If your sneakers need some serious TLC, you’ll first need to remove any caked-on dirt or mud. Do this by knocking the soles together and using a microfibre cloth or brush to remove any excess debris. Once that’s done, you can get started on the spot clean. For leather or mesh pairs, a few buffs with a magic eraser gets the job done. Tackling suede is a little trickier. Avoid using water or wipes and instead try dabbing white vinegar on any noticeable stains or scuffs.

If the spot clean didn’t render your sneakers sparkling, you’ll need to proceed to the deep clean stage. First, remove the laces (and the insoles if possible). If you’re dealing with a leather, canvas or mesh pair, fill a bowl with warm water and add a mild cleaning detergent. You can find specialist solutions, but in a pinch, a few drops of dish soap or shampoo will do. Take a brush and gently scrub the surface until a lather forms. Mop up excess water using a towel and repeat the process if need be.

Once you’ve removed the laces, you can throw them in with your usual washing in the machine (pro tip: place them in a separate bag to prevent them from getting lost or tangled in the spin cycle). If they’re especially soiled, it’d be wise to pre-soak laces in detergent or bleach (white pairs only) to banish tougher stains. When they’re frayed, too far gone or the cleaning solution doesn’t bring them back to life, consider replacing them with a completely fresh pair.

Once you’ve dried your sneakers (please, whatever you do, don’t attempt to speed up the process using the tumble drier or a radiator – allow them to dry naturally overnight), it’s time to protect them from the elements and further scuffing. There are multiple options you can use here: good old-fashioned Scotchgard will do nicely for canvas pairs, but invest in a specialist spray when your sneakers are leather or suede. If you’re worried about the treatment leaving marks, do a patch test in a discreet area first – and remember to lay a towel down before you get to work to ensure you don’t damage the furniture.

Proper sneaker storage is a topic that divides collectors – and there are a few options available to you. You could stack them in transparent boxes, so you can easily see the contents. Aesthetics aside, the downside to this organisational approach is that direct sunlight can cause colour fading. If your closet is in a particularly sunny spot, invest in opaque, acid-free boxes and snap a picture of each pair to affix to the front. To keep your sneakers smelling fresh and to help absorb any moisture, try lining them with drier sheets or deodorising charcoal pouches.