Guide to Keeping your Shoes Clean

How I Keep My Lin’s Triple White Ultraboost 4.0 Looking Deadstock

I’ve owned Lin’s Triple White Ultraboost 4.0 for just over a year now, and I’m constantly asked how I keep them looking as close to deadstock as possible.

Disclaimer: This guide is thorough—some might say overkill. It’s what I personally choose to do to maintain my shoes at a high standard. It might not be for everyone, but in my experience, it’s worth it.

If you’re just here for the before-and-after photos, scroll to the bottom. 😊

There are two cleaning methods I use: handwashing and machine washing. While I handwash most of my shoes, including Off-White Vapormaxes and Yeezys, I’ve found machine washing works exceptionally well for Ultraboosts. Machine washing provides a deeper clean, making the white pop in a way handwashing doesn’t (you’ll see in the photos). However, for darker shoes or delicate materials, I stick to handwashing.

Method 1: Handwashing #

What You’ll Need:

• Wool/delicate soap
• Fine brush (for the uppers)
• Thicker brush (for the soles)
• Sponge
• Cloth (I prefer microfiber)

Steps:

1. Prep:
   • Remove the laces.
   • Wet your sponge with warm water and gently rub down the shoe to dampen it—don’t soak it.
   • Mix your soap with hot water in a container (ensure the water is comfortable to handle).
2. Laces:
   • Place the laces in a separate container with warm, soapy water to soak while you clean the shoes.
   • After cleaning the shoes, rinse the laces under warm water. Light dirt should come out easily, but for tougher stains, rub them with a cloth or scrub gently.
   • Hang the laces on a towel rack to dry.
3. Bottoms (Soles and Boost):
   • Use the thicker brush to scrub the soles and boost area with the soapy mixture.
   • Once satisfied, use a sponge with warm water to rinse off all the soap, ensuring no residue remains.
4. Uppers:
   • Dip the fine brush into the soapy mixture and scrub the uppers thoroughly.
   • Alternate between scrubbing and rinsing the brush to maintain cleanliness. Don’t hesitate to scrub harder if needed.
   • Use the sponge again to remove all soap from the uppers, rinsing and wiping repeatedly until completely clean.
5. Drying:
   • Place the shoes in a safe spot where they won’t be disturbed.
   • Allow them to dry for at least 24 hours. I lean mine against a wall on a towel and hang the laces on a rack.
6. Protection:
   • Once the shoes are completely dry, spray them with two layers of Forcefield Protector (my preference over Crep, which can yellow the boost). Allow them to dry fully before wearing.

Method 2: Machine Washing (For That Extra Crisp Clean) #

While machine washing isn’t suitable for all shoes, it works wonders for Ultraboosts. That said, every machine is different, so proceed with caution.

My Machine Settings:

• Type: Front loader
• Temperature: 30°C
• Cycle: Wool/delicate setting
• Spin Speed: Lowest (400 RPM for my machine)
• Duration: 39 minutes (machine’s cycle)
• Detergent: Liquid washing detergent
• Extras: Place the shoes in a wash bag for added protection.

Steps:

1. Load the shoes into the wash bag, then place them in the machine.
2. Start the cycle and let the machine do its thing.
3. Once clean, follow steps 5 and 6 from the handwashing method (drying and protection).

By using these methods, I’ve kept my Lin’s Triple White Ultraboost 4.0 looking nearly brand new. It’s all about consistency and choosing the right method for your shoes. Happy cleaning!