Keeping your APL shoes clean and in good condition doesn’t have to be a hassle. With the right techniques, you can make sure your APLs are looking as fresh as the day they arrived whether you’re headed to the gym, walking through fields of mud, or just heading out for an evening on the town. Here, we’ll cover all of the essential tips for keeping your APL shoes looking brand new and ready to take any adventure that comes their way!
Washing APL shoes doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With the right knowledge and steps, you can easily keep your favorite sneakers looking great without damaging them. Whether you just want to remove some dirt or stains from your kicks or if you’re putting in a deep clean for persistent grime, we will provide all the info needed to ensure a safe and thorough washing process.
Step 1. Preparing the Shoes:
Before beginning, it’s important to ensure all dirt and debris are removed from your APL shoes. Start by lightly brushing off any scuff marks or dirt with a dry cloth or soft-bristle brush. If necessary, use a damp cloth to wipe away bigger stains. Be sure not to soak the shoes in water as this can discolor them or cause the leather to shrink.
Step 2. Cleaning with Soap and Water:
Once your shoes are prepped, it’s time to create a soap and water solution. Fill a bucket or sink with lukewarm water and add in a few drops of mild detergent. Do not use bleach, as this could damage the shoes.
Mix the solution until it is foamy and then use a cloth or brush to apply it to your APL shoes. Gently scrub away any dirt and stains, taking care not to be too abrasive with leather or suede materials.
Step 3. Rinse and Dry:
After cleaning your APL shoes, you’ll need to rinse off the soap and water solution. Fill a second bucket or sink with clean lukewarm water and dip your shoes into it. Use a cloth to remove any remaining suds, taking care not to wring out the material too much.
Once all of the soap is gone, set your shoes aside on a dry towel and let them air dry overnight. In the morning, use a clean cloth to buff away any remaining water and then store your shoes in a cool, dry place. With proper preparation and cleaning techniques, you’ll be able to keep your APL shoes looking brand new for years to come!
Step 4. Alternate Cleaning Method (For All Fabric Types):
If you prefer not to use soap and water, there is an alternate method for cleaning APL shoes. Begin by lightly brushing away any dirt or debris with a dry cloth or soft-bristle brush.
Next, create a solution of one part white vinegar and two parts water. Dip a clean cloth in the solution and then apply it to your APL shoes. Gently scrub the material in a circular motion, taking care not to be too abrasive with leather or suede materials.
After cleaning your APL shoes, rinse them off with clean water and then set them aside on a dry towel to air dry overnight. In the morning, use a clean cloth to buff away any remaining water, and then store your shoes in a cool, dry place. This method is safe for all fabric types and helps to preserve the original color of the material for years to come!
Step 5. Protecting Your Shoes:
The last step in keeping your APL shoes looking new is to protect them. Before wearing your shoes, spray or apply a waterproofing agent to help guard against dirt and stains. Many waterproofing agents also act as a shield to protect the material from scuffs and scrapes, so you can enjoy wearing your shoes for much longer.
You should also consider using a shoe care kit to maintain your APL shoes. These kits often include soft-bristle brushes, polishes, and conditioners specifically designed for use on leather and suede materials. Be sure to follow the instructions carefully when using shoe care products, as some of them can discolor or damage your shoes if not used correctly. With these simple steps, you’ll be able to keep your APL shoes looking their best for years to come!
Hand Washing vs. Machine Washing APL Shoes: What’s Best?
The best way to clean APL (Athletic Propulsion Labs) shoes depends on several factors, including the material of the shoes, how dirty they are, and the manufacturer’s care instructions. Both hand washing and machine washing have their pros and cons, and it’s crucial to consider these before deciding on a cleaning method.
Hand Washing:
Pros:
Control: Hand washing allows you to focus on particular areas that may need more attention.
Gentle: Hand washing is typically gentler on shoes, especially those made from sensitive materials like leather or wool.
Less Wear and Tear: Reduced mechanical agitation means less stress on stitching and glue.
Cons:
Time-Consuming: It takes more time to hand wash than to machine wash.
Inconsistency: It’s easy to miss spots or not clean as thoroughly as a machine would.
Machine Washing:
Pros:
Convenience: Just throw the shoes in the washer and hit start.
Thorough Cleaning: Machines can often remove dirt and stains more effectively due to mechanical agitation.
Time-Saving: Machine washing takes less “hands-on” time than hand washing.
Cons:
Harsh: The agitation can be rough on shoes, potentially affecting the glue and stitching.
Risk of Damage: High temperatures and fast spin speeds can be detrimental to certain materials.
Tips for Maintaining Clean APL Shoes:
Maintaining clean APL shoes requires a bit of diligence and preventive care to ensure they remain in top condition. Here are some tips to help you keep your APL shoes looking like new:
Regular Cleaning:
- Use a damp cloth to wipe down the soles and upper after each wear to remove superficial dirt and dust.
- For small stains, use a mild detergent mixed with water and a cloth or a soft-bristle brush for spot cleaning.
- For a more thorough cleaning, you can use a shoe cleaning solution designed for the specific material of your shoes.
Preventive Care:
- If your APL shoes are made of materials that can be waterproofed, consider applying a waterproof spray to guard against moisture and stains.
- Insert cedar shoe trees when you’re not wearing them. This helps the shoe maintain its shape, wick away moisture, and combat odors.
- To reduce wear and tear, try to rotate your APL shoes with other pairs. This will allow them sufficient time to air out and will reduce the strain on any single pair.
Safe Storage:
- Keep your shoes in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to avoid discoloration and material degradation.
- When storing or traveling, use shoe bags to protect the shoes from scuffs and dust.
- Store your shoes on a shoe rack or in a dedicated space where they won’t get crushed or dirty.
Conclusion:
Taking the right steps to clean your APL shoes is the key to making sure they last as long as possible. Now that you understand all the important points on how to wash APL sneakers, it’s time to put your newfound knowledge into action and get cleaning! Whether you choose to hand-wash or machine-wash, using the right laundry product and taking into account all of the steps above can help keep your APL shoes looking like new for years to come. Grab a bucket and start washing those APL shoes today!
