Got 'Box-Fresh' Envy? Here's How To Make Your Trainers White Again
There are certain things you ought to have sorted by the time you hit your mid thirties - like remembering that cutting your own fringe is never a good idea or trusting that your gut instinct is a 99% sure way of making the right decision. Knowing how to get stains off stuff really should be one of them. There have been enough red wine incidents over the years for you to do some research on the subject, right?
NO?! What do you mean you just gave up and threw stuff away?! Well, save this in your favourites bar, people, because you’re going to need it next time you have a fashion-related stain removal emergency. You’re welcome.
1. How To Clean White Trainers
If, like me, you love white sneakers so much that it’s verging on an obsession that requires a white coat to match, you’ll know that they’re a bugger to keep clean. I’m not talking about fabric trainers here, but the white leather variety like everyone’s favourite, the Stan Smith; because you can’t just stick them in the washing machine can you? There are certain levels of filth that require different treatments, but always start by removing any big bits of dried dirt with an old toothbrush. Next, try cleaning the offending sneakers with a baby wipe (cheap and easy) which will usually bring them up pretty nicely. If that doesn’t work, invest in the sneakerhead community’s favourite cleaning product: Jason Markk’s (available from Kicks Love London) which is amazing stuff. Finally, don’t forget that it’s usually your laces that take the biggest battering, so stick them in the washing machine with your next white wash. Job done.
2. How to clean Converse
I’m always surprised at how many people don’t know that canvas Converse are the easiest shoes in the WHOLE WORLD to clean. You just whack them in the washing machine and they come up a treat. I can’t guarantee that it will also remove the stench you’ve created by wearing them without socks though… (NB Stance do the best ever ’invisible’ trainer socks that really stay put and, as the name suggests, don’t show outside the shoe at all)
3. How to clean the white soles of your trendy brogues
White rubber soles like those on Grenson and Red Wing shoes are totes en vogue, but they can get a bit grubby, and brogues should always look dapper, so you need to sort that out. I used to give mine a spray with some kitchen cleaner which worked well, but was always a bit risky in case the bleach hit the leather. I don’t have a stain removal hacks for bleach because it’s, like, permanent. So I am thrilled that Grenson has now brought out its new William Green's cleaning tonic designed specifically with those white soles in mind. I’ve tested it on my oldest, most discoloured pair, and it works wonders, and is said to be brilliant on white trainers too.
4. How to remove biro from leather
The first time I bought a designer handbag it was a BIG DEAL. I invested in a cream Anya Hindmarch bucket bag and it was a lot of money, even though I’d managed to wangle a discount. So imagine my horror when I managed to accidentally draw on it in biro within a week of it being in my possession. (insert scream emoji face here) I googled frantically and discovered this: apply some hairspray to a cotton bud and gently work it over the mark. The ink will stick to the hairspray and gradually start to come off. It’s unlikely to remove it completely, but it’s almost good as new. This is one of my favourite tricks because inexplicably, I’ve since got biro marks on a Marni leather skirt and a Longchamp leather jacket. In retrospect, perhaps I should just invest in something more than a Bic biro that actually comes with a lid…
5. How to remove a red wine stain
NEWS FLASH: the answer to this one is NOT to throw white wine over it. Other than wasting a perfectly good glass of white wine, it won’t remove the stain. Instead, dab away the excess with a cloth, then stretch the fabric over a bowl with the stain in the middle. Apply some salt which will start to absorb the red wine and leave it for five minutes. Finally, pour over some boiling water and then machine wash.
6. Get rid of those gross yellow deodorant marks
You’ll need some old school kitchen products for this and possibly a nose peg, but; make a paste out of baking soda, and apply it to the stain. Let it dry overnight and then pour white vinegar over it. It should foam up and take the stain with the bubbles. Finally, add a bit of extra washing detergent to the offending area before you wash it as normal.
7. How to deal with blood stains
I’m not going to go into detail about how the stain might have come about ladies, but, the very best thing to do is to soak the item in cold water as soon as possible. Even if it’s not practical to do this right away, it usually works - the key is the COLD water, not hot. This also applies to coffee stains.
8. Lipstick on your collar
Not just a stain that a cheating husband might wish to remove, getting red lippy off is a pain in the backside. I mean, sometimes it doesn’t even come off your lips without a good scrub with your toothbrush. This is another hairspray trick (who knew it was so multifunctional?!) - spray directly onto the mark and let it sit for 10 minutes. Then, get some normal soap (liquid is easiest) and water and work it into the stain. Rinse with hot water and it should have disappeared!