A good grip is important to perform well in basketball. It will be a disaster if you do not have a better grip and slip by any chance. You may miss scoring which will lead your team to lose.
But your shoes start losing grip with time. Dirt and dust start growing which makes the shoes lose their grip. Cleaning the shoes is the only way to bring the grip back and enjoy the full support from the shoes.
Do you know how to clean basketball shoes for better grip?
If not, you may need to seek help from a cobbler. It is time and money-consuming. Make sure you know the right process.
The proper way: How to clean basketball shoes for better grip
Cleaning the shoes yourself is not rocket science. But you should know the right way. Otherwise, it may damage your shoes and reduce the lifespan of your shoes. Here is the right process for you.
Remove The Dirt First
After a daylong practice or game, your shoes will be full of sweat or perspiration. The wet shoes provide an unhygienic and less gripping experience. Wait for a few hours to let the shoes dry. You can also put the shoes under a fan or under direct sunlight.
Putting it under direct sunlight will help to dry and remove any germs growing on the shoes. You know, sunlight heat kills the germs. However, it may discolor the shoes. You can simply use a piece of clothes above the shoes to prevent direct sunlight yet drying your shoes. After drying up, simply wipe out the dry dirt from the shoes with a piece of clothes.
You can also take your old toothbrush or a soft brush to clean them. Make sure the brush is not too hard that can damage the shoes’ fabrics. You will find stains on the outward side of your shoes as well. Use the brush to clean them.
Use a dampened cloth to clean the dry mud. If you often wear your basketball shoes when going outdoors, you will find some small stones as well. Remove them in this step too.
Prepare The Cleaning Solution
You need to prepare the cleaning solution in the second step. Make sure you know what type of solution you are going to use. For a general synthetic mesh, using soap or detergent and warm water is fine. But when it comes to pure leather construction, you should consider a special cleaning solution.
Take a bowl of warm water. Add a few tablespoons of laundry detergent to it. Then mix it properly. Or you can put a few drops of cleaning solution as per the requirements. Do not use any harsh chemicals. It will damage the mesh fabric.
Remove Lace And Insoles
You cannot clean the shoes properly with the lace and insoles inside. Lace will prevent you from accessing inside. Also, the lace will not be cleaned properly when it is installed in the shoes. The same goes for the insoles. So, remove both the lace and insole. Clean them separately with cleaner or warm water if necessary.
Wash Your Shoes With a Cloth
Some people apply the cleaning solution directly to the shoes. It is not the right practice. Some people even rinse the shoes into the cleaning solution bowl. It is a wrong practice as well. You need to take a piece of cloth and rinse the cloth in the solution.
Now use the cloth to wash the shoes. Start from the dirtiest side and slowly spread it throughout the shoes. Some people swipe the cloth throughout the shoes at once. It can spread the dirt throughout the shoes, especially in the cleaned area.
Rinse Off Excessive Soapy Water or Cleaner
After washing, you will find some excessive soapy water or cleaner around the shoes. This soapy residue will create an odd-looking spot in your shoes. At the same time, it may cause some odors in the shoes. Simply rinse off the excess soapy water or cleaner properly.
Dry Your Shoes
You are now done with the cleaning. It is time to dry your shoes. Simply keep the shoes in your room or under the fan. It will help you dry the shoes naturally. Some people use a dryer to dry the shoes quickly. Remember that it will damage the fabric. The same goes for direct sunlight. So dry naturally and start using your shoes with a better grip for the best in-field performance.
How To Keep Your Shoes Free From Dirt?
Prevention is always better than cure. It is your duty to keep the basketball shoes free from dirt as much as possible so they do not lose their grips. Follow the steps below to keep your shoes safe. Yes, we know that it is not possible to keep them away from dirt entirely. But you can reduce it for sure.
Know Where Not To Wear Basketball Shoes
Using the basketball shoes in the wrong places may decrease the grip. Can you use basketball shoes casually? Yes, you can use it for sure. But make sure you do not use it for any rough use. It is cool to wear basketball shoes on any occasion. Also, it is not a good idea to use the shoes for hiking or trekking.
When you do that, the mud or dust may damage the shoes. It will, of course, affect the performance of your shoes. Besides, the impact will be higher in trekking. Moreover, since these are not working shoes, make sure you do not go to work wearing these shoes.
Store The Shoes Properly
Storing is another important factor you need to consider if you want to protect the shoes from dirt. Make sure you keep it in a clean and spacious area. Otherwise, it may grow dirt from the place. Also, it can squeeze the shoes and change the shape of your shoes. So keep it in a good place free from dirt and dust.
Clean Regularly
Finally, make sure you clean the shoes regularly. It is not a good idea to keep the shoes unclean for a long time. Clean daily after coming home from the practice or game.
Conclusion
Knowing how to clean basketball shoes for better grip will help you perform better in the field. Dirty shoes never provide a good grip and you may slip accidentally. If that happens, you may miss the most important chance to score in the game. It does not only lower your performance but also makes your team lose.
So make sure you always clean your shoes to keep them working. Also, it is better to keep your shoes away from the dirt so they never lose their grip due to dirt. Use the right equipment to clean the dirt.
And do not use the shoes in a dirt area. Use the shoes only for game and practice purposes. Remember that a good pair of shoes with a better grip will enhance your performance in the field.
Related Article:
6 Proven Way- How to clean white converse without turning them YELLOW
How to clean white vans shoes with household items
All in one Guide for- How to clean insoles
10 Best Tennis Shoes For Plantar Fasciitis In 2021: Expert Recommended
10 Easy Steps: How to Get Rid of Shoe Odor With Tea Bags
How To Get Gum Off Shoes- 5 Most Effective Ways
Best Running Shoes For Shin Splints In 2021: Exercise Routine
