4 home remedies to keep your white mesh shoes looking like new
When your favorite mesh shoes show signs of use, you don't have to part with them. Instead of investing in a new pair and soon struggling with the same problem again, check out these simple tips that will help you easily clean mesh shoes and bring them back to their former white.
Airy, light and breathable
Mesh shoes are must-have in your footwear collection. They are airy, light and breathable, and very fashionable. They delight with their perfect appearance ... until the first signs of use appear on them. Fortunately, we know how to deal with them.
Mesh shoes are usually made of plastic. Although they usually do not yellow like their fabric counterparts, washing them in the washing machine is not a good idea. However, if you decide to go this route, remember that small holes and unsightly, larger tears may appear on the delicate upper. We warned you!
To avoid this scenario, follow the rules better to prevent than to cure. Try to avoid wearing them with bare feet. Stains and discolorations may appear in this way. It is worth having an eraser and a pack of wet wipes with you, which you can use as soon as you notice dirt.
After the birds? Head's up! We know how to restore mesh shoes so that they look great again Let's do it!
Delicate material requires gentle handling
Mesh is a very delicate and sensitive material. Treating it harshly can cause irreversible damage! Instead of rubbing the dirt vigorously with a hard brush, be patient. A soft bristle brush and slow, circular motions repeated almost ad nauseam should bring the desired results.
Before you start, however, be sure to remove the laces. In this way, you will be able to thoroughly remove stubborn stains. Wash the laces with white laundry to regain their pristine whiteness. You can also soak them in a bleaching agent. If that doesn't work, replace them with new ones. At a low cost, you will give your shoes a second life.
Before applying the methods we have discussed, it is mandatory to wipe the upper of your shoes with a soft-bristle brush. In this way, you will remove accumulated dust and dirt and prevent it from penetrating into the material.
#1 Dishwashing liquid and warm water
One of the easiest and cheapest ways to get rid of stubborn stains on mesh shoes is to use a mixture of water and dishwashing liquid. Rub the foam obtained in this way into the material with circular movements. Do this gently with an old soft-bristled toothbrush.
Dirt won't come off? It's a good idea to soak your shoes in a bowl of warm water and soap or dishwashing liquid. However, remember that drying wet shoes takes time. Do not speed up the process by using a hair dryer as this may cause the sole to peel off.
Instead, leave your shoes in a warm, dry place. A good solution will be to expose them to the sun, which will make the mesh a little whiter. To shorten the waiting time, you can put a white paper towel inside the shoes. Avoid old newspapers that could discolor the upper.
#2 Baking soda and hydrogen peroxide
If you want to get rid of spot dirt, you can prepare a paste of baking soda, hydrogen peroxide and water in a 2: 1: 1 ratio. Rub the mixture into the dirt with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Do it carefully in circular motions.
Leave the mixture on the shoes for about 30 minutes and then thoroughly remove it. Attention! Such a paste can have a whitening effect. It is also worth dragging it over the rest of the upper so that the old dirt does not stand out from the rest of the material.
#3 Vinegar
Another home remedy to clean white mesh shoes is to use vinegar. You certainly have it in your kitchen! Pour it into a bottle with an atomizer and spray the dirt. If you leave your shoes in the sun, you will get an extra whitening effect and your shoes will look like new.
#4 Bleach
The last resort in the fight against dirt on the white mesh in shoes can be a bleaching product. Remember that this method can bring undesirable results, so it is worth treating it as a last resort.
To avoid yellow discoloration, be sure to mix bleach with water. Use an aspect ratio of 1:5. Also, don't forget to wear gloves. Apply the product spot on the fabric to remove visible dirt. Then rinse the shoes with cool water and let them dry completely.
Don't forget about the details
When your mesh shoes look almost like new, don't forget about the details. The final effect can be counterproductive if you leave dirty laces and the rubber on the sole is yellowed. To whiten it effectively, you can use the "magic sponge". Soak it in warm water and squeeze it thoroughly. Then wipe the soles until you regain snow-white.
