DIY Trainer Cleaning Hacks: What Works and What Doesn’t
Trainers aren’t just shoes—they’re a lifestyle. But over time, dirt, stains, and odours creep in 😷. That’s when DIY hacks start trending... but not all of them are safe for your kicks. Let’s break down the most popular DIY sneaker cleaning hacks, what actually works, and when you’re better off leaving it to the pros.
🧪 1. Baking Soda & Vinegar Combo
✅ What Works:
This fizzy duo is powerful for attacking yellowed midsoles and lifting odours. Mix into a paste, apply to stains, scrub gently, and rinse. Great for white trainers! 💥
⚠️ What Doesn’t:
Too much use can weaken fabric and glue, especially on canvas or mesh. Keep it occasional.
📲 Still stained? Book our Professional Cleaning Service for safe, deep stain removal done by experts 👉 Book Now
🪥 2. Toothpaste for Scuff Marks
✅ What Works:
White toothpaste works surprisingly well on scuffed rubber midsoles. Dab on, scrub lightly with a toothbrush, then wipe with a damp cloth 🧼✨
⚠️ What Doesn’t:
Toothpaste can leave residue and discolour coloured trainers. Always patch test!
👣 We use professional-grade solutions that leave no residue. Trust the pros for a proper midsole refresh 👉 See How We Do It
🧴 3. Laundry Detergent Soak
✅ What Works:
Mild detergent + warm water + soft brush = a good basic fabric clean 🫧
⚠️ What Doesn’t:
Harsh detergents or too much product can lead to buildup, stiffness, and even fading.
🌱 We use eco-friendly Crep Hero Foam Cleaner that’s safe for all materials. Try it here 👉 Crep Hero Kit
🍽 4. Dish Soap Solution
✅ What Works:
Perfect for general grime on mesh and leather. Gentle, easy, affordable.
⚠️ What Doesn’t:
Never use on suede—it can stain or warp the texture.
👎 Damaged suede = costly fix. Book with us instead—we handle delicate materials daily with the right tools and methods 👉 Book Professional Service
🧽 5. Magic Erasers
✅ What Works:
Amazing for brightening up white soles and leather panels. Just dampen and rub!
⚠️ What Doesn’t:
Overuse = wear and tear. Avoid scrubbing soft fabric or coloured panels.
🎨 For safer restoration, we use less abrasive tools and professional techniques for that brand-new look without damage.
💚 6. Crep Hero Foam Cleaner & Conditioner
✅ What Works:
This is the secret sauce! Biodegradable, sneaker-safe, and highly effective on everything from mud to sweat stains. Use it on canvas, mesh, leather—it's a true all-rounder 🧼🌍
⚠️ What Doesn’t:
It’s great, but not a substitute for regular deep maintenance or full restorations.
🧰 Pair it with tools from our Professional Cleaning & Repair Kit List—we’ve linked everything we use on Amazon so you can clean like the pros 👉 View Full Kit
🧼 Want to Leave It to the Experts?
If you love your trainers but don’t have time to clean them right, we’ve got you covered:
✅ Deep cleaning, de-yellowing, repainting, re-gluing & more
✅ 7-day turnaround with fast-track options
✅ Labels and instructions provided for easy shipping
🛠️ Let us do it for you → Book your clean now
🧰 Our Ultimate Pro Kit List, Revealed
We’re lifting the lid on what the pros actually use! Our Professional Cleaning & Repair Kit reveals the secret cleaning agents and little-known tools that deliver real, long-lasting results. From the powerful yet eco-friendly Crep Hero Foam Cleaner and Conditioner to precision brushes for delicate materials like suede and mesh, this kit is packed with everything you need to clean like a pro. Whether you're dealing with stubborn stains, scuffed midsoles, or faded fabric—this is the complete toolkit trusted by sneaker experts.
