Care Guide
Taking good care of your gear is the best way to make it last. We put together this guide with simple tips to help you keep your sneakers and clothing looking fresh — while also supporting more mindful, sustainable consumption.
Sneaker Care
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Cleaning the upper
- Fabric/mesh: use a soft-bristle brush with mild soap and water. Avoid scrubbing hard.
- Leather: wipe with a slightly damp cloth and, if needed, a leather-specific cleaner. Avoid soaking it.
- Suede: use a dry suede brush and a suede eraser for stains. Never get it wet.
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How to wash
- Hand-washing is best, using cold or lukewarm water and mild soap.
- Avoid the washing machine — the agitation and heat can loosen glue and warp the shoe's structure.
- Remove laces and insoles before cleaning and wash them separately.
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Drying
- Never dry in direct sunlight or with a hair dryer/heater — heat can dry out materials and cause cracking.
- Air dry in a shaded, well-ventilated spot.
- Stuff the sneakers with crumpled paper towels or newspaper to absorb moisture and help them hold their shape.
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Soles and midsoles
- Brush soles clean with water to prevent dirt buildup that wears down the rubber.
- Avoid contact with oil, gasoline, or harsh chemicals — they can damage the midsole.
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Storage
- Store in a dry, ventilated space away from humidity.
- Use the original box or a shoe organizer with silica gel packs to prevent mold and mildew.
- Avoid stacking sneakers without protection, as this can deform the upper.
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Common mistakes to avoid
- Washing in the washing machine or drying in the dryer.
- Using harsh cleaners or too much rubbing alcohol.
- Leaving wet sneakers in the sun to "dry faster."
Clothing Care
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Read the care label first
Before washing, always check the label — it tells you the right water temperature, whether bleach is safe, and if the item can be machine dried or ironed.
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Water temperature by fabric
- Cotton: cold to warm water.
- Polyester and synthetics: cold water, to prevent shrinking or warping.
- Denim: cold water, washed inside out to preserve color.
- Knits: cold water, gentle cycle.
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Sorting by color and fabric
- Separate lights, darks, and prints.
- Wash delicate pieces separately from heavier items like jeans and sweatshirts.
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Drying
- Air drying on a line or drying rack is best, especially for prints and bright colors.
- If using a dryer, choose a low-heat setting and avoid synthetics, which can melt or warp under high heat.
- Don't wring out knitwear — this stretches out the fit.
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Ironing
- Cotton and linen: high heat.
- Polyester and synthetics: low heat, ideally with a cloth between the iron and fabric.
- Printed graphics: always iron inside out to protect the design.
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Preventing common issues
- Pilling: wash the item inside out and avoid excessive friction with other garments.
- Fading: wash in cold water and limit prolonged sun exposure.
- Stretching out of shape: don't hang knitwear on a line for long periods — lay it flat to dry instead.
Care Symbols
Tips by Material
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Leather
Condition periodically with a leather-specific product; avoid prolonged contact with water.
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Suede
Never let it get wet; use a dry brush and apply a protective spray before first wear.
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Cotton
May shrink on the first wash — wash in cold water to minimize shrinkage.
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Polyester
Durable, but heat-sensitive — avoid the dryer and hot iron.
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Denim
Wash inside out and less frequently to preserve color and fit.
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Knitwear
Dry flat, never on a hanger or line, to avoid stretching.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
FAQ
Can I wash my sneakers in the washing machine?
We don't recommend it. The machine can loosen glue and damage the upper. Hand-washing is the safer option.
How do I get rid of sneaker odor?
Let them air out in a ventilated spot and place baking soda or activated charcoal sachets inside overnight.
How do I keep my clothes from shrinking?
Always wash in cold water and avoid the dryer, especially for cotton items.
Can I iron printed designs?
Yes, but always iron inside out on a low-to-medium heat setting to protect the print.
How often should I wash my jeans?
You don't need to wash them after every wear — this helps preserve color and shape. Just air them out between wears.