Whether it’s one pair of sneakers or a collection of grails stashed away for some time, many of us have found a way to give our sneakers a new home…
Selling them on Vinted.
With Vinted reporting that their ‘sneakers and trainers’ category stands as one of its most popular amongst its users, the quality and condition of your pre-loved footwear is more important than ever before.
That’s where we chip in.
We’re handing over our expertise to you, delivering 5 top tips for cleaning your sneakers before you sell them on.
Let us be your official guarantee for box-fresh sneakers.
Tip 1: Remove Laces Before Cleaning
Might be an obvious point, but gets missed often. When your pre-loved sneakers have been on the roads, events, in parks, or simply hiding in your wardrobe, over time they’re going to collect dust, dirt, and stains. These dirt and stains can easily collect under your sneakers’ lace chambers over time, causing a buildup of bacteria, and no one wants any surprises on delivery day.
Removing the laces ensures that each sneaker is cleaned thoroughly and no hidden dirt is missed. It’s easy and only takes 2 minutes.
Pro Tip: Pay particular attention to the tongue and eyelets, where dust, sweat residue, and debris can accumulate. For the most thorough clean, remove the insoles where possible and brush away any loose dirt before applying a cleaning solution.
Find out more on how to clean your laces here
Tip 2: Remove Dirt & Stains With Crep Protect Cure Travel Kit
To achieve the most effective clean on your sneakers, we recommend going with our Cure Travel Kit. Each Travel Kit comes with our 100ml cleaning solution, our premium brush (suitable for all materials), and a microfiber cloth to aid cleaning.
How To Use The Crep Protect Cure Kit
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Prep the Solution: Pour warm water into a bowl and apply 3–4 drops of the Cure solution directly to the premium brush. Briefly dip the bristles back into the water to activate the formula.
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Clean the Uppers First: Work the brush onto the sneaker using gentle, circular motions. Apply light-to-medium pressure across the toe box, tongue, heels, and side panels.
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Wipe as You Go: Use the microfiber cloth frequently to lift and wipe away loosened dirt. This prevents the dirt from settling back into the material or smaller crevices. Pro-tip: Use a cotton bud dipped in solution to reach tricky, tight seams.
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Tackle the Soles: For the midsole and rubber outsole, increase to medium-to-high pressure. Because outsole treads trap deep dirt, a cotton bud is highly effective for detailing these grooves.
Expert Advice: Always test your cleaning solution on a small, inconspicuous area before committing to a full clean. Although the Cure Travel Kit is designed for various sneaker materials, different fabrics and finishes require different levels of care. For durable rubber outsoles, firmer brushing can help dislodge trapped dirt. However, avoid excessive pressure on painted midsoles, delicate stitching, or areas showing signs of wear.
Handling Delicate Materials (Suede, Nubuck, & Premium Leather)
When working with porous materials like suede or genuine leather, less water is more. Excess water can warp leather or alter the texture of suede.
If these delicate materials do become oversaturated, do not panic. Allow them to dry naturally overnight (away from direct heat). Once dry, restore their finish:
- For Suede: Use the Crep Protect Suede Reviver or a dry suede brush to gently lift and restore the natural ‘nap’ (fuzzy texture) of the material.
- For Genuine Leather: Apply our specialized leather reviver to nourish, repair, and protect the hide from cracking, leaving your sneakers looking box-fresh.
Pro Tip: Depending on the material, ventilation, and level of moisture, sneakers may require 24–48 hours to dry completely. Avoid radiators, hairdryers, and direct sunlight, as excessive heat can damage adhesives, leather, and delicate finishes.
For genuine leather, a conditioning product can help improve the appearance and suppleness of the material, but it cannot reverse structural damage such as deep cracks or tears.
Tip 3: Invest In Crep Protect Power for Time Efficiency
Got more than one pair? Reduce your cleaning time with our electronic sneaker cleaner. The good thing with Power is that it has a dual-speed motor, so you can decide the speed (turbo /regular) that’ll be best suited to your sneaker care needs. It also has interchangeable brush heads: a soft brush for cleaning uppers and a hard brush that is suited to tackle midsole and outsole areas.
Here’s everything you need to know about Crep Protect Power
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Apply Cure Gel: To start off your cleans, attach your preferred cleaning head (soft or hard) and apply Crep Gel to the brush and dip it into water.
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Power Up: Turn on the power button and choose your speed level by pressing once for turbo speed and twice for regular speed.
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Work Sneakers: Work the electronic brush onto your sneakers, similar to how you would work them when using the Cure Kit, focusing on the upper areas first and taking extra caution with delicate materials and areas. Then add more pressure and power (if needed) to the midsole and outsole until desired results are achieved.
Expert Advice: When cleaning multiple pairs, always start with the gentlest suitable brush head and speed setting. Increase the intensity only when necessary, particularly around durable rubber midsoles and outsoles.
For delicate materials such as suede, nubuck, and premium leather, check material compatibility before using an electronic brush. Aggressive brushing can damage the material's texture or finish.
Power can help make cleaning multiple pairs more efficient, although the time saved will depend on the sneakers' condition and the level of cleaning required.
Tip 4: Disinfect Them Properly
While cleaning your sneakers’ outside can make them look box-fresh, it doesn’t mean they’re clean on the inside. With bacteria accumulating even after one use, it’s important to get to the root cause of any lingering bacteria or smell over time. And here’s how you do it.
While sneaker deodorisers eliminate unwanted smells, it's best to go in with a disinfectant like Dettol first. Their range offers spray or liquid versions. If you’re looking for a quick-drying alternative, use the spray, as this can be applied directly into the sneakers. Give it a few minutes to work, and they’re good to go.
For a more thorough disinfection, the Dettol liquid is a perfect option. Here’s how you use it:
Step 1: Mix a small amount of Dettol liquid with 400ml of water
Step 2: Use a cloth to dip into the solution and start to gently wipe the inside of your sneakers. Focus on the inner collars and work down into the sole area. (It might also be a good idea to remove the insoles and replace them too.)
Discover our insole range here
Step 3: Once the inside of your sneakers is fully cleaned, allow your sneakers to dry in a well-ventilated area, away from heated sources. If you have a drying rack, it could be best to hang your sneakers upside down so they dry quicker and more evenly throughout.
Now that your sneakers are disinfected, you can go in with Crep Protect Deo to give the sneakers a scent booster while eliminating any additional unwanted odors.
Important Sneaker Care Advice: Before applying any disinfectant, always check that the specific product is suitable for footwear interiors and the materials being treated. Not all disinfectant sprays or liquids are suitable for fabrics, leather, or sneaker linings.
Follow the manufacturer's recommended dilution ratio, application method, and contact time, and always test on a discreet area first. The dilution ratio and application time can vary between formulations.
Remember, cleaning, disinfecting, and deodorizing are three different processes. Cleaning removes dirt and residue, an appropriately labelled disinfectant reduces specified microorganisms when used as directed, and a deodoriser helps tackle unwanted smells.
Pro Tip: If your sneakers have removable insoles, inspect them for excessive wear or lingering odors. Replacing heavily worn insoles can be a useful finishing touch before resale, provided the replacements fit correctly and are clearly disclosed in your listing.
Tip 5: Apply Crep Protect Spray for Extra Protection
Your sneakers are cleaned, refreshed, and almost ready for their next owner. But before you package them up, there's one final step worth considering: protecting them.
After all, you've put in the work to restore your sneakers to their former glory, so why let that hard work go to waste?
That's where Crep Protect Spray comes in.
Our hydrophobic sneaker protector creates an invisible protective barrier that helps repel water and prevent stains from settling into your sneakers. Suitable for materials including leather, suede, nubuck, and canvas, it's the perfect finishing touch before your sneakers find their new home.
How To Apply Crep Protect Spray
1. Ensure Sneakers Are Completely Dry: Before applying the Spray, make sure your sneakers are clean and completely dry. Any remaining moisture could affect the protective barrier.
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Shake & Spray: In a well-ventilated area, shake the can and spray evenly from approximately 20cm away, ensuring the sneaker's surface is covered.
2. Allow To Dry: Leave your sneakers to dry naturally for 15 minutes before applying a second coat for maximum protection.
3. Ready For Resale: Once fully dry, your sneakers are ready to photograph, package, and send off to their next owner.
With protection lasting up to four weeks, it's one final touch that helps keep your pre-loved sneakers looking their best.
Pro Tip: Always take your resale photographs after cleaning and drying your sneakers. Use natural lighting and capture every angle, including any remaining signs of wear. Transparency builds buyer confidence and helps avoid unwanted surprises when your sneakers arrive.
How To Get Your Sneakers Ready For Resale
Now that your sneakers are looking their best, it's time to get them ready for their next owner.
Before listing your sneakers on Vinted, make sure you've checked every detail, from the condition of the uppers to the wear on the outsoles.
Remember, a thorough clean can improve the appearance of your sneakers, but it won't necessarily remove permanent creases, yellowing, heel drag, or deep scuffs.
When photographing your sneakers, capture any remaining signs of wear and include an accurate description of their condition. The more transparent your listing, the easier it is for potential buyers to know exactly what they're purchasing.
And when it's time to send them off? Package your sneakers securely, ensuring they're completely dry and protected from damage during transit.
After all, first impressions matter, even when your sneakers are getting a second chance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I Clean My Sneakers Before Selling Them on Vinted?
Absolutely. Cleaning your sneakers before resale helps improve their overall presentation and allows potential buyers to assess their condition more accurately. While a clean pair doesn't guarantee a higher selling price, it can make your listing more appealing.
How Do I Remove Stains From Sneakers Before Reselling?
The best cleaning method depends on the material. For general sneaker cleaning, the Crep Protect Cure Travel Kit can help remove dirt and stains from compatible materials. Always test the cleaning solution on a discreet area first and use a gentler technique on delicate materials such as suede and nubuck.
Can I Sell Worn Sneakers on Vinted?
Yes, provided your sneakers comply with Vinted's current catalogue rules. Make sure you accurately describe their condition, photograph any visible damage, and clearly disclose signs of wear.
How Do I Get Rid of Bad Smells in Second-Hand Sneakers?
Start by removing loose dirt and cleaning suitable interior surfaces. Allow your sneakers to dry thoroughly before applying Crep Protect Deo to help tackle lingering odours. For additional hygiene, use only a disinfectant specifically approved for the relevant footwear materials.
Does Cleaning Sneakers Increase Their Resale Value?
Cleaning can improve the appearance and presentation of your sneakers, which may make them more attractive to potential buyers. However, resale value also depends on factors such as the sneaker's rarity, demand, authenticity, and overall condition.
Give Your Sneakers a Second Chance
Whether you're clearing out your collection, making room for your next grail, or simply giving a forgotten pair a new home, a little sneaker care can go a long way.
From tackling stubborn stains to refreshing those well-worn interiors, taking the time to prepare your sneakers for resale helps ensure they're looking their best when they reach their next owner.
And with Crep Protect in your corner, you've got the tools and expertise to make every clean count.
Clean them. List them. Let the next sneakerhead love them.
Make sure you keep it locked in with the latest from Crep Daily
All-in-one sneaker care: 100ml natural solution, premium brush, cloth, and case Cure cleaning solution with brush and cloth for effective stain and grime removal Includes convenient carry case for easy storage and portability
Liquid-Repellent Laces: Maximum protection, 10 washes. Stay Fresh: Guard against dirt and liquids Style Variety: Match your sneaker style 120 cms in length
Effortlessly repels liquids and stains. The shoe protective spray forms an invisible, hydrophobic layer for up to 4 weeks of durable protection. Quick-drying and breathable, the essential waterproofing technology for your sneakers. Protects Leather, Nubuck, Suede & Canvas.
