It’s all over again. A day in the city, a festival, a rain shower at the wrong moment, and your favorite sneakers look like they’ve been sitting in the basement for a year. The temptation is strong to go at it hard, but that is exactly what you shouldn't do.
Removing stubborn dirt is about the right technique, not force. Here is how to tackle it.
The golden rule: never dry scrub
Scrubbing dry dirt on a dry shoe sounds logical, but it pushes dirt deeper into the fibers, especially with suede, canvas, and nubuck. Always start with the right cleaner on a soft microfiber cloth. This way, you lift the dirt instead of rubbing it in.
By material: how to tackle it
Canvas and fabric: Canvas is relatively forgiving, but absorbs moisture quickly. Spray the REINS cleaner onto a microfiber cloth, never directly onto the shoe, and wipe over the surface in straight motions. For stubborn stains, repeat this a second time. Allow to dry completely before proceeding.
Leather and synthetic leather: Leather has a smoother surface, meaning dirt penetrates less deeply, but improper cleaning can dry out or damage the material. Use the cleaner sparingly on a microfiber cloth and work in small circular motions. Then dry immediately with a second dry cloth.
Suede and nubuck: These are the most sensitive materials. Never use water alone, as this leaves water stains. Always work with the cleaner on a soft cloth, using light, gentle movements. Allow to dry completely before applying the protection. Have you already applied a protective layer? Then cleaning is much easier, as dirt adheres less deeply.
Soles and edges: For the sole and white edges, you can apply slightly more pressure. Use the cleaner on a cloth and clean the edge. For stubborn yellow or gray on white soles, repeat the process several times.
Stubborn dirt: step by step
- Spray the cleaner onto a microfiber cloth, never directly onto the shoe itself.
- Gently wipe over the stain in straight or light circular motions. Repeat if necessary; patience works better than force.
- Dry with a second clean microfiber cloth.
- Allow to dry completely before applying the protection.
Note: paint, tar, or candle wax stains are difficult or impossible to remove, even with the REINS cleaner. This applies to virtually all cleaning products.
After cleaning: always protect
Cleaning without protecting afterwards is a missed opportunity. Your sneakers are now clean and the pores are open, the perfect moment to apply the crystalline protection. This ensures that the next dirt does not penetrate deep into the material and that cleaning is even easier next time.
The REINS crystalline protection is suitable for all the materials you read about above: canvas, leather, synthetic leather, suede, and nubuck.
Everything you need, in one kit
The REINS starter kit contains the cleaner, two microfiber cloths, and the crystalline protection with sprayer—everything for a complete sneaker care routine. For 8 pairs of sneakers, 6 months of protection.
