What supplies do I need to clean my Keds?

You will need dish detergent, salt, vinegar, a toothbrush or scrub brush, and a soft cloth.

How do I remove salt residue from my shoes?

Sprinkle a small amount of salt over the area and use a toothbrush or cloth to lightly scrub it before rinsing the area with warm water.

WikiLaundry > Stains > Suntan lotion > Keds

Say Goodbye to Sunscreen Stains: How to Clean Keds

Q: How do I make the cleaning solution?

Mix 3/4 of a teaspoon each liquid dish soap and white vinegar with 1/2 cup warm water.

Summertime fun can often lead to unexpected messes, like sunscreen stains on your favorite Keds shoes. Don’t fret—we’ve got all the tips you need to bring those once-mighty kicks back to life! Plus, follow our advice and you can have them looking good as new in no time.

Updated 12 Mar 2023

By Noemi Denker

Step 1: Gather Supplies

To start off your cleaning session, you’ll need to stock up on a few supplies. Here’s what you’ll need:

Dish detergent
Salt
Vinegar
Toothbrush or scrub brush
Soft cloth

Step 2: Mix Detergent Solution

Combine 3/4 of a teaspoon each liquid dish soap and white vinegar with 1/2 cup warm water. To make sure the solution is effective, make sure to mix the ingredients together until they’re combined.

Step 3: Scrub Away Stains

Dampen the toothbrush or scrub brush in the dish detergent solution and use it to scrub away suntan lotion stains from shoe. Be sure to use gentle, circular motions, as hard scrubbing could damage canvas. You may need to repeat this step a few times to completely remove all traces of the stain.

Step 4: Rinse and Dry

Once the stain has been removed, it’s time to rinse the shoes with warm water. To help prevent any leftover soap residue and ensure thorough cleaning, be sure to use a soft cloth to gently scrub the area. After that, let the shoes air dry or place them in a sunny spot for a few hours.

Step 5: Remove Salt Residue

If there are any remaining salt deposits from the stain, sprinkle a small amount of salt over the affected area. Then, lightly scrub the salt with a toothbrush or soft cloth, and rinse the area with warm water. Allow the shoes to air dry afterwards.

Conclusion

And just like that, your Keds should be looking like new once again! With a little bit of elbow grease, a few simple supplies, and these tried-and-true methods, you’ll have your shoes looking good as new in no time.

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