You probably ask yourself this regularly: how often should you actually clean your sneakers? Every day? Every week? Only when they’re dirty? Is it possible to minimize cleaning, or even skip it entirely? In this guide, we give you a clear cleaning and protection schedule for every sneaker and every type of use, so you never have to wonder again.
Keeping your sneakers clean in three levels
It’s easiest to think in three levels when cleaning your sneakers:
Level 1: Quick maintenance
- Time: About 2 minutes
- Frequency: Daily, or at least after every wear
- What to do: Wipe your sneakers with a clean, dry microfiber cloth to remove surface dirt
Level 2: Standard cleaning
- Time: 10–15 minutes
- Frequency: Weekly or every two weeks
- What to do:
- Clean your sneakers thoroughly inside and out with a sneaker cleaner
- Wash laces
- With REINS protection, you only need to do this once every six months, as your sneakers remain protected for six months
Level 3: Deep cleaning
- Time: About 30 minutes
- Frequency: Monthly (unless you use REINS, which protects for six months)
- What to do:
- Clean every part of your sneakers thoroughly
- Reapply the protective layer using an ultrasonic sprayer
- Check for any damage before cleaning
Tip: REINS offers a convenient starter kit with everything you need to protect 8 pairs of sneakers for six months against dirt and stains.
Cleaning schedule by material
Your collection probably consists of different materials. Here’s how to maintain and protect each type:
White sneakers:
- Require more maintenance than black sneakers because every stain is visible
- Wipe with a slightly damp microfiber cloth after each wear
- Daily wear: repeat Level 2 twice a week
- Regular wear: repeat Level 2 once a week
Leather sneakers:
- Exude luxury, which you want to preserve
- Wipe with a slightly damp microfiber cloth after each wear
- Daily wear: repeat Level 2 once a week
- Regular wear: repeat Level 2 once every two weeks
- Leather conditioner is usually recommended, but with REINS, dirt doesn’t stick, so it’s not needed
Suede sneakers:
- Beautiful but delicate; stains are highly visible
- Wipe with a dry microfiber cloth after each wear
- Daily wear: repeat Level 2 once a week
- Regular wear: repeat Level 2 once every two weeks
Canvas sneakers:
- Durable and easier to maintain; can even be machine washed at 30°C
- Wipe with a slightly damp microfiber cloth after each wear
- Daily wear: repeat Level 2 once a week
- Regular wear: repeat Level 2 once every two weeks
- With REINS, you don’t need to wash them in the machine
Seasonal Maintenance Tips
Winter:
- Salt, snow, and mud require extra care
- Wipe after every wear with a slightly damp microfiber cloth to prevent salt from soaking in
- Daily wear: clean twice a week
- Occasional wear: half the cleaning frequency
Summer:
- Sand, dust, and sweat accumulate quickly
- Wipe after each wear
- Daily wear: clean weekly, focus on the inside due to sweat
- Apply odor protection monthly
Spring & Fall:
- Rain and mud are common
- Wipe after each wear with a slightly damp microfiber cloth
- Remove dry mud with a soft brush
- Daily wear: clean weekly
Tip: With REINS, your sneakers are easy to clean because dirt doesn’t penetrate the fibers.
Clean your sneakers immediately after certain situations
- Rain or snow: Wipe off dirt immediately with a slightly damp microfiber cloth
- Salt on winter streets: Wipe immediately to prevent damage
- Grass stains: Use REINS cleaner for quick results
- Mud from walks: Let dry, brush off, then wipe with a damp cloth
- Spills or stains: Remove immediately to prevent absorption
- Sweat odors after sports: Let sneakers air out and use an odor remover
Signs you need more or less maintenance
Too little maintenance:
- Stains remain, sweat odor lingers, material may discolor
- REINS protects for 6 months, but extreme conditions still require wiping
Over-maintenance:
- Sneakers always look spotless, material may lighten or fade
- Over-scrubbing or harsh chemicals can damage materials
- With REINS, minimal effort keeps sneakers clean
Costs of proper maintenance
- Too little maintenance: Sneakers wear out faster, lifespan 6–12 months, value drops 70–80%
- With REINS starter kit: €49.50 protects 8 pairs for six months (~€6/pair)
- Benefits: Longer lifespan (2–3 years), retain 60–80% value, about 30 minutes per week
Tips to remember sneaker maintenance
- Make it a habit: clean right after taking off shoes at home
- Maintain multiple sneakers at once, e.g., Sunday morning routine
- Keep products handy and use reliable tools like REINS
Essentials for sneaker maintenance:
- 3–5 clean, dry microfiber cloths
- Professional sneaker cleaner
- Soft brush
- Extra laces
- Protective spray (ideally with an ultrasonic sprayer)
- Magic eraser for white soles
Personal schedule template:
- Purchase date: [When bought]
- My sneakers: [Type and color]
- Use: [Daily, regular, occasional]
- Material: [Leather, canvas, suede, mesh]
- Season: [Winter, spring, summer, fall]
My maintenance schedule:
- Level 1: 1–3 times per week or after every wear
- Level 2: 1–2 times per week or once every 2 weeks
- Level 3: Once every 6 months with REINS
Consistency beats perfection
- Stick to the basics, adjust according to how dirty your sneakers get
- Daily wear: ~30 minutes per week
- Small investment for sneakers that last for years
Start your maintenance routine today with REINS products for every level.
