Cleaning any white apparel or shoes always comes with the fear of having permanent yellow stains. These are really hard to remove when they dry in the fabric.
Air force ones also suffer from this problem but there is a way to prevent this from happening. Read below.
What Causes Yellowing In Shoes?
Yellowing in shoes is a natural occurrence. Shoes will get a yellow tint due to natural oxidation. This is unpreventable but can be slowed down
Exposing your shoes frequently to moisture, dirt, and heat(the sun) will age them faster and cause yellowing. Depending on how you use them and the aftercare after use will determine how long your shoes remain fresh and clean.
How To Prevent Air Force Ones From Turning Yellow.
Instead of having to deal with already yellowed airforce ones leather, you can actually prevent it. Just adhere to these two tips:
- Thoroughly rinse out your Shoes. Some detergents or soaps may cause staining and yellowing on white-colored leather. Rinsing out your shoes completely prevents any residual stains from appearing.
- Cover your Shoes With Toilet or parchment paper. This may be an uncommon trick but covering your shoes in toilet paper as they dry will prevent stains. This is possible because the stains are absorbed and dry on the toilet paper.
Tips to Clean Air Force Ones Without turning Yellow.
Using the right cleaning process may prevent yellowing in white shoes. When it comes to air force ones you can apply these cleaning methods.
- Cleaning with Baking Soda
- Cleaning with Vinegar
Prior to trying any of the above methods, ensure that your shoes are completely clean and free from dirt. You can clean your air force shoes either by hand or machine wash. Ensure that you completely dry them before moving on to any of the steps below.
How To Clean Air Force Ones With Baking Soda
It is no secret that baking soda is a miracle when it comes to most cleaning processes. Baking soda solutions can also be used to whiten your yellowed shoes.
A perfectly prepared baking soda solution can effectively get rid of stains on almost any surface.
Prepare your baking soda cleaning solution
To prepare your baking soda cleaning solution, you will need
- 1 tablespoon of baking soda
- 1 tablespoon of borax
- 100ml of water
Mix all these ingredients in a bowl until they dissolve.
Applying the baking soda cleaning solution
Use a sponge to apply the baking soda solution to the soles and leather parts of your air force shoes. The solution works almost immediately. You should notice the yellow stains softening and coming off.
For hard-to-reach places like the seams, you can use a soft bristle brush or a toothbrush. Do not use excessive force when scrubbing to avoid damage to your leather.
How To Clean Air Force Ones With Vinegar.
A vinegar cleaning solution can also be used to get rid of tough stains on your shoes. You should however follow the right water to vinegar ratio to avoid damage to your leather. Remember that vinegar is an acid.
A vinegar solution may be used prior to using a baking soda solution. This is because baking soda is actually sodium bicarbonate which is great at neutralizing acids
Preparing the vinegar solution
To prepare the vinegar cleaning solution, pour equal parts of distilled white vinegar and water into a bowl. The vinegar should not exceed the amount of water.
Stir the mixture well.
How to apply the vinegar Solution
Use a sponge or a cloth to apply the vinegar solution to the affected parts of your air force one shoes.
For hard-to-reach places, you can use a soft bristle brush or a toothbrush to apply the cleaning solution.