Frequently Asked Questions

The Lab is a South African, science-led fashion care brand that creates products to clean, refresh, protect and extend the life of sneakers, hats, denim, apparel and accessories. Formerly known as Sneaker LAB, the brand uses biotechnology-led formulas designed to deliver effective everyday care with a reduced environmental impact.

You can shop The Lab’s sneaker, hat, denim and apparel care products directly from the South African online store. Selected products are also available from approved retail partners. Use the store locator to find a nearby stockist and check availability before visiting.

Not every product is suitable for every material. Product suitability depends on the formula and the item being treated. Always follow the instructions on the specific product, check the care label and test the formula on a small, hidden area first - especially on delicate, dyed or specialist materials.

Yes, our packaging uses recycled materials, and our formulas are biodegradable wherever possible, without compromising cleaning performance.

At The Lab, we're about the Future of Fashion Care. Our products are environmentally friendly and biodegradable, and our packaging is recyclable. We are one of the only sneaker care brands to be Green Tag certified (Global Green Tag is the most trusted, globally recognized eco-label). Our products are made from biotechnology solutions (rather than harsh chemicals) that clean and protect your sneakers at a microscopic level for up to 3 days after application. Giving back is also important to us, which is why we partner with green initiatives and community projects across the world.

The number of cleans depends on the bottle size, how dirty the sneakers are and how much product is used. As a guide, the 50 ml Sneaker Cleaner provides about 250 sprays, and approximately 5–10 sprays are recommended per sneaker per clean. This equates to roughly 12–25 pairs, although actual usage will vary.

Choose the product according to the material and the instructions on its label. Leather Care and Leather Wipes are intended for leather. Other sneaker care products may be suitable for materials such as canvas, mesh, nubuck, suede and leather, but compatibility differs by formula. Always test on a small, hidden area first, and avoid using water on suede unless the product instructions specifically allow it.

For dirty sneakers, start by cleaning them with the appropriate Sneaker Cleaner and allow them to dry fully. Follow with Sneaker Protector to help repel everyday dirt and light stains, then apply Odour Protector inside the shoes as needed. For leather footwear, use Leather Care according to the product instructions. Sneaker Wipes and Leather Wipes are useful for maintenance between full cleans.

Absolutely! We recommend using Sneaker Protector on new sneakers to keep them looking fresh and stain-free. Leather Care will do the same for leather sneakers.

Remove loose dirt first. Apply approximately 5–10 sprays of Sneaker Cleaner to each sneaker, depending on the level of dirt, and leave the formula for at least two minutes. Lightly wet the Premium Brush and work the cleaner into a foam, then wipe away loosened dirt and excess moisture with a clean Microfibre Towel. Do not use water on suede; follow the material-specific instructions and spot test first.

Use Sneaker Protector only on compatible materials. Hold the bottle approximately 15 cm from the shoe and apply 5–10 even sprays across the surface without oversaturating it. Allow the sneakers to dry fully before wearing them. For leather footwear, use the dedicated Leather Care product according to its instructions rather than treating it as the same process.

The Lab Odor Protector works best when used at the end of the day and when sneakers are left to air overnight. This gives the odor-eliminating bacteria time to really work. Spray the insole and inside of each sneaker several times and leave to dry for at least 15 minutes.

Sneaker Wipes are intended for quick, on-the-go cleaning and small marks between full cleans. Leather Wipes are made specifically for leather and can be used for convenient leather maintenance. For heavily soiled footwear, use the appropriate full cleaning method rather than relying on wipes alone.

The Lab's Microfiber Towels were designed specifically for sneaker care. The fibers on the towel are 20% finer than human hair, making them incredibly soft and absorbent so you can gently clean dirt and dust off any material (including leather) while drying heavily saturated or damp sneakers.

Wash denim only when it is genuinely dirty or needs a full refresh. Between washes, air the garment and use a suitable denim refresh or spot-cleaning product where needed. Reducing unnecessary washing can help preserve colour, fit and fabric character for longer. Always follow the garment care label.

No, our formulas are color-safe and designed to preserve original denim tones. However, Denim colours depend on colour fasteneres used and there will be colour bleed with most Denim manufactures when in contact with any liquid. We recommend spot cleans with our Denim Refresh Wipes and Denim Refresh. When your Denim's are needing a more extensive celan, our Denim Wash can used when handwashing.

Use our hat wipes or cleaning solution with a soft brush. Gently clean the surface, then air dry on a hat stand or rolled towel to maintain shape.

Yes, our formulas target sweat, oils, and odors, keeping your hats fresh and looking new.

Our apparel care range works on cotton, polyester, blends, and most washable fabrics.

Yes, our apparel care formulas are designed to neutralize odor and remove light stains without harsh chemicals.

Yes, our gentle formulas protect performance fabrics and help maintain breathability and stretch.