Worried About Smelly Vessi Shoes? Can They Handle the Washing Machine? Here is how to clean Vessi shoes the right way!
7 Ways to Preserve the Beauty of Your Vessi Shoes
Are your beloved Vessi shoes in need of some TLC after countless adventures? You’re not alone.
The frustration of discovering a fresh stain or that grimy layer of dirt on your favorite tennis shoes can be all too real. And because they’re made with a unique knit material, they can be tricky to clean.
We understand the agony of those who’ve asked themselves, “How do I clean Vessi shoes?” Your quest for the ultimate solution is over.
In this article, we will share a comprehensive guide on how to clean Vessi shoes and maintain them for a long time.
Why You Should Clean Your Vessi Shoes Regularly
Regular cleaning helps maintain the appearance of your shoes and preserves their functionality. Over time, dirt, grime, and other substances can accumulate on the surface of your Vessi shoes.
This buildup can clog the pores of the waterproof membrane, hindering its breathability. Regularly cleaning your shoes can prevent this buildup and ensure that your Vessi shoes continue performing at their best. Additionally, proper cleaning can help extend the lifespan of your Vessi shoes.
How to Tell If Your Vessi Shoes Need Cleaning
Some signs can indicate that your Vessi shoes need cleaning. These include:
- Visible stains or dirt spots on the upper
- Discoloration or fading of the material
- Odor or unpleasant smell from the inside
- Reduced water repellency or breathability
If you notice any of these signs, it is time to give your Vessi shoes a good wash.
7 Steps of Cleaning Vessi Shoes
Before diving in, let’s first find the required materials and supplies.
1. Supplies You’ll Need
You will need some basic supplies before you start cleaning your Vessi shoes. These include:
- A dry scrub brush or an old toothbrush
- A mild detergent or soap
- A bucket or a large bowl of warm water
- A soft cloth or a sponge
- A towel
- A shoe tree or some paper towels (optional)
2. Pre-Cleaning Steps
The first step is to prepare your Vessi shoes for cleaning. You should do this by:
- Removing the laces from your shoes. You can either hand wash them or put them in a mesh bag and wash them in the washing machine.
- Remove the insoles from your shoes. You can spot-treat or wash them separately in warm water and mild detergent.
- Brush loose dirt or dust from your shoes with a dry scrub or old toothbrush.
3. Spot Treat
The next step is to spot and treat any stains or marks on your Vessi shoes. You should do this by:
- Make a cleaning solution of warm water and mild detergent or soap. You can also use a stain remover that is suitable for the material of your shoes.
- Dipping a soft cloth or a sponge in the cleaning solution and gently rubbing it on the stained areas. Do not soak your shoes in the solution or use too much pressure.
- Rinse the cloth or sponge in clean water and wipe any excess soap or detergent from your shoes.
- Repeat the process until the stains are gone or reduced.
4. Clean Outsoles, Insoles, And Midsoles
The next step is to clean the outsoles, insoles, and midsoles of your Vessi shoes. You should do this by:
- Use the same cleaning solution as before and a scrub brush or an old toothbrush to scrub the outsoles of your shoes. Pay attention to the grooves and crevices where dirt can accumulate.
- Rinsing the outsoles with clean water and wiping them dry with a towel.
- Use a soft cloth or a sponge dipped in the cleaning solution to wipe the insoles and midsoles of your shoes. Do not soak them in the solution or wring them out.
- Rinsing the insoles and midsoles with clean water and wiping them dry with a towel.
5. Clean The Uppers
The final step is to clean the uppers of your Vessi shoes. The method you use will depend on the material of your shoes. Here are some guidelines for different types of Vessi shoes:
Knit
Knit Vessi shoes are made from a synthetic material that is waterproof and breathable. To clean them, you should:
- Use a soft cloth or a sponge dipped in the cleaning solution to gently wipe the uppers of your shoes. Do not soak them in the solution or scrub them too hard.
- Rinse the uppers with clean water and wipe them dry with a towel.
Leather
Leather Vessi shoes are made from genuine leather that is treated to be waterproof and durable. To clean them, you should:
- Use a leather cleaner suitable for waterproof leather and follow the instructions on the label. Do not use regular soap or detergent, which can damage the leather.
- Use a soft cloth or a sponge to apply the leather cleaner to the uppers of your shoes. Do not soak them in the cleaner or rub them too hard.
- Wipe off any excess cleaner with a clean cloth or sponge.
- Use a leather conditioner suitable for waterproof leather and follow the instructions on the label. This will help restore the moisture and shine of your leather shoes.
Suede
Suede Vessi shoes are made from genuine suede that is treated to be waterproof and stain-resistant. To clean them, you should:
- Use a suede brush or an old toothbrush to gently brush off any dirt or dust from your suede shoes. Do not use water or liquid, as they can damage the suede.
- Use a suede or rubber eraser to rub off any stains or marks from your suede shoes. Do not use too much pressure as you can damage the nap of the suede.
- Use a suede protector spray suitable for waterproof suede and follow the instructions on the label. This will help repel water and dirt from your suede shoes.
How to Clean White Vessi Shoes?
If you have stained white shoes, whether Vessis or even an Air Max 270, you can try to remove them using the spot treat method above. However, some stains may be more stubborn and require more attention. In that case, you can try using some natural remedies that are safe for white Vessi shoes, such as:
- Baking soda: Mix some baking soda with water to form a paste and apply it to the stained areas of your white Vessi shoes. Let it sit for 15 minutes, then scrub it off with a soft cloth or sponge. Rinse with clean water and wipe dry with a towel.
- Lemon juice: Squeeze some lemon juice on the stained areas of your white Vessi shoes and let it sit for 10 minutes. Then rinse with clean water and wipe dry with a towel.
- Hydrogen peroxide: Dip a cotton ball in some hydrogen peroxide and dab it on the stained areas of your white Vessi shoes. Let it sit for 5 minutes, then rinse with clean water and wipe dry with a towel.
6. Rinse And Repeat
After cleaning your Vessi shoes, rinse them with clean water and wipe them dry with a towel. You should also check for any remaining stains or marks that need more attention. If so, you can repeat the cleaning process until satisfied with the results.
7. Air Dry
Whether it’s your Vessi or running Brook shoes, it’s essential to air dry them completely before wearing them again. You should do this by:
- Place your shoes in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight or heat sources. Do not use a hair dryer or a heater, as they can damage the material or shape of your shoes.
- Insert a shoe tree or paper towels inside your shoes to help them retain shape and absorb moisture. Do not use newspaper; it can leave ink stains on your shoes.
- Replacing the paper towels every few hours until your shoes are dry.
- Re-lacing your shoes and inserting the insoles back into your shoes.
Are Vessi Shoes 100% Waterproof?
Vessi claims that their shoes are 100% waterproof, which means they can keep your feet dry even if you submerge them in water. However, this claim is based on laboratory tests that simulate normal wear and tear conditions. In reality, there may be some factors that can affect the waterproofness of your Vessi shoes, such as:
- The age and condition of your Vessi shoes: Over time, your Vessi shoes may wear out or get damaged due to frequent use or exposure to harsh environments. This can reduce their waterproofness and make them more prone to leaks.
- The fit and size of your Vessi shoes: If your Vessi shoes are too tight or loose, they may not seal properly around your feet and allow some water to enter the inside of the shoes.
- The type and amount of water: If you expose your Vessi shoes to high-pressure water jets, saltwater, chemicals, or other substances that can damage their material or functionality, they may lose their waterproofness and become wet.
Therefore, while Vessi shoes are very waterproof, they are not invincible. You should still take good care of them and follow the cleaning and maintenance tips above to ensure their longevity and performance.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Cleaning Vessi Shoes
While cleaning your Vessi shoes is not difficult, there are some mistakes you should avoid to prevent damaging them. Here are some of them:
- Not reading the care instructions: Before cleaning your Vessi shoes, you should always read the care instructions that come with them. They will tell you what material your shoes are made of and recommend cleaning methods.
- Washing in hot water: You should never wash your Vessi shoes in hot water, as this can cause them to shrink or deform. You should always use warm or cold water for cleaning your shoes.
- Putting them in the dryer: You should never put your shoes, whether a Vessi or even Nike blazers, in the dryer, as this can cause them to melt, crack, or lose shape. You should always air dry your shoes at room temperature and away from heat sources.
How to Wash Vessi Shoes in Washing Machine
While handwashing is always an option, Vessi endorses washing their shoes in the washing machine. Here’s a breakdown of the process:
Preparation is Key:
- Remove the Laces and Insoles: Take out both the laces and insoles. Washing them separately ensures a more thorough clean and prevents them from getting tangled inside the machine.
- Pre-treat Stains: For any stubborn dirt or stains, use a gentle cleaning solution (dish soap or laundry detergent diluted with water) to pre-treat the affected areas before tossing them in the washer.
Washing Time:
- Mesh Laundry Bag: Place your Vessi shoes in a mesh laundry bag. This protects them from getting banged around in the machine and minimizes the risk of damage.
- Gentle Cycle & Cool Water: Opt for a gentle cycle with cold water. Hot water can damage the shoes’ material.
- Mild Detergent: Use a mild liquid detergent or wool wash. Avoid harsh chemicals or bleach, which can affect the shoe’s color and waterproofing.
- Extra Padding (Optional): If you’re concerned about noise or extra movement, consider adding a few towels to the wash for some padding. Just make sure the towels are color-safe to avoid any dye transfer.
Drying It Out:
- Air Drying is Best: Once the washing cycle is complete, remove the shoes from the laundry bag and let them air dry thoroughly at room temperature. Avoid direct sunlight or heat sources like radiators, which can warp the shoes.
- Speed-Up Drying (Optional): Stuff the shoes with crumpled newspaper to absorb moisture and expedite drying. Just be sure to remove the newspaper entirely once they’re dry.
FAQs: How to Clean Your Vessi Shoes
Can I Wash My Vessi Shoes in The Washing Machine?
Vessi does not recommend washing their shoes in the washing machine, as this can damage their material and functionality. The washing machine can cause the shoes to lose shape, color, or waterproofness. It can also damage the shoes’ stitching, glue, or rubber parts. Therefore, hand-washing your Vessi shoes using the methods described above is better.
Do Vessi Shoes Get Wet?
Vessi shoes are designed to be waterproof, which means they can prevent water from entering the inside of the shoes. However, this does not mean they are completely immune to getting wet. If you expose them to heavy rain, snow, or puddles for a long time, some water may seep through the seams or zippers of the shoes.
Takeaway
Cleaning your Vessi shoes is not complicated but requires some care and attention. You can keep your Vessi shoes looking good and functioning by following the steps and tips above.
You can also avoid common mistakes that damage your shoes or reduce their performance. Always read the care instructions with your shoes and use the appropriate cleaning methods for different materials. You can enjoy wearing your Vessi shoes for a long time with proper cleaning and care.
Check out our other helpful guides to learn more about shoe and accessory cleaning.
