How to Clean Air Force 1s
Product Care
Want to keep your all-white Air Force 1s spotless? Use these cleaning tips to remove stains and have them looking fresh out of the box.
Supplies
- Baking soda
- White vinegar
- White, non-gel toothpaste
- Micellar water
- Dish soap (optional)
- Laundry detergent (optional)
- Rubbing alcohol (optional)
- Leather cleaner (optional)
Tools
- Spare, clean toothbrush or soft cloth
- Household cleaning eraser
With a range of colorways and high-, mid- and low-top styles, Nike Air Force 1 shoes are a fashion staple. The white-on-white Air Force 1 in particular remains an iconic style for everyday streetwear.
If you’re rocking white-on-white Air Force 1s, chances are they’re going to encounter dirt, stains and scuffs. To remedy any soiling, it’s key to know how to keep Air Force 1s clean. Check out these tips to freshen them up and get them back in rotation.
The Best Household Supplies for Cleaning Air Force 1s
If you live in your all-white Nike Air Force 1s, it can be difficult to keep them pristine. The key to clean shoes is having a few essential shoe-cleaning supplies on hand. Luckily, many effective options are household staples.
1.Baking Soda and White Vinegar
Baking soda and white vinegar are effective home remedies for stubborn stains on leather shoes. When it comes to Air Force 1s, this combo is best used as a spot cleaner.
Make a solution with one tablespoon of baking soda, two tablespoons of white vinegar and a cup of water. Use a brush or a cloth to apply the mixture to the shoe and gently scrub away dirt and debris.
Tip: Another benefit of cleaning shoes with baking soda is that it’s a natural odor neutralizer, so it helps keep your shoes smelling fresh and clean as well.
2.Toothpaste
If you don’t have baking soda or vinegar on hand, a white, non-gel toothpaste can serve as an alternative cleaning solution. It works on dirt, stains and even scuff marks.
First, wipe down your shoe with a damp cloth to remove any excess dirt or debris. Then, use a soft brush or cloth to apply the toothpaste to any dirty areas. Gently scrub the toothpaste on dirty areas, then wipe the whole shoe clean when done.
3.Micellar Water
While micellar water is designed to cleanse the skin, it’s also gentle enough to use on leather shoes. The molecules in micellar water act on dirt and oil, pulling them away from the surface and leaving your shoes clean and white.
4.Household Cleaning Eraser
If you’re wearing your Air Force 1s all the time, it’s a good idea to have a cleaning eraser at home for quick and easy cleaning. To use it on your shoes, simply dip it in water and use it to scrub out stains from the leather upper and the sole of the shoe.
How to Remove Grass Stains From Air Force 1s
While a damp cloth and gentle cleaning agent will take care of many marks on your shoes, you may also need to use a special cleaner on tougher stains. To remove grass stains, you can use rubbing alcohol, vinegar or leather cleaner.
First, try dabbing the stain with a cotton ball or cloth dipped in isopropyl alcohol and see if the stain lifts. If that doesn’t work, wet the stain with white vinegar and allow it to sit for 30 minutes before scrubbing it away with a toothbrush. You can also try using a store-bought leather cleaner to remove the stain.
How to Clean White Shoelaces
Shoelaces can be washed in the washing machine, with dish soap or with a solution of water and detergent.
RELATED: 3 Easy Ways to Clean Shoelaces
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Put Air Force 1s in the Washing Machine?
How Do You Clean Suede Air Force 1s?
If that doesn’t work, wet the corner of a dry cloth with a small amount of suede cleaner, white vinegar or rubbing alcohol. Be sure not to drench the shoe in liquid, but rather lightly dampen the suede. Massage the shoe with a rapid side-to-side motion, then allow the suede to dry. If the stain is still visible, repeat the process.
Words by Lesly Gregory