How To Clean Your Nike Air Force 1’s Properly

Are you unsure how to spruce up your trusty Nike Air Force 1’s? Hold tight; StockUK is here to help! If you’re like us and rocking your Nike Air Force 1’s day in and out, the chances are they need a good clean, especially if you opted for the classic white-on-white. With so many methods trending of how to clean your Air Forces, we’re here to put the fads at bay once and for all and give you cleaning tips that work.

What Type Of Nike Air Force 1’s Do You Have?

Before we pull a Monica and delve into the cleaning, it’s essential to clarify the material of your Air Forces to ensure your method doesn’t ruin your shoes. 

• Classic Leather - The OG of Air Force 1’s.
• Suede - Many of the newer Air Force designs incorporate suede into the renowned Nike tick, while some have a completely suede outsole.
• Flyknit - The lesser-known of the Air Force 1 family is the Nike Flyknit material. This zero-waste proposition shoe is made of woven material for enhanced comfort.

How To Clean Leather Nike Air Force 1’s

What you’ll need: 

• Baking Soda
• White Vinegar
• Water
• Toothbrush or Cloth

Baking soda and white vinegar are an effective cleaning solution for stubborn stains on leather shoes. Mix one tablespoon of baking soda, two tablespoons of white vinegar, and 236 ml of water. Next, use a toothbrush or cloth to apply the mixture, gently scrub away the stains and wipe off any excess mixture.

If you’re concerned about the smell coming from your shoes, don’t worry. Baking soda is a natural odour neutraliser that helps keep your trainers smelling and looking fresh.

If you don't have these supplies available, an alternative, softer technique to use is micellar water, which lifts dirt and oil from the surface of the leather. 

How To Clean Nike Air Force 1 Suede

Suede is a delicate, soft fabric that can be damaged by dirt, moisture and stress; therefore, suede Air Force 1’s are susceptible to stains and scuffs. Consider applying a suede protector to your shoes before their first trip out to prevent stains and scuffs.

What you’ll need: 

• Toothbrush or Suede Brush
• Suede Rubber or Pencil Eraser or Household Sponge
• Suede Cleaner or White Vinegar (optional)

Before you start, ensure your shoes are dry to avoid causing further stains inadvertently. First, remove any excess dirt or debris with the suede brush or toothbrush. To remove minor scuffs, use a quick side-to-side brush motion to lift the suede fibres. 

If some marks are still visible after this step, move on to the suede rubber or one of the alternatives listed above. Ensure the rubber is free of any marks or stains, and gently brush the rubber backwards and forwards to remove the stain. 

If stains or dirt are stubborn and not budging, as a last attempt, wet the corner of a lint-free cloth with white vinegar and gently scrub the shoe with a quick side-to-side motion, then allow the suede to dry.

How To Clean Flyknit Nike Air Force 1’s

Flyknit Air Force 1’s are composed of high-strength yarn fibres woven into one outsole. With different knit patterns in one outsole, these shoes can be more tedious to clean than others.

What you’ll need: 

• Mild Washing Detergent or Soap
• Shoe Brush or Toothbrush
• Microfibre Cloth
• Small Bowl or Bucket
• Shoe Tree or Newspaper
• Water

Mix a small amount of washing detergent or soap with lukewarm water (hot water can affect the dye in the shoe) in a bowl or bucket. First, use the brush to remove any dry dirt from the shoes and tap together to remove any large clumps on the sole. Next, remove the shoelaces (you can put these in the washing machine in a mesh bag) and stuff both shoes with newspaper or shoe trees to ensure they keep their shape when wet. 

Dip your choice of brush into the soapy mixture, and gently scrub the shoes in the direction of the knit pattern. Don’t forget the soles, and ensure you scrub both the sides and bottoms.

Finally, wipe the soapy water with a clean microfibre towel and let the shoes air dry.

At StockUK, we do not recommend putting your Air Force 1s in the washing machine, which can damage the shoe's integrity. If all else fails and the stains won't budge from your Nike Air Force 1’s, check out our range of Nike footwear today to refresh your look.