How To Clean Jordan 4? A Complete Guide to Cleaning Jordan 4 Suede at Home

I. Introduction

Welcome to our comprehensive guide on how to clean your beloved Jordan 4 suede sneakers right at home! The Air Jordan 4s are iconic and highly sought after, known for their stylish design and comfortable fit. However, taking care of the unique suede material requires special attention and proper cleaning techniques.

II. What is Jordan Suede Material

Suede is a type of leather that has been treated with sanding or brushing on its inner side, creating a soft napped finish. This gives it a luxurious look and feel but also makes it more delicate compared to other materials used in footwear.

Key Points

• Suede has a velvety texture due to the raised fibers.
• It is more porous than smooth leather, making it prone to staining from liquids or dirt absorption.
• Due to its delicate nature, traditional cleaning methods may damage the nap texture if not done properly.

To ensure you maintain the quality appearance of your Jordans while keeping them clean, let’s dive into step-by-step instructions for effective home cleaning techniques specifically designed for suede sneakers.

III. Preparing for Cleaning

Before you begin the cleaning process, it’s important to gather all the necessary supplies and prepare your sneakers properly.

A) Gather Supplies:

To clean your Jordan 4 suede sneakers effectively, here are the items you’ll need:

1. Soft-bristle brush or toothbrush: Look for a brush specifically designed for use on suede material. The soft bristles will help remove dirt without damaging the delicate fibers.
2. Mild detergent or specialized sneaker cleaner: Choose a mild detergent that is suitable for delicate fabrics or opt for a specialized sneaker cleaner formulated specifically for suede.
3. Clean cloth made from non-abrasive material like microfiber: This will be used during spot-cleaning to gently wipe away stains without causing any damage.
4. Sponge (optional): In case there are stubborn stains that require more thorough cleaning, having a sponge can come in handy.
5. Water spray bottle (optional): You may also want to have water available in a spray bottle if needed during spot-cleaning.

B) Prepare Your Sneakers:

Proper preparation ensures effective and safe cleaning of your cherished Jordans.

Follow these steps before starting the actual cleaning process:

1. Remove laces and inserts: Take out both shoelaces as well as any removable inserts inside your shoes before proceeding with cleaning so every part gets proper attention.
2. Stuff with paper towels/newspaper balls: To maintain their shape while absorbing excess moisture, stuff each shoe lightly using crumpled paper towels/newspaper balls.

By preparing adequately beforehand, you set yourself up for success when it comes time to clean those stylish Jordan 4 suede kicks!

IV. Dry Cleaning Method: Removal of Surface Dirt & Stains

The dry cleaning method is an effective way to remove surface dirt and stains from your Jordan 4 suede sneakers without using any liquid solutions.

A) Brushing Technique:

Using a soft-bristle brush or toothbrush specifically designed for use on suede material, follow these steps:

1. Brush in one direction: Gently brush the entire surface of each shoe in one consistent direction. This helps lift off loose dirt particles that may have accumulated.
2. Focus on problem areas: Pay extra attention to areas with more visible dirt or stains, such as the toe box, heel counter, or sides of the shoes.
3. Use light strokes: Apply gentle pressure while brushing to avoid damaging the delicate fibers of the suede material.

Remember:

• Always brush in one direction rather than back and forth to maintain consistency and preserve the nap texture.

B) Spot-Cleaning Technique:

For targeted stain removal using only minimal moisture, you can utilize this spot-cleaning technique:

1. Take a clean cloth made from non-abrasive material like microfiber.
2. Dampen it slightly under cold/warm running water (avoid excessive wetness).
3. If needed, apply small amounts of mild detergent formulated for delicates/sneaker cleaner onto the stained area.
4. Rub gently: Using a dampened cloth, concentrate your effort on removing the specific stain; be careful not to saturate the surrounding area too much.

Note:

• Test any cleaning solution/soap/detergent first on an inconspicuous part of the sneaker to ensure it doesn’t cause discoloration or damage.
• Avoid scrubbing vigorously, which could result in altering the color/pile structure of the suede uppers.

By following these simple yet effective dry cleaning techniques, you’ll be able to keep your Jordans looking their best by regularly getting rid of dust, dirt, and unsightly spots!

V. Deep Cleaning Method: Overall Refreshment of the Suede Uppers

When your Jordan 4 suede sneakers require a more thorough cleaning to refresh their overall appearance, you can follow these steps for deep cleaning.

A) Soap-Free Solution Preparation:

Before applying any solutions or detergents directly onto your shoes, it’s important to prepare a soap-free solution that will effectively clean the suede without causing damage.

1. Mix warm water with mild dish soap/sneaker cleanser: In a small container or bowl, combine warm water with either mild dish soap (free from bleach and harsh chemicals) or specialized sneaker cleaner designed specifically for suedes.
2. Create suds: Stir gently until suds form in the mixture.

B) Application Process:

To deep clean the entire upper portion of your Jordans while preserving their quality and texture, follow these instructions:

1. Dip a soft bristle brush/toothbrush into the soapy mixture: Submerge only the bristles into the prepared soap-free solution.
2. Gently scrub using circular motions: Starting at one section of each shoe, use gentle circular motions to scrub all areas covered by suede material – including the toe box, sides, tongue, and heel counter. Be careful not to overly saturate the area with excessive moisture.
3. Focus on stained areas if necessary: Pay extra attention to stubborn stains; repeat as needed but avoid over-scrubbing, which could potentially damage the fibers of the suede uppers.
4. Wipe away residual soap: After thoroughly brushing both shoes, wet a non-abrasive cloth/sponge slightly under running cold/warm water and wring out excess moisture before proceeding. Use this dampened cloth/sponge to wipe away any remaining soap solution from the surface of each shoe. This step ensures all soap residue is removed and prevents damage to the richness of texture due to excess moisture saturating the fibers.

C) Air-Drying Guidelines:

After the deep cleaning process, it’s important to allow your sneakers to air dry naturally. Follow these guidelines for proper drying:

1. Avoid direct sunlight exposure: Place the cleaned Jordans in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight as excessive heat and UV rays can damage both the suede material and its color.
2. Retain shape while drying: Simultaneously place crumpled paper towels or newspaper balls inside each shoe. This helps maintain their original shape during the drying process.

Remember:

• Never use high heat sources like hairdryers or heaters when trying to speed up the drying process, as its sudden application of heat affects the suede uppers and can cause damage.

By following these steps carefully, you’ll be able to restore the freshness of your Jordan 4 suede sneakers while preserving their quality appearance.

VI. Brushing Technique for Restoring Suede Texture

After your Jordan 4 suede sneakers have dried completely from the cleaning process, you can use a brushing technique to restore their soft and velvety texture.

A) Steps for Restoring Suede Texture:

Follow these simple steps using a soft-bristle brush or toothbrush specifically designed for use on suede material:

1. Brush in one direction: Gently brush the entire surface of each shoe in one consistent direction.
   • Start at either the toe box or heel counter and continue brushing towards the opposite end.
   • Repeat this motion multiple times over all areas covered by suede material.
2. Apply light pressure: Use gentle strokes with minimal pressure while brushing to avoid damaging the delicate fibers of the suede.
3. Restore nap texture: The repetitive brushing action helps lift up any flattened fibers, restoring that plush feel unique to sueded surfaces.

Remember:

• Always maintain consistency by brushing in one direction rather than back-and-forth movements as it preserves uniformity throughout.

By following this straightforward yet effective technique, you’ll be able to revive and enhance the nap texture of your Jordan 4 suede sneakers, giving them that fresh-out-of-the-box appearance!

VII. Additional Tips and Maintenance

To keep your Jordan 4 suede sneakers looking their best and prolong their lifespan, here are some additional tips for maintenance:

Regular Maintenance:

• Brush regularly: Perform light brushing on a regular basis to prevent dirt from accumulating and maintain the overall cleanliness of your shoes.
• Use protective sprays/waterproofers: Apply a waterproofing spray specifically designed for suedes to protect them from water damage, stains, and spills.

Avoid Water Damage:

• Keep away from excessive moisture: Suede is highly sensitive to water. Avoid wearing your suede Jordans in rainy or wet conditions whenever possible.
• Act promptly with liquid spills/stains: If you accidentally spill any liquids on your sneakers, immediately blot the area gently using an absorbent cloth or paper towel before it can penetrate deeper into the material.

Proper Storage:

• Store in a cool, dry place: Choose a well-ventilated storage location that is not exposed to high humidity levels like the bathroom.
• Avoid storing in plastic bags: Use breathable shoe bags made of fabric instead, allowing air circulation around the Jordans to prevent moisture buildup that could lead to mold or mildew growth.

Now armed with these additional tips, you can maintain your Jordan 4 suede kicks and keep them looking fresh for years to come!

VIII. Conclusion

Cleaning Jordan 4 suede sneakers at home doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With the proper techniques and supplies outlined in this guide, it’s easy to restore their appearance while preserving the quality of the suede material. We’ve covered the dry cleaning method for the removal of surface dirt and stains, as well as the deep cleaning technique to refresh the overall look of the suede uppers. Additionally, we touched on the brushing technique for restoring the nap texture and gave you practical maintenance advice to extend the lifespan of your beloved Jordan 4 suede sneakers.

Remember, taking care of your Jordans is essential to keeping them looking their best, so incorporate regular maintenance practices and follow the guidelines for the proper cleaning techniques mentioned here. You’ll enjoy more miles with your sneakers and stay stylish for a long time!

If you have any more questions or need further assistance, I’ll be happy to answer them. Good luck with your cleaning, and keep those Jordan 4 suedes looking fly!