No matter what materials were used on your shoes, the paintwork will inevitably start to fade or chip after some time. It’s also possible for the paint to chip faster in areas where there are more creases and flexing. So what can you do to avoid that? Well, we’ve made a list of a few things that you can do to properly clean painted sneakers and keep them in peak condition much longer.
Add sealant when you first get them.
While most acrylic are water-resistant, some are not, and being water-resistant does not mean that they are waterproof. Water-resistant paints are still prone to damage if they come in contact with a little water such as rain. To bind the paint to the surface and provide it an external protective layer, seal the paint using any acrylic finisher. There are different kinds of finishes available in the market, like matte, glossy, shiny, etc. Get any good quality finisher of your choice and apply 2-3 thin, even coats of it over your shoes. It’ll help with the following things:
- Protection from moisture: Paint sealers form a thin layer over your paint that keeps the moisture out (i.e., doesn’t make any direct contact with the paint).
- Prevents cracking: Acrylic paints have a tendency of peeling off or cracking when the shoes are worn, sealer will help prevent that.
- Protects from dirt: The thin layer that stands between moisture/water and paint also ensures that no dirt, sand, etc. ruins your paint.
- Easier to clean later: A major advantage of sealer is that it provides a smooth surface that is easier to clean and less prone to any damage resulting from using soap, foam, or water for cleaning your shoes.
Depending on your shoes’ material, you can get a sealer made specifically for that material like canvas or leather, which would be more effective than a general sealer. Two of the frequently used sealers are from Mod Ponge, which you can order on Amazon, or Angelus Acrylic finisher, which again you can order from their online store. Both are available in different finish styles like matte, glossy, etc.
General guidelines to take care of your shoes.
You must take extra precautions with your custom shoes and are careful in the way you wear them. You could lookout for some simple things, which would ensure that your kicks keep rocking for a long while.
- Do not wash your shoes!
- Keep your shoes out of direct sunlight, especially for longer periods of time. Direct sunlight may lead to the paint cracking and make it look dry and saturated.
- Avoid putting your shoes in any place with moisture or excessive humidity.
- Like humans, shoes need to breathe too! Store them in a dry and aerated place with very little humidity.
- Don’t wear your shoes outside when there is rain, or it has been raining recently, leaving puddles, etc. Also, avoid wearing your shoes when going for some strenuous physical activity or when you know you’ll be out for a long time.
- When applying a sealer, move in the direction of the shoes’ creases, like the toe box or the midsoles. Make sure to give special attention to these areas.
Whatever shoe you have (Vans, Nikes, Adidas, etc.), these are some surefire tips to maintain their look for quite some time.
Cleaning products and their usage.
There are multiple ways you can go about cleaning your shoes. The technique you choose depends on the material they’re made of and how dirty they are. There are different products for different levels of cleaning. Some of the most popular cleaning products used to clean painted shoes are listed below. Before you use any of these, though, make sure they’re compatible with the material of your shoes. Also, wipe out any excess dirt using a slightly damp cloth before moving on to deep cleaning.
Foaming Cleanser
This is probably the best way to get rid of all the dirt while avoiding damage to your shoe in the process. Certain foaming cleansers are manufactured just for shoes. Spray that on your shoe, use a brush with firm bristles and scrub over the foam to cover each spot and bring out the dirt. After that, just wipe the foam off using a towel.
Detergent and water mix
If you don’t have a foaming cleanser, you can use a good quality detergent. Mix it in some water and then use a shoe brush to lather it over your shoes. Again, rub over all the stains or dirty spots, then wipe off the lathered foam using a cloth or towel.
Baking soda/water mix
Not sure if your detergent is of the right quality? Substitute it with baking soda. Make a baking soda and water paste to apply over the stains. Leave for 15-20 mins, scrub with a brush, and then wipe off with a damp cloth.
Angelus easy cleaner
Angelus easy cleaner is a go-to when you want deep cleaning and is perfect since it works on almost any material you could think of. Just pour some of it in a bowl, dip your scrubbing brush in the bowl and start rubbing over your shoe. Once you’re done, use a microfiber towel to wipe away the excess, and you’re done!
Long live your shoes?
You now know the best ways to clean painted shoes properly, make them last longer, and retain their fresh look. We’d say it’s worth investing in at least a few of these products, you and your shoes deserve this much care, plus it ensures that you get the most from your customized shoes and enjoy them for more time!
TUFT RUGS
Cleaning
A hand-tufted rug requires no special care and can be vacuumed regularly, like any other floor covering. Remember to use the flat head (not the brush side) when vacuuming. Should liquid spill on your rug, simply dab with a paper towel – do not rub, for stronger stains, use DRY WONDER, available from most supermarkets. Should your rug need a proper clean, contact a professional carpet cleaning company in your area, and let them know you have a hand-tufted rug that needs cleaning.
Fluff and Vacuuming
New rugs can shed a bit of fluff, which is created from excess fibers that were not properly incorporated into the yarn during spinning. This is normal and is not a sign that your rug is poor quality. It is best to vacuum a rug often at first until the fluffing ceases. If you are able to control the power of your vacuum cleaner, ensure that it is at a medium setting. Do not use a cleaner head with teeth as this will damage the rug.
Fading
We use only the best quality wool and dyes for our yarn, that offers the most resistance to fading. Over time, rugs exposed to direct daily sunlight will fade naturally. The best way to mitigate this effect is to rotate the rug from time to time to ensure that the fading is evenly spread across the entire rug.
Loose Threads
If a thread becomes loose in your rug, do not pull it, but carefully cut it with sharp scissors. This will not damage the rug.
Moths and Moisture
Moths are especially attracted to places such as areas under furniture or where they would be relatively undisturbed. Although our yarn is moth treated prior to tufting, regular vacuuming will prevent moths from settling and breeding in the rug fibres.
Pile Recovery
In areas where the pile has been indented or crushed by heavy furniture, simple vacuum with the flat head of the vacuum and see the pile magically return to its original state!
