Dirty trainers? Scuffed sneakers? Have you got some 'white' trainers that are more of a mousy grey these days? We thought you might, so we've put together a guide of how to get your trainers white again, and more importantly- how to keep them that way. We've found that prevention is the best course of action when it comes to these things. 

You'll have your sad-looking trainers looking spick and span in no time with our simple steps.

Okay, so you've accepted you've got a dirty-trainer problem. What can you do about it? 

1. First things first, knock off anything that'll submit to brute force. Sounds harsh but it's gotta be done. Return outdoors to the scene of the crime and bash those shoes together until all the clumps of mud and grass are back where they belong- on the ground. We also recommend apologising to your trainers, it's not their fault they're mucky- it's yours. 
2. After repenting for your footwear-parenting sins, we'd suggest you address the laces. Chances are that if you've got mucky soles and uppers, you've got grey laces. Do you remember how white they were when you first tied them up and walked around with the extra spring in your step of a fresh pair of trainers? Of course you don't- you've battered them since and can't we tell. To take a trip down memory lane, we recommend taking the laces out, and soaking them in a stain remover solution then hanging them out to dry. Once dry, slip 'em back into the eyelets and maybe consider getting them some therapy. They've been through a lot. 
3. Now it's time for the big job- the outside of the trainers. Like shoes, this isn't a one-size-fits-all situation and will require some care and consideration. Something that judging by the state of your trainers, you don't know much about. We've separated the guide into three sections: Leather, Canvas and Suede. 
4. Leather: If you've got some worn-out leather trainers on your hands the key is being gentle. Never use anything harsh like washing detergent on leather as it can be too harsh and make your problem worse. Instead, make a weak, and we mean weak, solution of washing up liquid and gently rub the leather with a cloth to get off any grime.

1. Suede: The number one rule with suede is no water, like- ever. Suede is absorbent so any water applied will actually soak stains in to the trainers, and then you're really stuffed. Instead, grab that dry brush from earlier (comes in handy doesn't it?) to remove surface stains and mud. Once the obvious has been removed, go in with a suede rubber and some rubbing alcohol/suede cleaning solution to get out tougher stains. The motto with suede is gently does it. 
2. Once you've navigated the outer of your trainers, its time to deal with the rubber soles and toecaps. Give 'em a scrub with the good ol' washing up liquid solution, using a cloth for smoother soles and a toothbrush for more textured styles. Just make sure your cleaning utensil doesn't end up back in your bathroom caddy. If stains are particularly stubborn, try a Magic Eraser and carefully scrub the trims and caps to get them shining.

This step sounds like a simple one, but it can be easy to go wrong. Imagine this, you've painstakingly brushed, scrubbed and buffed your trainers back into their former glory. Only to do the worst thing you could do- popping them in the tumble dryer.

1. You should always, always air-dry your trainers. If not, you can risk degrading the material you've just revived, and damage your favourite pair of kicks beyond redemption. If the rubber soles break off in the dryer, it can even become a fire hazard. After pulling your trainers back from the edge, there's no need to risk it all for a quick-drying solution. Pop 'em out to dry properly and they'll thank you. 
2. Open the tongues, and leave the laces over a washing line separately to dry, reuinting them once they're done. 

Pro Tip: Stuff your trainers with newspaper overnight to speed up the drying process, and take it out the next day to allow them to air out and continue drying.

Now that you've got your trainers back to their box-flesh blindingly white appearance, it's time to do what you shoud've done when they actually were box fresh. Prevent any new stains. The best way to keep your white trainers clean is to not let them get dirty in the first place. So, don't be a dafty and follow these tips and tricks to perfect your defence against whatever life has to throw at your newly gleaming kicks.

1. Tip number one is to cover any pre-exisiting scuffs with trainer whitening products to stop them from worsening. As you can't clean scuffs, your best course of action is concealment, which will also provide an extra layer to stop them progressing further.  

1. Speaking of weather, the best way to prevent the affects of rain and mud on your trainers is to check the weather before wearing your most precious pairs. We all know how unpredictable the British weather can be, so before you step out in suede, double-check that the clouds aren't holding a nasty surprise for you later. 
2. Another pro-tip is to invest in a shoe-rack to avoid your trainers getting scuffed and damaged on home soil. Keep them laid out sepearetly and stored properly to avoid unnecessary damage, and as an extra perk, you'll be able to see them better for easier-styling decision making. It's a win-win.