one should use a soft-bristled brush or a microfiber cloth to minimize friction and scrub out the dirt and stains.