Cleaning shoes has always been a job I’ve put on the back burner, because really, who likes cleaning their shoes? Dirt and scuffs are signatures of well-worn, well-loved items of clothing.

But I’ll admit, sometimes they need to have their shine restored with a thorough clean. I purchased a pair of Adidas Gazelle Bolds in a bright emerald green and blue colour earlier this year, branching out from my usual choice of black. As a well-loved pair of trainers, they’ve seen me through various weather situations, picking up bits of debris and turning the shade of dazzling green to a murky grey.

My usual go-to would be water or a wet wipe, but I’d previously seen a number of people on TikTok claiming that micellar water is a good alternative. Essentially, it’s a simple task, using micellar water instead of normal water to wipe away stains.

While my shoes don’t have stains on them per se, the colour is a little off, most likely due to a build-up of dirt.

Simply apply a generous amount of micellar water to a clean cotton pad or reusable makeup pad, then rub the micellar water on the stain. Allow the suede to air-dry.

The idea is that micellar water is a good alternative solution as it contains tiny cleansing oil molecules - known as micelles - which help lift dirt and oil.

The micelles will grab onto dirt particles and draw them out from the suede without drying out the fabric.

Ugg Express recommended letting the shoes dry, and then beginning the process again.

It’s always advisable to spot test the micellar water on suede beforehand, just so it doesn’t affect the colour or texture on the material - which I did not do. How silly.

My shoes had been drying for a few hours, with the damp patches where I cleaned still visible. I kept mixing up what was dirt and what was just wet patches.

I’ll admit, my patience wore thin quickly as the three hour mark passed. I committed a cardinal sin by drying it on the lightest heat of my hair dryer.

It’s advised not to use a hair dryer to dry suede as the heat could damage the delicate texture, causing it to harden, shrink, or become discoloured. That’s why air drying is best.

Enter *chaos”. The perils of my major cleaning faux pas ushered in a million questions about whether I’d damaged my trendy shoes. Are they still dirty? Are they just damp? Have I completely ruined the vibrant green shade of my Adidas?

The possibilities were endless. The wait became longer hour by hour, the stress bubbling like a volcano ready to erupt.

I’ve only owned these shoes for a handful of months, but this cleaning hack now teeters on the brink of pure elation of success and the sad reality of the consequences of my actions. I really need to stop listening to people on TikTok.

Baking soda? Ineffective. White vinegar? Leaves an awful smell. Micellar water? Should stick to cleaning faces.

Even after six hours of air drying - plus a fatal burst from the hair dryer - I still couldn't tell if my shoes were tinged because they weren't fully dry or if they marked by the dirt.

While parts of the trainers, like around the back of the heel, looked greener than they had been, the area around the laces appeared blemished.

I can't say for certain if this is an ingenious idea or just a myth. In my opinion, it's not worth the panic or anxiety. Stick to what you know.