How to Clean White HOKA Shoes?

HOKA shoes have gained immense popularity in recent years as a comfortable and supportive shoe option for various activities like running, training, and everyday wear. Their thick midsole and unique curved shape offer a smooth and stable ride.

However, white HOKA shoes can get dirty quite easily and require proper cleaning to keep them looking fresh. Cleaning them regularly not only maintains their appearance but also enhances their longevity.

In this comprehensive guide, we will go through various methods and step-by-step instructions to clean white HOKA shoes correctly without ruining the material.

Assessing the Current Condition of the Shoes

Before you start cleaning, inspect the shoes up close to identify the type and extent of dirt on them. Check the mesh upper, rubber sole, foam midsole, laces, prints/graphics if any, inner sole, and insoles.

See if there are any visible stains, mud patches, dust particles, oily residues, paint marks, or scratches. Figure out whether only a surface cleaning would work or if you need a deeper scrub. This assessment will help determine the right cleaning technique.

Gathering the Cleaning Supplies

Based on how dirty your HOKAs are and the stains you noticed earlier, gather the suitable supplies accordingly. Here are some basics:

• Mild or gentle soap or detergent
• Old toothbrush
• Soft-bristle cleaning brush
• Microfiber cloth
• Small towel
• Baking soda
• Laundry detergent (for machine wash)
• Whitening toothpaste (for stubborn scuffs)
• White shoe cleaner (optional)
• Bucket with warm water

Having the right tools will make cleaning easier, faster and more efficient. Check that you have all the supplies handy before you get started.

Cleaning the White Shoelaces

For shoelaces caked with dirt and mud, start by detaching them from the shoes. Soak the laces in a bowl mixed with laundry detergent and warm water for 15-20 minutes. Swish the laces back and forth to dislodge the dirt.

Rinse the laces properly under running tap water. Squeeze out the excess moisture and let them air dry. You can also machine wash the shoelaces in a mesh bag on a gentle cycle if very dirty.

Spot-Cleaning the Mesh and Rubber Areas

Use a soft-bristle toothbrush or cleaning brush dampened with a mild detergent and water solution. Gently scrub on visible stains and discoloration on the mesh upper and rubber sole. Take care not to brush too forcefully on the mesh areas.

Dip a microfiber cloth in the solution and dab it on mud splatters or oily grease marks. Wipe gently towards the center to prevent spreading the stain. Rinse with a damp cloth to remove all residues. Spot-clean any prints or reflective graphics similarly without soaking them.

Deep Cleaning the Midsole

Mix warm water, mild soap and baking soda to make a spreadable paste. Using an old toothbrush, gently brush the paste onto the entire foam midsole, focusing more on visibly soiled spots.

Let it sit for 5-10 minutes allowing the mixture to dissolve the hardened dirt and stains. Then scrub using a soft-bristle brush to lift away the grime. Rinse thoroughly and wipe with microfiber cloth. Stuff with paper towels to aid drying.

Removing Scuffs and Stubborn Marks

For handling ingrained scuffs, apply some whitening toothpaste on them using a toothbrush. Gently scrub the abrasive paste focusing on lightening the pigmented marks. Wipe clean with a damp cloth rinsing properly.

For tough oily/greasy stains, prepare a paste of baking soda and water. Generously coat it on the marked area and permit to soak for 6-7 hours if possible. Then wash with warm soapy water while brushing.

Freshening Insoles and Inner Fabric Lining

Remove the insoles and wash thoroughly with mild detergent and water. Rinse and air dry them.

For inner linings, use disinfectant wipes or isopropyl alcohol on a cloth. Wipe gently to eliminate foul odors and moisture buildup.

You can also stuff the shoes with scented coffee beans or tea bags to make them smell fresh again from within.

Thoroughly Drying the Sneakers

Wet shoes are breeding grounds for bacteria and fungi. So after washing the HOKAs, ensure there is no cleaning solution or moisture left on any spot.

Stuff the shoes with old newspaper or paper towels. Let them dry at room temperature away from direct heat or sunlight. Rotate and change the paper filling every few hours for faster drying. Using a fan to circulate air speeds up the process.

Check there are no damp pockets left before wearing again. Wear well-fitted cotton socks next to stay comfy.

When to Machine Wash HOKA Shoes?

For HOKAs exposed to heavy muddy terrain or extremely dirty conditions, move beyond spot cleaning to machine washing them entirely.

This is best done occasionally when the shoes are too soiled for regular cleaning methods.

Follow these steps for machine washing:

• Detach laces and insoles completely
• Wash on a gentle cycle with cold water
• Place shoes in a wash bag for delicates or pillowcase
• Use mild liquid detergent (no bleach)
• Air dry the shoes after rinsing properly

Take extra care if your shoes have any treatment or coatings that may deteriorate in the mechanical wash process.

Maintaining White HOKA Shoes

Regular cleaning right after wearing the shoes helps preserve them for longer in their pristine look. But you can also take some proactive measures towards maintenance:

• Apply fabric protector sprays that repel stains
• Use removable insoles to absorb sweat
• Rotate between multiple pairs of HOKAs
• Store properly in breathable boxes to prevent yellowing
• Wipe gently after occasional wears
• Get midsole/outsoles replaced when excessively worn-out

These small care steps improve longevity and prevent a messy cleaning situation later.

DIY Whitening Solutions and Scratch Removal

Here are some homemade quick-fix solutions for keeping white shoes gleaming:

• Baking Soda Scrub: Mix baking soda with hydrogen peroxide, lemon juice or vinegar into a spreadable paste. Apply on yellowed fabric/foam areas and leave overnight before washing off. The alkaline soda whitens while the acidic solutions remove stains.
• Whitening Toothpaste: Rub regular fluoridated toothpaste on scuffed or discolored spots using a toothbrush. Rinse thoroughly after the scrubbing.
• Petroleum Jelly: For light scratches on patent leather or plastic regions, gently rub petroleum jelly and wipe off residue with soft cloth.
• Nail Paint Over Scratches: Apply white nail polish on scratched zones and allow to dry fully to camouflage the cuts and nicks smartly.

Using these simple homemade solutions can boost the whitening process after washes.

When to Take Them to a Cobbler?

If despite your cleaning efforts, the HOKAs still appear too dingy overall or have permanent stains and damage beyond restoration, then it’s time to take them to a professional cobbler.

They can expertly treat the shoes and suggest suitable cleaning, whitening or re-coloring services based on the extent of wear and tear. This includes fixes like:

• Midsole shaving
• Outsole replacement
• Removing graphic prints
• Patching uppers
• Full dying of shoes into a lighter shade

While DIY cleaning works for general upkeep, some cases need skilled shoe repair hands. Visiting a cobbler can restore them instead of discarding the shoes altogether.

Cleaning White HOKA Shoes without Ruining Them

HOKA shoes are worth the investment owing to their signature cushioned ride and calibrated performance benefits. Cleaning and caring for them properly helps retain these functional features too.

The cleaning techniques above demonstrate how to remove typical dirt and stains from white HOKAs without degrading their material or construction quality. Avoid using harsh chemicals, heat tools or rough scrubbing.

With some mild detergent, soft brushes and home solutions, keep those breathable mesh, rubber sole and resilient foam midsoles looking fresh as new. Follow the tips shared on assessing stain intensity, machine washing, drying, maintenance and specialist repairs for optimal results.

Use the appropriate method suitable to how mucky your shoes are. Pay attention while scrubbing printed logo or coated sections. Ultimately, handle your premium HOKAs with care because a gentle clean here and there keeps them in mint condition for more miles of comfortable wear ahead!

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