The Truth Behind Yellow Shoes
Why did my shoes turn yellow?
Have you ever wondered why your once-pristine white shoes start to yellow over time? Yellowing occurs due to a combination of factors including storage, age, and wears. It's a common issue, and understanding the cause can help you address it effectively. If you're not a fan of the aged look, keep reading to see how you can keep your kicks in like NU conditions.
Why Shoes Turn Yellow:
- Oxidation: The materials used in shoes, like rubber and certain fabrics, can oxidize when exposed to air and light. This chemical reaction leads to the yellowing effect.
- Moisture and Heat: High humidity and heat can accelerate the oxidation process, causing shoes to yellow more quickly.
- Dirt and Grime: Accumulated dirt, oils, and other pollutants can contribute to yellowing, especially in areas prone to friction and sweat.
How do I prevent my shoes from turning yellow?
Oxidation is inevitable. As long as oxygen exists in or around your shoes, it's only a matter of time before areas become yellowed. The good news? You can slow the yellowing process with a few tips:
1. Wear your shoes
2. Routine Maintenance - Clean your shoes
3. Store your kicks in a darker area
4. Keep the temperature of your kicks around 78 degrees.
5. Don't store any paper inside of the shoe box
These are just a few tips to slow the oxidation process. The true way to keep yellowing off is to use a cleaning solution like the Nu Antidote to remove layers of aged yellowing.
How to Remove Yellowing:
The Nu Antidote: This specialized shoe cleaner is designed to combat yellowing effectively. Follow these steps to restore your shoes:
1. Apply the Nu Antidote to the yellowed areas.
2. Scrub with a Nu Nylon Scrub or Nu Eraser Sponge, depending on the texture (use the smooth tool for smooth surfaces and textured tool for textured surfaces).
3. Rinse thoroughly with clean warm water.
4. Dry your shoes with a microfiber towel or an air compressor to remove excess moisture.
5. Place shoe in your ice box or under direct UV light to remove layers of oxidation
Remember that prevention is key. Proper storage and regular shoe cleaning can help delay oxidation or yellowing. If your shoes are valuable or sentimental, consider professional cleaning and restoration services for the best results.
What kind of UV light should I use?
While there are many different kinds of UV sources, we highly recommend using a 1000w + UV light that can easily be bought on Amazon. Placing your shoes under a direct UV source can help you achieve optimal results when using the Nu Antidote. Repeat the shoe cleaning process after each UV session to get your kicks back to maximum clarity.
If you've got yellowed shoes, we recommend that you try the Nu Antidote to remove aged yellowing from your sneakers. Follow the instructions on the bottle or this article and let us know how your results came out. Tag us on social media @nulifekicks or send us your results inquiry@nulifekicks.com.
With Sneaker Love,
Team NuLife
Nu Antidote Shoe Cleaners and Tools
Keep Your Kicks Like NU
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