Tips for Cleaning the Plastic on Your Air Jordan Sneakers

Jordans, manufactured by Nike, are among the most popular basketball shoes in the world. However, popularity is not the only thing that is a well-known aspect of this product; price is a huge consideration as well, with some styles costing over $100 as of March 2010. For this reason, maintenance is a key component to getting the most bang for your buck. Proper care for the product results in preservation of the shoe, as well as less discoloration or cracking of the leather/plastic.

Apply a protective product to the shoe before exposing it to the elements. Protective products can be purchased in the form of an oil, wax, and silicone spray, all of which is available at most shoe stores. Application of a protective agent provides a barrier that prevents water, dirt, and stain damages longer than it would without treatment. The plastic on shoes has a protector solution designed specifically to its material and is labeled as such. There are several types from which to choose, including Foot Locker Sneaker Protector, so individualize the choice that best suits your needs.

Apply a sneaker cleanser to the plastic portion of the shoe. A spray can is best because it offers the most even application. Foot Locker, and other shoe retailers, sell special cleanser geared solely towards sneakers. Hold the can approximately 2 inches away from the applicable surface and spray the solution onto plastic areas. Gently massage the solution with either a toothbrush or a soft cloth. A container of warm, lukewarm or cold water as well as an additional wetting cloth is necessary for the rinsing cycle. Submerge the wetting cloth into the water, ring dry and wipe away the solution from the shoe. Repeat this process until a satisfactory level of the cleaning process has been obtained. It is not recommended to wash shoes of any kind in the washing machine, as doing so results in detachment of seams and /or glued areas.

Air-dry your Jordans. Never place shoes in the dryer for reasons similar to the washing machine results -- doing so may damage the shoes. Air drying produces the best results as well as allowing all applied agents to run its course. Exposure to less wear and tear occurs during this process due the time that it takes for the shoes to dry thoroughly. Once the Jordans have dried, it is recommended to reapply the protective solution before wearing.