Chris Rawls, a footwear enthusiast with a popular channel on YouTube, offers viewers a detailed tutorial on how to properly clean their Nike Blazer Mid '77 sneakers. In his latest video, Rawls shares that before diving into the cleaning process, one must gather the essential supplies: a shoe cleaner or dish soap, two bowls (one with a cleaning solution and warm water, the other with pure water), a towel to protect the cleaning surface, and a brush with soft bristles for gentle scrubbing. He also suggests using a shoe tree or socks stuffed inside the shoe to help maintain its shape during the cleaning.
Rawls emphasizes starting the process by dry brushing the shoes to remove loose dirt and debris. Crucially, he advises caution when handling the suede sections, as excessive pressure could damage the material's fibers. As he moves forward with the tutorial, Rawls demonstrates the importance of removing the laces, recommending that they be soaked in the cleaning solution. This initial phase of treatment ensures most surface level dirt is tackled even before the sneakers come into contact with water, preparing them for the more intense cleaning ahead.
In the final part of the process, viewers learn about the importance of cleaning each panel systematically, from top to bottom, to prevent the suede from getting wet. Rawls explains that water can cause the suede to mat, necessitating additional steps afterward to restore the material's texture. By selectively wetting the shoe and focusing on particularly stubborn stains, he guides viewers through a careful yet thorough cleaning routine. The aim, Rawls notes, is to rehabilitate the sneakers without letting them reach such a deteriorated state to begin with, emphasizing regular upkeep as the key to longevity.
For more detailed instructions and tips, viewers are encouraged to watch the full guide on Chris Rawls's channel at https://www.youtube.com/@ChrisRawls.
YouTube channel - Chris Rawls: https://www.youtube.com/@ChrisRawls