The Ambush x Nike Air Force 1 Low mostly features premium leather uppers (some styles include mesh fabric and metal accessories) and boasts intricate design details typical of collaborative releases (such as the exaggerated Swoosh and heel stabilizer). When cleaning, priority should be given to preserving the material texture and the integrity of accessories, avoiding discoloration, deformation, or damage to parts caused by improper handling. Below is a step-by-step cleaning guide, broken down by "upper material → special accessories → cleaning tools → precautions," to ensure safe and effective cleaning.
I. Preparation Before Cleaning: Identify Materials and Choose the Right Tools
First, check the specific materials of the shoe (leather/mesh/synthetic materials) and avoid using highly corrosive cleaning products. The necessary tools should be mild and non-irritating:
Ambush x Nike Air Force 1 Low, Cleaning supplies: Neutral laundry detergent/specialized shoe cleaner (e.g., Jason Markk, Crep Protect; avoid alkaline products like washing powder or soap, which may harden the leather), soft-bristled brushes (2 types: boar bristle brushes for leather uppers and soft-bristled toothbrushes for cleaning crevices and details), microfiber towels (lint-free to prevent scratching the leather), and cotton swabs (for cleaning gaps in metal accessories).
Auxiliary tools: Shoe trees (to maintain the shoe’s shape after cleaning and prevent upper collapse), and waterproof spray (optional; spray on the leather surface after cleaning to enhance stain resistance).
II. Cleaning by Section: Targeted Operations Based on Material Differences
1. Main Upper (Leather Material, Key Protection Area)
The leather upper is the focus of cleaning. Avoid excessive water exposure and prioritize "local wiping":
Step 1: Pre-cleaning dust removal. Gently wipe the upper with a dry microfiber towel to remove surface dust and hair, preventing dust from scratching the leather during subsequent cleaning.
Step 2: Mild cleaning. Dilute the neutral detergent with warm water at a ratio of 1:10 (or take a small amount of specialized shoe cleaner directly). Dip the soft-bristled brush in the diluted solution and gently scrub the upper in circular motions (use light pressure to avoid pressing and deforming the leather). Focus on cleaning easily soiled areas like the toe cap and shoe sides.
Step 3: Wipe off residues. Wipe the upper along the leather grain with a slightly damp (wring out until no water drips) microfiber towel to remove detergent residues (repeat 2-3 times to ensure no residues remain, as leftover detergent may leave marks after drying).
Note: For stubborn stains on the upper (e.g., oil stains, milk tea stains), first apply 1-2 drops of cleaner to the stained area, let it sit for 30 seconds, then gently scrub with a soft-bristled brush. Do not pick at the stain with your nails or scrub vigorously.
2. Mesh Fabric/Vent Holes (Included in Some Styles, e.g., Toe Cap Vent Holes)
Mesh fabric easily traps dust and requires "gentle scrubbing + moisture control":
Cnfans Ambush & Nike Air Force 1 Low,Dip a soft-bristled toothbrush in the diluted cleaner and gently scrub the gaps in the mesh fabric and vent holes. Avoid excessive force to prevent pilling or damage to the mesh.
After scrubbing, blot the moisture with a slightly damp towel. Do not rinse directly with water or soak the mesh (soaked mesh tends to deform, and water may seep into the leather layer inside the shoe).
3. Special Accessories (Metal Decorations, Swoosh, Heel Stabilizer)
The collaborative model’s metal shoelace buckles, exaggerated Swoosh (mostly made of synthetic materials or metal coating), and heel stabilizer are prone to oxidation or scratching. "Precise care" is needed during cleaning:
Metal accessories (e.g., shoelace buckles): Dip a cotton swab in a small amount of diluted cleaner and gently wipe the surface to remove stains. Avoid leaving cleaner residues (residues may cause metal oxidation and rusting), and dry the accessories immediately with a dry towel after cleaning.
Swoosh/Heel Stabilizer: For smooth-surfaced styles, gently scrub with a soft-bristled brush; for styles with printed patterns, wipe with a slightly damp towel to prevent pattern peeling caused by scrubbing.
4. Outsole (Rubber Material, Can Be Cleaned with Slightly More Force)
The outsole is relatively wear-resistant, so focus on removing sand and dirt from the grooves:
Dip the soft-bristled brush in the cleaner and directly scrub the outsole grooves to remove sand and dirt.
Rinse the outsole with a small amount of clean water and dry it with a towel (prevent water from seeping into the shoe through the gaps in the outsole).
5. Tongue and Shoelaces (Easily Soiled and Easy to Clean)
Tongue: Gently scrub the tongue with a soft-bristled brush dipped in cleaner. Avoid the collaborative logo on the tongue (mostly embroidered or printed; excessive scrubbing may cause the logo to fall off). Wipe the tongue clean with a damp towel after cleaning.
Shoelaces: Remove them directly, soak in diluted neutral laundry detergent for 5 minutes, gently rub them clean, rinse with water, and lay them flat to dry (avoid hanging them in the sun to prevent deformation and stretching).
III. Post-Cleaning Treatment: Shaping + Drying to Avoid Damage
Drying and shaping after cleaning directly affect the shoe’s lifespan. Avoid "sun exposure and high temperatures":
Absorb excess moisture: Wrap the upper with a dry microfiber towel and gently press to absorb excess water (do not twist or squeeze hard, especially on leather parts, as this may cause deformation).
Shape to prevent collapse: Insert shoe trees (or crumple clean, ink-free newspaper into balls and stuff them into the shoes to avoid staining) into the shoes to support the upper and toe cap, preventing collapse after drying.
Air-dry in a well-ventilated area: Place the shoes in a cool, well-ventilated area to air-dry naturally (e.g., a shaded balcony or a well-ventilated corner indoors). Never expose them to direct sunlight (sunlight can cause leather discoloration, hardening, and cracking), and do not use a hair dryer, heater, or other high-temperature tools for drying (high temperatures can damage leather fibers and glue, leading to ungluing).
Post-cleaning maintenance: After the shoes are completely dry, if the upper is made of leather, apply a small amount of shoe leather conditioner (e.g., mink oil, leather care cream), gently wipe it evenly with a towel to restore the leather’s luster and softness. If you are worried about future staining, spray a layer of transparent leather waterproof spray (spray 15cm away from the upper and let it dry naturally to form a protective film).
IV. Key Taboos: These Operations Must Be Avoided!
No soaking: Regardless of whether the upper is made of leather or mesh, do not soak the entire shoe in water (leather will absorb water and swell/deform, mesh will lose elasticity, and the glue inside the shoe may unglue after prolonged soaking).
No highly corrosive products: Avoid bleach, alcohol, and shoe polish (non-transparent types may cause staining), as they can damage the upper material and color.
No hard brushing/violent cleaning: Especially for leather uppers and printed logos, hard brushing can cause leather scratches and logo peeling, affecting the collaborative model’s appearance and value.
No frequent cleaning: For minor stains, simply wipe with a dry or slightly damp towel. Frequent cleaning accelerates leather aging and shortens the shoe’s lifespan.
Cnfans Nike Air Force 1 Low Spreadsheet,With the above method, you can effectively remove stains from the Ambush x Nike Air Force 1 Low while protecting its materials and design details, extending the shoe’s wear and collection value. For severe stains (e.g., large-area discoloration, oil stains), it is recommended to send the shoes to a professional shoe care store for treatment to avoid damage caused by improper personal operation.
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