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Make the finish last

Custom sneaker
care guide.

Simple, practical advice for cleaning and protecting painted, glittered, embellished and restored shoes.

The golden rule

Treat custom shoes
like wearable art.

Custom paint, glitter, vinyl, fabric, pearls and crystals need gentler care than factory-finished sneakers. A quick spot clean is safer than a deep soak—and a little restraint can add a lot of life to your pair.

Never machine wash custom sneakers.Heat, water pressure and detergent can damage the finish, adhesives and shoe structure.
Close-up of BlingBoxx custom sneaker crystals, painted details and statement laces
HAND-FINISHED DETAILS NEED A GENTLE TOUCH
01

Spot clean only

Use a soft, slightly damp cloth and work gently around painted, glittered or embellished areas.

02

Keep them dry

Avoid heavy rain, puddles and soaking. Custom sneakers are not waterproof.

03

Skip the washing machine

Never machine wash, tumble dry or completely submerge custom shoes.

04

Avoid harsh products

Do not use bleach, acetone, alcohol wipes or strong household cleaning chemicals.

05

Protect the details

Never scrub, pick or pull at paint, vinyl, lace, pearls, crystals or other embellishments.

06

Air dry naturally

Dry at room temperature, away from heaters, hairdryers and direct sunlight.

Safe at-home cleaning

How to spot clean
custom sneakers.

For everyday marks and surface dust, keep the process simple.

  1. 01
    Remove loose dirt

    Use a dry, soft-bristled brush or clean microfibre cloth. Keep brushing away from crystals, lace and lifted edges.

  2. 02
    Dampen—do not soak

    Lightly dampen a clean cloth with cool water. It should not be dripping wet.

  3. 03
    Test somewhere hidden

    Before cleaning a visible custom area, test the cloth on a small, discreet section.

  4. 04
    Blot and wipe gently

    Use light pressure. Never scrub across paint, glitter, vinyl, fabric or embellishments.

  5. 05
    Air dry in the shade

    Let the shoes dry naturally at room temperature. Avoid heat and direct sun.

Care by finish

Different details.
Different risks.

PAINT + VINYL

No scrubbing or solvents

Avoid alcohol, acetone and abrasive cleaners. Clean beside edges rather than rubbing across them.

GLITTER + FABRIC

Blot—never saturate

Too much moisture can disturb texture, colour and adhesive. Use the smallest amount of water possible.

CRYSTALS + PEARLS

Clean around each detail

Do not pull loose pieces or attempt a quick glue repair. Contact the maker first for the safest fix.

RESTORED LEATHER

Keep products gentle

Use cleaners made for the shoe material and test first. Previously worn leather may respond differently across panels.

Custom shoe care questions

Before you
reach for the brush.

01Can I put custom sneakers in the washing machine?

No. Machine washing, soaking and tumble drying can damage paint, adhesives, fabric, crystals and the structure of the shoe. Spot clean custom sneakers by hand instead.

02Are customised shoes waterproof?

No. Some professional finishes can improve resistance to light splashes, but customised shoes should never be treated as waterproof. Avoid rain, puddles and prolonged moisture.

03How should I clean painted or glitter sneakers?

Use a soft cloth that is only slightly damp. Dab or wipe gently without scrubbing, then let the shoes air dry naturally in the shade.

04How do I clean around rhinestones, pearls or lace?

Clean around embellishments rather than rubbing over them. Do not pull a loose detail. Contact the maker before attempting a repair so the correct adhesive and method can be used.

05What should I do if my custom shoes get wet?

Blot away surface moisture with a clean cloth, loosen the laces and allow the shoes to air dry at room temperature. Do not apply direct heat.

Need help with your pair?

Unsure? Stop before
you scrub.

If your BlingBoxx details loosen or your shoes need more than a gentle spot clean, contact us before attempting a repair.

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