Keds are a great addition to any wardrobe, and keeping them looking clean can extend their life. Unfortunately, even the most careful of us can find ourselves dealing with urine stains. Read on to learn four simple steps for getting rid of them and restoring your Keds to their original glory.
Updated 12 Mar 2023
By Isabelle Trottier
The first thing you'll need is some basic supplies like a bucket, water, laundry detergent, a soft brush, and white vinegar. You may also want to consider a mineral oil product, as this can help loosen stubborn stains.
Before tackling stain, you may want to apply a pre-treatment solution such as liquid dish soap or a mineral oil product. The idea behind pre-treating is to make sure the detergent will break down and remove the stain more easily. If you're using a mineral oil product, be sure to spot test it in an inconspicuous area first.
If you've already tried machine washing shoes, use gentle cycle and cold water for this step. Fill the bucket with warm water and add in a small amount of laundry detergent. Give the mixture a good stir and then submerge your Keds in the bucket. Gently agitate the shoes with your hands to help the detergent penetrate the fibers of material. Once they're clean, rinse them off with cold water, making sure all of the detergent is gone.
Now that you've removed the urine, you want to make sure the smell is gone. To do this, fill the bucket with cold water and stir in a quarter cup of white vinegar. Submerge your Keds in the vinegar solution for about five minutes, then remove them and rinse them with cold water. Allow them to air dry in a well ventilated area, away from direct sunlight.
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