Indeed, no aspiring athlete won’t get attracted to low quality tennis. Therefore, shoes can be considered a smart choice for some one, it can quickly accumulate sweat, dirt, and odors. Most of the athletes prefer mesh tennis shoes over other kinds of shoes. Therefore, you need to know how to clean mesh tennis shoes regularly to enjoy them every time and ensure a hygienic and comfortable wearing experience.
Is It Easy To Clean Mesh Tennis Shoes?
You may not find it easy when it comes to cleaning mesh tennis shoes. If you aren’t used to cleaning such footwear, it may seem tricky at first, and you will find it difficult to clean effectively. Even if you try the traditional cleaning method, the process may result in frustration because the mesh can be delicate and prone to snagging or fraying. You also need to take your time while doing the cleaning because the right weave of the mesh can trap dirt and sweat. This makes it difficult to remove stubborn stains or odors.
However, if you don’t want to encounter any problems during the process, this comprehensive guide explores the effective step-by-step process for cleaning mesh tennis shoes so that they look good and smell fresh. You have our guarantee that all these methods will be done without compromising the integrity of the mesh material.
What Are The Supplies Needed To Clean My Mesh Tennis Shoes?
Ensure they are complete and accurate. If you have the right tools and materials, it will ensure a smooth and practical cleaning experience. In this section, you will also know how to clean tennis shoes with mesh. We have listed all that you need below. Kindly sift through them.
Mild detergent or shoe cleaner
Ensure the detergent you’re having is a mild type and also non-abrasive. A specialized shoe cleaner can also do the work perfectly. Don’t use harsh chemicals to do the cleaning because they can damage the mesh material or cause discoloration.
Soft-bristle brushes
It must be very smooth and soft to maintain the texture of your wearable. Ensure you also have different sets of soft-bristled brushes, including a larger brush for scrubbing the mesh upper and a small brush for tackling hard-to-reach reads or spot cleaning.
Baking soda
Baking soda is also required for tough stains. You need to use it perfectly so that it can effectively lift stubborn stains and neutralize odors. Don’t underestimate the power of baking soda on your shoes, which is why you should include it to your cleaning equipment for extra tough messes.
White vinegar
The essence of using a dash of white vinegar is to deodorize your shoe from unpleasant smells. This equipment works like magic due to its versatility and eco-friendly nature.
Clean towels or rags
Clean towels or rags are needed to clean your shoes. You can use any other liquid substances on the shoe after cleaning. These materials must be absorbent to effectively make the show loom as shiny as new before drying. Once all these supplies are accurate, you can clean your messy tennis shoes and tackle any challenges they may present, from tough stains to unpleasant odors. The essence is to ensure a thorough and effective cleaning process. As a result, you will know how to clean tennis shoes with mesh.
How To Clean Mesh Tennis Shoes?: Pre-cleaning Steps
Let’s look at some preparatory steps to ensure the best results before looking at the primary cleaning process. Note that implementing the pre-screening measures will help remove any dirt, debris, or surface stains, making the subsequent cleaning more effective. …
Clear the shoes of extra dirt and debris.
Wash your mesh tennis shoes gently with a nice soft-bristled brush first. Use this item to remove any airborne dust, loose dirt, or other debris from the shoes’ surface. Recall to pay special attention to the shoes’ mesh upper, soles, and other components. Carefully tap the shoe bottoms together to remove anything lodged in the thread pattern or cracks.
Remove the insoles and unlace the shoes.
If the filth has gotten worse, you should thoroughly but sparingly clean your shoe. Initially, remove the insoles and unlace your mesh tennis shoes. This allows you to clean the shoes properly inside. Furthermore, the soles are cleaned individually to guarantee your feet a clean and odor-free environment.
Spot-clean any visible stain areas
Don’t rush through the general cleaning. Any noticeable stains or badly dirty patches on the shoes must be cleaned. For the most excellent results, focus more on a more focused strategy during the procedure. You can clean using a soft-bristled brush and a light detergent or shoe cleaner. A tiny bit of the cleaning solution should be applied to stained spots. Using just enough pressure, quickly scrub the affected area. Working the cleaning solution into the mesh material, use a soft-bristled brush. Damage avoidance calls for extra care and attention.
You must do this pre-cleaning to prepare for a deeper cleaning that works better. You must make sure all surface-level stains, grime, or debris are removed before proceeding to the following step. In white shoes, you might see more stains than other colors. In this case you need to know how to clean white tennis shoes mesh.
How To Clean the Upper Mesh of Your Tennis Shoes?
It is worthwhile to devote additional attention to the cleansing of the mesh upper, as it is the most porous and delicate component of your tennis shoes. Due to its capacity to accumulate grime, sweat, and odors, this is the case. You must employ proper cleaning techniques to maintain the integrity of the mesh material while you remove grime and unpleasant smells. Let’s teach you how to clean mesh tennis shoes upper.
Set up a moderate detergent and warm water cleaning solution
To begin, combine a small quantity of warm water with a mild detergent or shoe cleaner in a basin or container. This will work well when learning how to clean white tennis shoes with mesh. During the process, ensure that the water is not hot because it can cause the mesh material to shrink or become shapeless.
Get a soft-bristled brush
Secondly, you will dip your soft-bristled brush into the cleaning solution to gently scrub the mesh upper of your tennis shoes. While doing it, we recommend you employ a circular motion by applying light pressure to work the solution into the mesh material. Just like other steps, don’t forget to pay extra attention to every spot of the mesh upper. Target areas that are prone to sweat and odor buildup, like the toe box, tongue, and collar areas. They are the areas that usually accumulate more grime and bacteria.
Rinse the mesh upper thoroughly with clean water
To remove any lingering detergent residue, rinse the area well with clean water after cleaning. To avoid discoloration or accumulation, this is of the utmost importance.
Excess moisture from the mesh
After rinsing, use a clean absorbent towel or rag to gently eliminate any excess moisture, allowing it to dry on time. If you’re planning to twist your shoes afterward, we strongly suggest that you shouldn’t because it could cause them to stretch or deform.
How Do I Remove Stubborn Stains On My Mesh Tennis Shoes?
It is worthwhile to devote additional attention to the cleansing of the mesh upper, as it is the most porous and delicate component of your tennis shoes. Due to its capacity to accumulate grime, sweat, and odors, this is the case. You must employ proper cleaning techniques to maintain the integrity of the mesh material while you remove grime and unpleasant smells. Let’s hunt more!
Set up a moderate detergent and warm water cleaning solution
To begin, combine a small quantity of warm water with a mild detergent or shoe cleaner in a basin or container. This will work well when it comes about how to clean white tennis shoes with mesh. During the process, ensure that the water is not hot because it can cause the mesh material to shrink or become shapeless.
Get a soft-bristled brush
Secondly, you will dip your soft-bristled brush into the cleaning solution to gently scrub the mesh upper of your tennis shoes. While doing it, we recommend you employ a circular motion by applying light pressure to work the solution into the mesh material. Just like other steps, don’t forget to pay extra attention to every spot of the mesh upper. Target areas that are prone to sweat and odor buildup, like the toe box, tongue, and collar areas. They are the areas that usually accumulate more grime and bacteria.
Rinse the mesh upper thoroughly with clean water
To remove any lingering detergent residue, rinse the area well with clean water after cleaning. To avoid discoloration or accumulation, this is of the utmost importance.
Excess moisture from the mesh
After rinsing, use a clean absorbent towel or rag to gently eliminate any excess moisture, allowing it to dry on time. If you’re planning to twist your shoes afterward, we strongly suggest that you shouldn’t because it could cause them to stretch or deform.
How Do I Remove Stubborn Stains On My Mesh Tennis Shoes?
When implementing all the steps stated above and the stains and odors remain the same, it’s time to use baking soda as an effective solution. Here are some tips for its application;
- Make a paste by mixing the baking soda with a small amount of water. Keep mixing until it forms a thick look.
- Now, you need to apply the baking soda paste directly to the affected areas on the mesh upper. Run it gently into the material with your fingers or a soft-bristled brush.
- You won’t see the effect immediately, which is why you need to allow the paste to sit for a few minutes for the baking soda to work its magic. Afterward, you can gently scrub the area.
Don’t scrub it thoroughly.
It’s advisable to be gentle throughout the process with the mesh material to prevent it from fraying, sagging, or damaging. Don’t also use abrasive scrubbers or harsh chemicals for any reason. Suppose you take your time to follow these simple instructions carefully. Then, you will be able to remove stubborn dirt, sweat, and odors from the mesh upper of your tennis shoes while preserving the breathability and performance of the material.
Cleaning the Soles and Other Parts Of Your Mesh Tennis Shoes
The amount of attention devoted to the mesh upper should be proportionate to the soles and other non-mesh areas of your tennis shoes. It is essential to know that these parts are prone to accumulate dirt, mud, and grime from other outdoor activities that lead to unsightly stains and potentially compromise the shoe’s traction and durability. Let’s look at the simple process to undertake;
Clean the soles and other non-mesh areas separately
Still, keep in mind that you’ll continue using a mild detergent throughout the process. Get a shoe cleaner and the soft-bristled brush you’ve used earlier. Ensure the amount of cleaning solution applied to the soles and heel counters is very small. Unlike the mesh areas, these areas must be scrubbed thoroughly with the soft-bristled brush, focusing on the grooves and tread patterns of the soles. As a result, it dislodges any embedded dirt or debris that may have accumulated during wear.
Rinse thoroughly with clean water and blot excess moisture with a towel
After you’ve finished cleaning, really rinse with clear water to get rid of any leftover detergent or loosening soil. To avoid leaving the shoes sopping wet, blot away extra moisture with a fresh towel or rag.
Deodorize the shoes with white vinegar.
This is an optional step to take when your mesh tennis shoes are plagued by persistent odors. The fantastic thing about white vinegar is that it can be an effective and natural deodorizing solution. When using vinegar, ensure you follow these steps;
- To a spray bottle or other container, add equal parts white vinegar and water.
- Spray or pour the vinegar solution inside the shoes, ensuring it reaches all the nooks and crannies, including the insoles.
- Give the vinegar solution some time to permeate and eliminate smells.
- Wipe down the insides of the shoes with a clean towel or rag, removing any excess solution.
Be very careful when you are cleansing the soles and non-mesh areas in case there may be any visible scuffs or scratches. You can also use a small amount of baking soda or a gentle abrasive cleaner to gently wipe away these marks by restoring the appearance of the soles or other non-mesh components. Follow these steps carefully to keep the soles and non-mesh areas of your mesh tennis shoes looking clean and well-maintained. You must ensure that they maintain their grip and durability for optimal performance during your athletic activities.
How To Dry And Reassemble Your Mesh Tennis Shoes?
You must allow your mesh tennis shoes to dry completely before using them again. Employ proper drying techniques to prevent moisture buildup, mildew growth, and unpleasant odors. Follow these steps to dry them properly;
- Scuff the shoes with shoe trees or crumpled paper to maintain their shape during the drying process.
- Keep them in a ventilated area to speed up. The drying process and knock out stains. Avoid direct sunlight.
- After they are dried up, insert the insoles and lace them up.
- If you think it’s necessary, do well to apply a waterproof or stain-resistant spray to the shoes to provide an added layer of protection against future stains and moisture.
Maintenance Tips For Mesh Tennis Shoes
Since you know how to clean mesh tennis shoes, let’s talk about how you can keep them sound and smelling fresh.
- Employ regular cleaning methods after each week or at least once a week, depending on how you use them.
- Use odor-eliminating products or sprinkle baking soda to eliminate odors from inside your shoes before storing them. The baking soda helps to absorb unpleasant smells.
- Store them properly to prevent moisture buildup and mildew growth.
- Always store your mesh tennis shoes in a cool, dry place. Make sure not to leave them in damp or humid environments for extended periods.
Conclusion
Learning how to clean mesh tennis shoes is very important if you want to maintain them and use them for a long time. Most users don’t do it the right way and they find themselves getting another wearable after wrong attempts at maintenance and cleaning. With these methods explicitly stated, you can keep on using your shoes for many years to come.
FAQs
What’s the best way to clean mesh tennis shoes?
Combine a tiny bit of mild soap or laundry detergent with cool or lukewarm water in a bowl. Use of hot water should be avoided as it may damage the shoe dye. Away from bleach and other strong chemicals as well.
How to clean mesh white sneakers?
One effective procedure to clean white mesh shoes is to use bleach, but it must be used carefully. Mix one part bleach with five parts water to create a diluted solution. Then, implement this mixture to the shoe in a circular motion using a soft cloth.
Can you use toothpaste to clean mesh shoes?
Apply white non-gel toothpaste to a small brush and scrub the dirt and stains in a circular motion. Once done, wipe the shoes clean or rinse them under cold water.
How to unyellow mesh?
To whiten the grayish mesh, mix one part baking soda or white vinegar with two parts hot water. Soak the mesh thoroughly in the mixture and let it sit for 30 minutes before rinsing. Finally, wipe it clean.
Can I use bleach on mesh shoes?
Shoes with mesh should be cleaned carefully to prevent the fabric from snagging. According to Alicia Sokolowski, president and co-CEO of Aspen Clean, “Avoid using bleach or harsh chemicals, as they can discolor or damage the mesh.” Instead, prepare a cleaning solution using warm water and dish soap.
