How To Clean Reebok Classics

Are your Reebok Classic looking worse for wear? Like most white shoes they can get pretty filthy over time. Grab an old toothbrush and a few household cleaning products – it is time to make them look fresh again!

How To Clean Reebok Classics?

Originally released in the 1980’s, the Reebok Classic is a lifestyle brand pulling heavy inspiration from tennis culture. Typically seen in all white, these shoes have a sport-retro feel to them with minimalist undertones. But like any white shoes – how can you keep them clean?

How Do You Clean Reebok Classics At Home?

  • Whenever you clean Reebok Classics, use a toothbrush or small brush to gently clean the exterior. This will produce a better result than harsh chemicals that can damage your shoes.
  • Reebok Classics are made of leather materials so when you clean them make sure to test the cleaning products on the different materials to ensure they do not damage the exterior of the shoe.
  • You should have a routine set in place to deep clean your Reebok Classics frequently. Without a system in place, your Reebok Classics can become extremely dirty.

The following steps will aid you in the deep cleaning process of your Reebok Classics and restore them to pristine condition. This process will also give your Reebok’s a longer life. Once your Reebok Classics are cleaned, follow the steps below to protect them over time.

What You Need:

Steps to Cleaning Dirty Reebok Classics at Home

  1. First, take your shoes outside and gently knock them together to remove any loose dirt.
  2. Remove the laces and pull the tongue forward to prepare them for a deep cleaning.
  3. Pour a small amount of water onto your shoes and using that old toothbrush, agitate the dirt starting from the leather portion down to the sole of the shoe.
  4. Next, put a cup of water into your plastic tub along with a few drops of dawn dish soap, and mix them together. Using the toothbrush, cover the shoes in the soapy water liquid. Proceed to scrub the shoes in small circular motions, removing as much dirt and debris as possible.
  5. Working from top to bottom, clean your Reebok Classics thoroughly to ensure you are cleaning the entire shoe. 
  6. Rinse the brush often for best results. 
  7. Once all the dirt has been agitated with the toothbrush, use a damp microfiber towel to wipe away excess dirt and soap.
  8. Once all the dirt is removed, dry the shoes with a towel and leave them out to dry. Avoid direct sunlight as that can cause yellow spots to appear on the leather.
how to clean reebok classics
All you need are some home cleaning supplies and a old toothbrush.

How to Clean Reebok Classics Laces

Restoring Reebok Classic laces to their original glory is a very simple process.

Here’s what you’ll need:

  1. Cleaning Reebok Classics laces is simple. Fill up a plastic tub with warm water and add a few drops of Dawn dish soap. Place the laces in the mixture and let them soak for 15 minutes.
  2. After the laces have soaked, run the laces through your fingers to eliminate as much dirt as possible.
  3. Rinse them in clean water, and if clean, leave them to dry overnight.
  4. For VERY STAINED LACES, fill up a plastic tub with 10 cups of water. Add one cup of Out White Bright, place the dirty laces in the mixture and let them soak for 5 hours
    1. Once they have soaked, rinse with clean water and your laces will be brand new again.

How to Clean Yellow Reeboks Classics Soles

Maybe your Reebok Classics are clean, but the soles have turned yellow. This is actually oxidation, which is a reaction that occurs between the rubber and oxygen in the air. Thankfully, there are a few steps you can take. Checkout our in-depth guide here on how to clean yellow soles.

how to clean reebok classics soles
An clean sole completely changes the look of your shoe.

How to Clean & Prevent Yellow Stains On Reebok Classics 

If you are looking for one of the most effective ways to clean yellow soles or stains on Reebok Classics, this method is one of the best we’ve found.

What You Will Need:

Older shoes will require this more than newer shoes, but it’s never too early to start. The more often you do it, the less chance oxidation will have to build up.

  1. In a small container, mix equal parts of baking soda and white vinegar until a watery paste is formed.
  2. Using a toothbrush, work the paste into the sole of the shoe (or other impacted areas) in small circular motions.
  3. After the entire shoe is covered in paste, allow it to sit for 10 minutes for the de-oxidation to occur.
  4. Wipe the shoe clean with a damp microfiber cloth.

How To Deodorize Reebok Classics

If we are being honest, sometimes our shoes start to stink! Here’s how to deodorize your Reebok Classics.

Option #1: Place a dryer sheet in each shoe, and let it sit for 24 hours. These dryer sheets will absorb any liquid that may be in the shoe, and help mask the overall odor. For the best result, do this multiple times within a few day period to eliminate as much stench as possible.

Option #2: Mix ¼ cup of baking powder, ¼ cup of baking powder, and ½ cup of cornstarch. Once the mixture is created, pour it into two cotton socks and place them in the shoes overnight. This will greatly improve the smell of your Reebok Classics.

How to Clean Black Reebok Classics

Black Reebok Classics can be cleaned in the same way as the white models. To see these steps in detail, follow the same guide above for removing oxidation as well as how to do a deep cleaning at home.

How to Keep Your Reebok Classics Clean

The last thing you want to do after cleaning your Reebok Classics at home is to do it again soon after.

Whether you’re rocking Reebok Classics or any other sneaker you care about, you should always use a spray sneaker protectant. 

These sprays create a barrier that is difficult for stains to penetrate which keeps your shoes looking fresh.

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