A new cult brand is arriving at Lora Boutique: the eco-responsible sneaker and ready-to-wear brand Faguo WOMEN. Several models of white sneakers are now available on the website: Walnut, Elm or Hazel, models in white leather, suede, or cotton, to suit all styles.

 

Perhaps you've already fallen for them and are wondering how you're going to keep them clean and wear them for as long as possible? This article will help you preserve their beauty and make a quality purchase that you'll be proud of for a long time!

I. The basics of cleaning white sneakers

For beautiful shoes that last, here's the ABCs of white sneaker care. Why clean them, how often, and what tools you absolutely need – we'll guide you.

Why maintain your FAGUO women's white sneakers?

With their soft, light white color, sneakers bring a touch of "freshness" to any outfit. But because they are light-colored, they are very susceptible to dirt and wear.

Regular maintenance will preserve their aesthetic and prolong their lifespan. Dirty sneakers can create a "neglected" or even "dirty" effect, even on almost new sneakers. Furthermore, well-maintained sneakers ensure optimal comfort and prevent premature wear of materials. It is essential to maintain them regularly.

How often should you clean your white sneakers?

When to clean your white sneakers? Every day, every season, once a year? We'll tell you what to do and when:

 

• Daily maintenance: After each outing, simply wipe them with a cloth. This prevents the accumulation of dust and dirt and will delay the first thorough deep cleaning.
• Deep cleaning: Depending on usage and how often you wear them, a complete cleaning can be done every two weeks. This helps maintain their whiteness, shine, and extend their lifespan. With soap, a scrubbing sponge, and something to moisturize the leather, you'll need to erase traces of life and dirt.
• Regular sole inspection: We tend to forget them, but regularly wipe the soles to prevent dirt from embedding, which can leave marks on the top of the shoe. Every month, take a few minutes to check that they are not coming unglued, cracking, or molding.

Essential equipment for cleaning white sneakers

No need to invest hundreds of euros in professional equipment; most of the necessary cleaning supplies are already in your cupboards ;)

• Soft brush: Ideal for removing dust without damaging the material.
• Microfiber cloth: Perfect for absorbing moisture and polishing the surface.
• Lukewarm water & mild soap: An effective solution for removing superficial stains while preserving the integrity of the materials.
• Baking soda & white vinegar: Perfect for restoring shine and disinfecting, these natural ingredients clean gently without damaging fabrics.
• White toothpaste: A quick tip to whiten soles and remove small scuff marks.
• Waterproofing products: Essential for protecting sneakers from splashes and stains, they also help slow down wear and prevent premature yellowing.
• Magic Eraser: A small, easy-to-use and very useful tool for removing stubborn marks on soles and other rubber parts.

Beautiful sneakers that last over time require a suitable routine and the use of gentle and effective products. If you love your FAGUO WOMEN sneakers, you shouldn't neglect the importance of cleaning and good tools.

2. White suede sneakers: delicate care

At FAGUO, suede is often associated with leather, but these two materials are not cared for in the same way! Suede is a noble but very fragile material, especially in white. It is essential to adopt a specific cleaning routine to avoid stains and preserve its velvety appearance. Fall for our Hazel leather and suede model.

ATTENTION: Unlike other materials, suede is very sensitive to moisture. Water can leave halos and harden the texture of suede, making it more vulnerable to dirt. Therefore, avoid direct contact with water and prioritize dry cleaning.

• Dust and prepare: Before starting to clean, remove the laces for easier access to the entire leather surface. Shake the sneakers to remove dust and superficial dirt. Wipe with a dry cloth to remove excess dust.
• Remove stains: Take a special suede eraser (or a classic white eraser if you don't have one). Gently rub the stained areas in circular motions. Press gradually without pressing too hard so as not to damage the texture of the suede.
• Brush dry with a crepe brush: A crepe brush is ideal for maintaining suede and restoring its original appearance. Gently brush the entire surface of the shoe to revive the pile of the suede. Make light movements and always in the same direction so as not to disrupt the material's structure. If the suede appears dull or flattened, you can lightly wipe it with a dry cloth to restore its luster.

 

Pro tip: Once your sneakers are clean, apply a special suede waterproofing spray to protect them against water and dirt. Do this regularly to prevent dirt from embedding too deeply.

III. How to prevent your white sneakers from yellowing or getting dirty too quickly? Our preventive tips

 

1. Waterproofing from purchase: the best prevention

Protecting your white sneakers from day one is key to prolonging their brilliance and preventing them from getting dirty too quickly. Waterproofing is an essential step to repel water, dust, and stains.

Each type of sneaker requires a specific waterproofing product:

• Leather: Use a special leather waterproofing spray, which protects without altering the material's suppleness. Avoid products containing alcohol or silicone, which could dry out the leather.
• Suede and nubuck: Opt for a waterproofing spray specifically designed for these delicate materials. It prevents stains while preserving the velvety appearance of suede.
• Canvas and cotton: A universal textile waterproofing agent is ideal for preventing water and dirt from penetrating the fabric fibers.

For waterproofing to remain effective, it is important to reapply it regularly:

• From purchase: Immediately apply a protective spray before wearing your sneakers for the first time.
• Every 2 to 3 weeks: If you wear your sneakers frequently, apply a new coat every two to three weeks to maintain protection.
• After cleaning: As soon as you clean your sneakers, reapply the waterproofing to restore the protective barrier.

 

2. Proper storage of your sneakers to preserve their whiteness

Proper storage is essential to preserve the brilliance and durability of your white sneakers. Poor storage can lead to yellowing, deformation, or premature deterioration of the materials.

FAGUO FEMME offers all its pairs of sneakers in recycled and recyclable packaging that will be perfect for storing them safely and without damage! Feel free to store them in the boxes provided for this purpose. Otherwise, here are some essential tips:

 

Prolonged exposure to light, especially sun or heat, can cause yellowing of leather, canvas, or even rubber soles.

• Store your sneakers in a dry, dark place, such as a box or closet.
• Stuff your shoes with newspaper, it will absorb excess moisture and temporary bad odors.
• Avoid plastic bags, which can promote humidity and yellow white materials. Opt for breathable fabric bags.
• Add white tissue paper to the box to absorb moisture and protect the whiteness of the sneakers.

Over time, sneakers can lose their shape due to creases and deformations caused by wear.

• Wooden shoe trees (preferably cedar) absorb moisture and keep the shoe taut.
• If you don't have shoe trees, place newspaper inside to maintain their shape and absorb odors.
• Avoid leaving your sneakers crushed under other shoes or objects to prevent deforming the sole and materials.

Optimal storage = sneakers in good shape for longer.

 

3. Eliminating bad habits that damage white sneakers

Certain daily mistakes accelerate the wear and deterioration of white sneakers. By avoiding these bad practices, you will prolong their brilliance and lifespan.

Avoid heavy rain days

Water is the enemy of white sneakers, especially if they are made of canvas, leather, or suede.

• Why? Humidity promotes the appearance of halos, stains, and can alter materials. On suede, it leaves marks that are difficult to remove.
• The solution: Apply a waterproofing spray before wearing them to protect them from splashes. In case of rain, opt for another pair or use waterproof overshoes.

Do not dry them in the sun or near a heat source

After cleaning or exposure to water, it's tempting to speed up drying by placing them in the sun or near a radiator. Bad idea!

• Why? Excessive heat can cause yellowing of the fabric or rubber, dry out the leather, and weaken the sole's glue.
• The solution: Let them air dry naturally in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight. To absorb moisture faster, place newspaper inside.

Also, remember to let them dry thoroughly after a run or activity that made you sweat. Allowing them to dry and air out before storing them is essential.

 

IV. Our professional tips for white sneakers that look like new

Even with proper care, white sneakers can lose their shine over time. Here are some pro tips that will give them a new look.

 

1. Whitening laces: a detail that makes all the difference

Yellowed laces dull your sneakers. Clean them to restore their brightness:

• With baking soda: Rub them with a paste of baking soda and water (1 tbsp of each), let sit, then rinse and air dry.
• With hydrogen peroxide: Soak them for 1 hour in a mixture of hot water, 2 tbsp of hydrogen peroxide, and 1 tbsp of baking soda. Rinse and dry in the shade.

Don't hesitate to change them if they are too worn. You'll get a like-new effect! ✨ FAGUO FEMME Walnut sneakers also come with a second pair of laces (one white and one purple) to adapt them to your desires.

 

2. Restoring shine to yellowed white soles

White soles can yellow over time and give your shoes an aged appearance. Here are 2 simple tips to restore their shine:

• Erase marks with a magic eraser: Use a magic eraser to rub yellowed areas and erase marks. It's quick and very effective.
• Clean with white toothpaste: Apply a small amount of white toothpaste to the soles, scrub with a brush or cloth, then rinse. Toothpaste acts as a mild abrasive and restores whiteness.

With these tips, your soles will regain all their original shine!

 

3. What to do in case of stubborn stains on white sneakers?

Stubborn stains like ink, grease, or dirt can seem difficult to remove, but here are solutions tailored to each problem.

For ink stains:

• Solution: Use 70% alcohol or a mild detergent. Soak a cotton pad in the solution, dab the stain, then rinse with clear water.
• Grandmother's tips: Milk can also help dilute ink. Dip a cloth in milk, apply to the stain, and rub gently.

For grease stains:

• Solution: Sprinkle talcum powder or baking soda on the stain to absorb excess grease. Let sit for 15 minutes before brushing.
• Grandmother's tips: Marseille soap is excellent for degreasing. Rub the stain with a little soap, let it work, then rinse.

For dirt and mud marks:

• Solution: Let the dirt dry, then brush the soles and canvas with a soft brush.
• Grandmother's tips: White vinegar mixed with hot water can be used to dissolve dirt residue. Apply and rub gently.

FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

 

Why avoid the washing machine?

Even if some people put their canvas sneakers in the washing machine, it can damage them in the long run:

• Risk of deformation: Water and heat can alter the structure and sole of the shoe.

• Weakening of seams: Repeated wash cycles weaken the fabric fibers.
• Possibility of yellowing: Improper drying can leave yellow marks, especially if exposed directly to the sun.

 

How to prevent your sneakers from smelling bad? Our natural tips

Bad odors in sneakers are often caused by moisture and perspiration. Fortunately, there are natural solutions to keep your sneakers fresh and odor-free.

1. Use baking soda

Baking soda is an excellent odor neutralizer. Sprinkle baking soda into your sneakers and leave it overnight. The next day, shake them to remove the excess.
 

2. Place tea bags

Tea bags (especially black tea) absorb bad odors and leave a pleasant smell. Tip: Place a dry tea bag in each shoe overnight to eliminate moisture and odors.
 

3. Use cedar balls or anti-odor insoles

Cedar has natural antifungal and deodorizing properties. Tip: Place cedar balls in your sneakers or opt for cedar insoles to absorb moisture and odors.
 

4. Air out your sneakers

Fresh air is essential to eliminate bad odors. Tip: After each use, let your sneakers air out in a dry, well-ventilated place. You can place them outdoors in the shade if the weather permits.

 

5. Use essential oil

Certain essential oils, such as lavender, tea tree, or peppermint, are antibacterial and leave a pleasant scent. Tip: Put a few drops of essential oil on a cotton pad or a piece of fabric, and place it inside your sneakers to freshen the interior.