The Ultimate Trainer Cleaning and Restoration Guide Covering All Materials & Laces

From sneakerhead essentials to pro-level secrets 👟✨

Whether you're trying to revive your personal collection or dreaming of launching your own cleaning business, this is the only guide you’ll need. We’re breaking down how to clean, restore, and protect every type of trainer—suede, leather, mesh, and canvas—with tools and tips that work for every budget 💸.

Unlock the Secrets the Pros Use 🔓🧼
Before diving into the techniques, get a head start by checking out our Professional Cleaning & Repair Kit List—the exact tools and eco-friendly products we use every day to bring dead trainers back to life 👟💥 From little-known brushes to powerful (but safe) cleaning solutions, we’re revealing the game-changing gear trusted by sneaker restorers. Best of all, we’ve linked everything so you can grab it directly from Amazon—no gatekeeping here 👇

👉 Click here to access our full Pro Kit List

Let’s get into it 👇

🦸♂️ Step One: Start With the Laces

Don’t skip the basics. Laces trap dirt, soak in sweat, and hold onto grime 👀. Get them clean first so your whole trainer gets the full refresh.

🧼 How To Clean Laces:

1️⃣ Remove & shake off loose dirt
2️⃣ Soak in warm water + a few pumps of Crep Hero Foam Cleaner (10–15 mins)
3️⃣ Rub them between your palms—dunk them every 30 sec
4️⃣ Use a medium brush for stains
5️⃣ Rinse & air dry (no heat dryers!)
⚪ Bonus tip: Got white laces? Add a little Vanish Oxi Action to the soak for extra brightness.

🧰 LACE CLEANING KIT:
✅ Small bowl or basin
✅ Trainer cleaning solution (💚 Crep Hero Foam Cleaner)
✅ Medium-bristle brush

👟✨Pro Tip 👟✨
Got stubborn stains on white laces? Add a touch of Vanish Oxi Action to your warm soak for extra brightening power 💥 Just don’t overdo it—too much can weaken the fibres over time.

Want the full lace glow-up? Check out our dedicated blog post for step-by-step tips on cleaning, restoring, and even re-whitening your laces like a pro 🔗 Read the Lace Cleaning Guide.

🧵 Material-by-Material Cleaning Breakdown

Your cleaning technique should match the material. Here’s how to clean each one properly—without damaging your kicks.

🟫 Suede / Nubuck

🧹 Brush dirt in one direction with a suede brush
🧼 For stains: Use a suede eraser or brass brush
🫧 Apply Crep Hero Foam Cleaner using a soft brush
💨 Let dry naturally
💦 Finish with waterproof spray

⚠ Avoid over-saturation & harsh bristles!

🧰 Equipment:
✅ Suede brush
✅ Suede eraser
✅ Soft-bristled brush

🤍 Leather

🧽 Wipe surface dust with a cloth
🫧 Apply foam cleaner with cloth or soft brush
✨ Buff with a microfiber towel
🛡 Finish with mink wax for shine & protection

⚠ Stay away from hard brushes—they scratch leather!

🧰 Equipment:
✅ Foam cleaner
✅ Microfiber cloth
✅ Mink wax

🕸 Mesh

🧹 Remove surface dirt with a soft brush
🫧 Clean with foam cleaner + gentle scrubbing
💨 Use a steam cleaner for deep dirt
🌥️ Air dry in a shaded spot

⚠ Direct sun = warped mesh = not a good look.

🧰 Equipment:
✅ Soft brush
✅ Foam cleaner
✅ Steam cleaner

🧵 Canvas

🧹 Brush off dirt
🫧 Apply Crep Hero Foam Cleaner with a soft brush
💡 For tough stains, use UV light after cleaning for 12–24 hours
🌬️ Air-dry in shade with paper inside for shape

⚠ Long UV exposure can fade colour!

🧰 Equipment:
✅ Foam cleaner
✅ UV light
✅ Soft brush

🧰 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.

👉 Click here to see the full kit list

🛠 Prefer To Leave It To The Pros?

Let us take care of it 💼
Our Professional Trainer Cleaning & Repair Service covers:
🔁 Re-gluing
💥 Deoxidation
🧼 Deep cleaning
🪛 Repainting
🎨 De-creasing

✅ 7-day turnaround
⏩ Fast-track available

We’ve helped hundreds of happy sneakerheads bring their trainers back to life. Yours could be next. 🔗 Book your sneaker cleaning and repair here

Keeping your trainers clean isn’t just about looks—it’s about longevity, confidence, and preserving your investment. Whether you’re going DIY or letting us handle the grime, you’ve now got everything you need 💪