Shoes and sneakers
How to keep white sneakers clean in Accra dust
By sneakersInn team · Updated
To keep white sneakers clean in Accra, spray them with a protector when they are new, wipe them with a damp cloth after every wear, give them a gentle deep clean once a week with mild soap and a soft brush, and always dry them in the shade. Dust is easy to remove if you deal with it the same day; it's the build-up that stains.
| When | What to do | Takes |
|---|---|---|
| New | Spray with a water and stain protector, let it dry | 15 minutes |
| After each wear | Knock off dust, wipe leather and sole with a damp cloth | 2 minutes |
| Weekly | Deep clean upper, sole and laces | 15 minutes |
| Monthly | Wash or replace laces, condition leather | 10 minutes |
| Rainy days | Dry thoroughly with paper inside, away from sun | Overnight |
What do I need?
- A soft brush (an old soft toothbrush works for small areas)
- A medium brush for soles
- Microfibre cloths
- Mild liquid soap or a sneaker cleaner
- A bowl of warm water
- A protector spray
- Paper towels or newspaper for drying
How do I deep clean white leather sneakers?
- Remove the laces and knock off loose dirt by tapping the soles together.
- Dry brush the upper and sole to remove dust before adding water, so you don't turn dust into mud.
- Mix a few drops of mild soap in warm water.
- Scrub the sole with the medium brush and soapy water.
- Clean the upper with the soft brush in small circles, using very little water.
- Wipe everything with a clean damp cloth, then a dry one.
- Stuff with paper and dry at room temperature in the shade.
Why dry in the shade?
Direct sun can yellow white rubber soles and dry out leather. Heat from a hair dryer or a hot surface can warp glue and soles. Patience keeps sneakers white.
How do I deal with harmattan dust?
Harmattan, roughly December to February, carries fine Saharan dust across Ghana. Brush sneakers every evening during these weeks. A protector spray makes a real difference because dust sits on the surface instead of settling into the leather.
How do I clean the laces?
Soak them in warm soapy water, rub them together, rinse and hang to dry. Replace them when they stay grey; new white laces make an old pair look fresh.
How do I fix yellowing soles?
Prevention is easier: keep sneakers out of sunlight when not worn. For yellowed soles, specialised sole whitening products exist; follow their instructions carefully. Our info page on cleaning and care has more tips.
What should I avoid?
- Washing machines. They can break down glue and warp shape.
- Bleach on leather. It can damage and yellow it.
- Too much water on suede. See suede vs leather sneakers.
- Drying on hot surfaces.
Questions
How often should I deep clean?
Once a week if you wear them often, or whenever stains appear.
How do I stop creases?
Creases come from walking and can't be fully prevented. Shoe trees or stuffing reduce them. See how to make your sneakers last longer.
What if my sneakers smell?
See how to stop sneaker odour in hot weather.
Why own white sneakers at all?
See white sneakers: why every man needs a pair. If a stain won't shift, ask us on WhatsApp.