How To Make Shoes Look Brand New: This Chemical is Essential for Shoe Cleaning & Restoration
Every sneakerhead, reseller, and restoration expert has that one go-to chemical that quietly works wonders behind the scenes. It’s not flashy, it doesn’t smell great 😷—but it’s affordable, effective, and crucial if you're serious about getting your kicks looking box-fresh again 💥.
It’s not acetone, which, although powerful, can be far too aggressive on most materials. So what is this secret weapon? 🕵️♂️
🧴 The Unsung Hero: 70% Isopropyl Alcohol
That’s right—70% isopropyl alcohol. It might sound basic, but in the right hands, it’s one of the most powerful tools in sneaker cleaning and restoration. Here's why it deserves a top spot in your arsenal:
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✅ Gentle yet strong – unlike acetone, which can melt or discolor materials, 70% isopropyl alcohol removes dirt, sweat, surface stains, and oils without causing damage.
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✅ Cost-effective – cheaper per litre than acetone, so you get more bang for your buck 💷.
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✅ Versatile – ideal when used in a spray bottle, allowing controlled application and even coverage.
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✅ Pairs perfectly with the Crep Hero Foam Cleaner & Conditioner for double the cleaning power 💧+🫧.
👉 Grab it on Amazon here: 70% Isopropyl Alcohol – 1L Bottle
🛡️ Surfaces It's Safe On
Here's where 70% isopropyl alcohol shines:
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✅ Rubber midsoles
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✅ Synthetic leather
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✅ Real leather (spot test first)
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✅ Plastic/rubber soles
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✅ Mesh uppers
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✅ Canvas
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✅ Laces
⚠️ Surfaces to Avoid
Even though it’s gentler than acetone, some materials still need caution:
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❌ Suede (can cause dryness or discolouration)
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❌ Nubuck
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❌ Dyed fabrics (may lift colour)
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❌ Glossy painted areas (can dull the finish)
Always do a small spot test first!
💥 Combine for Pro Results
Use 70% isopropyl alcohol alongside our Crep Hero Foam Cleaner & Conditioner to remove surface grime, condition materials, and leave your shoes looking (and smelling) fresh. Together, they tackle mud, sweat, oils, grass, and food stains—restoring sneakers from wrecked to respectable 🧽👑.
🧼 Leave It to the Pros
Don’t want to risk it? Let us handle the heavy lifting. Our professional sneaker cleaning and restoration service includes:
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✅ Deep cleans
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✅ Repairs & repainting
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✅ Re-gluing, de-creasing & deoxidation
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✅ Transparent pricing
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✅ 7 working day turnaround
👉 Book our professional service here
🧪 Want to See Our Full Pro Kit List?
We don’t gatekeep. We’ve published our full Crep Hero Pro Kit List with all the tools, brushes, chemicals, and techniques we use for professional-grade results 🧰👨🔬.
