How To Clean Leather Sneakers In A Pinch

There's nothing like the pair of cotton sneaks you can just throw in the wash, but things get a little tricker when it comes to cleaning leather sneakers. While they're definitely not on the washer-approved list, there are a few ways you can go about it without damaging the fabric. If you're anything like me, you'd rather avoid getting a new pair at all costs. After all, breaking new sneakers in is never ideal!

So, naturally, I turned to the all-knowing YouTube experts to learn the tricks, and I'll share their tutorials with you to help get you started. From what I've been reading, and through personal experience, I've found that leather wipes and wash cloths with white vinegar tend to be pretty effective. Some sources, like Shoe Metro, say that toothpaste can be a surprisingly effective choice as well.

While these methods are all options, let's take a look at what the experts have to say. From leather experts to DIY home videos, these are all worth a watch as you spiff those sneakers up!

The Water Test

If you're not sure what type of leather your shoes are, watch this before cleaning! Aubrey Cramer, the CEO of Leather and Vinyl Doctors explains how to effectively determine which type of leather you have so you can ensure that you clean the shoes properly without damage.

Multi-Step Method

Pressed for time? This one is only three minutes and it shows you everything you need to know.

Fast & Free

Own a pair of Adidas Superstars? You might want to watch this.

Happy cleaning!