How to clean white sneakers: Personal trainer Chontel Duncan shares how to make runners white again

An Australian fitness star and mum-of-five has shared a simple three-step process to clean filthy white sneakers. 

Chontel Duncan, from Brisbane, used a $4 bar of Sard Wonder Soap and Vanish Gold Crystal White washing detergent – leaving her sneakers looking brand new. 

The 33-year-old demonstrated the quick and easy process in a video posted on Instagram. 

‘I really wish I had more to tell you, but it’s that simple!’ she wrote.

In a video the 33-year-old demonstrated the quick and easy process (pictured: before and after cleaning the shoes)

In the clip, Chontel began by placing the shoes in the laundry sink and wet the bar of soap before rubbing it onto the sneakers. 

‘From there you’re going to massage [the soap suds] through – I didn’t even take the laces out, I’m that lazy,’ she said

But Chontel reassured the process works ‘every time’.

Chontel first rubbed the Sard Wonder Soap over both shoes until they were ‘nice and soapy’

Once the sneakers were dosed in the soap she chucked them in the washing machine. 

‘I like to add a scoop of Vanish powder. Pop that in and then chuck it on a delicate cycle,’ she said. 

Some may opt to place the shoes in a wash bag to protect the shoes while in the washing machine, but Chontel didn’t on this occasion. 

Once the washing cycle finished the busy mum placed the shoes in the sun to dry, and they looked sparkling new. 

The handy video quickly went viral and has been viewed more than 329,000 times. 

Next, she placed the sneakers in the washing machine and opted for a delicate cycle. Chontel also added one scoop of Vanish washing detergent (left). Once the washing cycle finished the busy mum placed the shoes in the sun to dry, and they looked sparkling new (right)

It comes as an Australian podiatrist revealed exactly how often you should replace your sneakers – and the answer might shock you.

Sarah Sweeney, founder of Sarah Sweeney Podiatry, advises the average person to change their shoes every six to 12 months – while marathon runners should replace their shoes every three months.

This frequency depends on how often you exercise and the intensity of the workout.

Ms Sweeney said if your shoes start to tear, if you feel unsupported, or if the shoes feel ‘loose’, it’s likely time to replace your runners.

Runners should replace their shoes every six to 12 months, while marathon runners should opt to change their shoes every six months, according to an Australian podiatrist (stock image) 

Ms Sweeney also warned that failure to replace your shoes as needed could lead to injuries.  

Australian podiatrist Sarah Sweeney (pictured) said failure to replace your shoes as needed could lead to injuries 

‘Poorly fitted or old shoes can lead to any sort of foot or ankle injury as well as knee, hip or back pain,’ she said. 

‘Injuries include but are not limited to rolled/sprained ankles, tendonitis, plantar fasciitis, tendon tears and even stress fractures.’

More so, unsupportive shoes can also lead to balance issues or risk of falls.

Ms Sweeney said many will likely be aware about the affect shoes have on your toes and skin on your feet.  

‘You could experience ingrown or thickened toenails as a result of poor running shoes and you could develop painful and unsightly corns and calluses,’ she said.