How to Clean Sneakers

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Cleaning your sneakers keeps them smelling fresh, prolongs their life, and doesn’t take very long to do. Clean your shoes by hand to give them a little more TLC, or put them into the washing machine for a primarily hands-off approach. You can even tackle cleaning the soles of your shoes to spruce them up without having to clean the entire thing. Whichever method you choose, you’ll end up with clean shoes that look (and smell) a lot better!

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Using the Washing Machine

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  1. Most sneakers can be cleaned in the washing machine, but it’s always a good idea to double-check beforehand. If the label says “hand wash only,” you may want to consider cleaning the shoes by hand. If your shoes don’t have a label, search the brand online to get cleaning recommendations. [1]
    • If your shoes have any leather or suede, it is not a good idea to machine wash them, as the water can damage those parts of the shoes.
  2. Preferably, do this over a trash can or outside to keep the dirt from getting all over your floor. If the dirt is wet, let it dry completely first. Dry dirt brushes away more easily than wet dirt does. [2]
    • Removing as much dirt as possible before washing the shoes will help them get cleaner in the washing machine.
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  3. Check them out to see if there are any areas that are particularly dirty. If so, take a little bit of laundry detergent and use your fingers to rub it into the shoelaces. This pretreating will help the dirt come out more easily. [3]
    • Put the laces into their own small mesh bag to keep them from wrapping around other items when they’re in the wash.
  4. If you don’t have mesh laundry bags, you can buy them online or at department stores for about $10. Put the bag with your shoes in it, the one with the laces, and a load of towels into the washing machine. [4]
    • Washing the shoes along with towels keeps the shoes from banging around in the washing machine, which could potentially damage your shoes or the machine itself.
  5. Use the same amount of detergent you normally would, and avoid using hot water. Choose the gentle cycle if you have the option. [5]
    • Don’t overdo it on the detergent. Excess detergent can cause soap residue to build up on your shoes, making them stiff and possibly even staining them.
  6. You can put them in front of a dehumidifier, a fan, or an open window, but avoid putting them in front of any type of heat source or into the dryer. If the shoes have insoles, take them out and let them dry separately to speed up the process. [6]
    • You might be tempted to toss your sneakers into the dryer so you can wear them sooner, but doing so could ruin the shape of your shoes. The high heat could warp plastic or synthetic fibers.
    • To help the shoes keep their shape, stuff the insides with crumpled newspaper.
  7. It should take anywhere from 8 to 12 hours for your shoes to dry, just depending on whether or not you do anything else to speed up the process. Once they’re dry, put the insoles back in place and re-lace them. [7]
    • If your shoes still look really dirty, you may need to treat the soles separately or perhaps try putting them through the laundry again. If you can’t get them clean, it may be time to invest in a new pair of sneakers.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Washing Sneakers by Hand

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  1. As you take out the laces, pay attention to their condition—are they grungy? Are they fraying? If they’re just dirty, you’ll be able to clean them, but if they’re fraying and threadbare, it may be time to buy a new pair. [8]
    • If you do need to buy new laces, measure your current ones to see what length they are. That way, you’ll be sure to purchase replacements that are long enough for your shoes.
  2. For this purpose, it’s helpful to pour a small amount of laundry detergent into a bowl; 1 to 2 tablespoons (15 to 30 mL) should do. Dip your finger into the laundry detergent, and then rub it into grungy sections of your shoelaces. Repeat this step until both laces have been treated. [9]
    • Rubbing the laundry detergent into the laces causes the soap to start reacting with and breaking down the ground-in dirt.
  3. Take your shoelaces to the sink, and turn the water on to warm. Rinse each shoelace, taking time to rub along the entire length to remove all the dirt and soap. Keep rinsing until the water runs clear and your laces are clean. Dry them off with a clean towel and set them to the side. [10]
    • If your laces are particularly dirty, you could also fill your sink with warm water and leave the shoelaces to soak for 10 to 15 minutes while you clean the rest of your shoes.
  4. The eyelets are the little holes that the shoelaces wind through. Continue using the small bowl of laundry detergent from earlier, and dip a clean toothbrush into it. Scrub the eyelets with the toothbrush to remove any built-up dirt or grime, then wipe them clean with a damp sponge. [11]
    • When rinsing away the laundry detergent, avoid using an overly-wet sponge. Wet the sponge then wring it out so it’s not dripping wet. This’ll keep the suds from spreading too far and your shoes won’t get over-saturated.
  5. Pick up your shoes and examine them. If there are dry clumps of dirt or grass, brush them away with a small scrub brush. Do this over a trashcan or outside to keep the dirt from getting all over your floor. [12]
    • Don’t try to brush away dirt that is still wet. Let it dry completely first—it’ll be much easier to remove once it’s dry.
    • If there are stuck pebbles, use a pair of tweezers to scrape them out.
  6. Depending on how much laundry detergent is left in your bowl after cleaning the shoelaces and eyelets, you may not need to add more. Stir the water and laundry detergent together until the mixture is sudsy. [13]
    • It doesn’t matter if you use warm or cold water. The laundry detergent will dissolve easily in either one.
  7. You can use the same toothbrush you used to clean the eyelets, or you could even use the small scrub brush from earlier. Whatever you choose to use, dip it into the laundry detergent and water mixture, and then proceed to scrub the entire body of each shoe. Clean the body of the shoe, the tongue, the soles, and even the inside of the shoe. Use a circular motion to dislodge ground-in dirt. [14]
    • Re-wet the toothbrush as many times as you need to while you clean.
    • Don’t forget that insole ! Remove it and clean it the same way you did the exterior of the shoe. If it still isn’t coming clean, you can always buy replacement insoles. [15]
  8. After you’ve scrubbed the shoes, dampen a sponge and then wring it out so it’s not dripping wet. Wipe away all the soap residue and dirt, rinsing the sponge out as often as you need to. [16]
    • Don’t forget to wipe down the insides and the bottoms of the shoes, too.
  9. Let the shoes dry naturally and then lace them back up . Set the shoes to the side on a dry towel. Leave them to air dry, which should take anywhere from 8 to 12 hours. You can speed up the drying process by putting the shoes in front of a fan or an open window, but don’t put them in front of any kind of heat source because the heat could warp the shoes or even shrink them. Once they’re dry, replace the insoles and re-lace the shoes. [17]
    • If your shoes were really stinky , sprinkle some baking soda over the insides while they dry overnight. In the morning, knock out the excess baking soda before putting the shoes on. [18]
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Cleaning White Soles

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  1. Since you don’t need too much of either ingredient, start off with 2 tablespoons (30 grams) of baking soda and 2 tablespoons (30 mL) of laundry detergent. Stir them together to create a paste. [19]
    • This method works great when you simply need to spruce up the soles of your shoes but don’t need to clean the rest of them.
  2. Take a toothbrush and dip it into the baking soda and laundry detergent. Scrub it into the soles of the shoes, taking care to get all the sides and the bottoms of the shoes, too. [20]
    • Don’t be afraid to really pile the paste onto the soles. You can always make more if you run out, and it won’t hurt anything if you use a lot.
  3. Once you’ve scrubbed in the paste, take a sponge and saturate it with cold water. Wring it out so it’s not dripping wet, and then start to wipe away the paste from the soles. Scrub away at any areas that are still dirty, and rinse out the sponge as often as you need to. [21]
    • Use a sponge rather than running the shoes under a stream of water. The sponge will keep the rest of the shoe from getting wet, which means you won’t have to wait for them to dry after you’ve cleaned them.
  4. Don’t forget to dry the bottoms, too, so that you don’t slip if you decide to wear them right away. Enjoy your clean shoes! [22]
    • If you notice any sections that are still dirty, you may want to apply a second coat of the baking soda paste to see if that helps lift the remaining dirt.
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    How can I clean my shoes at home?
    Marc Sigal
    Shoe Care Specialist
    Marc Sigal is a Shoe Care Specialist based in Los Angeles. Marc has over 19 years of experience working in the world of e-commerce, with extensive experience with the care of luxury goods. He is currently the VP of Strategic Partnerships at Blutag, an e-commerce platform helping consumers find products. Prior to Blutag, he founded ButlerBox, a dry cleaning and shoe care service based in Los Angeles, California. ButlerBox reinvented amenity services by placing custom-designed, wrinkle-resistant lockers in luxury apartment buildings, class A office buildings, shopping centers, and other convenient locations. The company got acquired by Rinse.com in 2021. Marc has a BA in Global and International Studies from the University of California, Santa Barbara.
    Marc Sigal
    Shoe Care Specialist
    Expert Answer
    Absolutely, although how you clean your shoes depends on the material your shoes are made of. For suede, you'd want a suede brush. Leather should typically be brushed with a soft-bristled brush or a toothbrush. You can actually throw some sneakers and tennis shoes in the washing machine if the tag says they're machine washable, although some brands need to be cleaned by hand. For canvas shoes, dip a clean cloth in water and mild detergent to blot stains and dirt away.
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    Not Helpful 4 Helpful 1
  • Question
    How can I get rid of yellow spots on my shoes?
    Community Answer
    Use an old toothbrush and soap. Scrub gently at first, increasing in severity as the soap lathers.
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  • Question
    The directions say to spot clean my tennis shoes and air dry. Is it safe to soak them 1 hour as suggested?
    Paula Binder
    Community Answer
    Follow the manufacturer's directions; soaking might do damage to the fabric or the adhesives of the shoes. You can still scrub the outer soles and clean removable insoles.
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      Tips

      • When in doubt, check the shoe manufacturer’s website to see how they recommend cleaning their shoes. [23]
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      • When in a pinch, use a white eraser to rub off smudges. [24]
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      • Avoid putting your shoes in the dryer or near a heat source, as the high temperatures can warp the shape of the shoes. [25]
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      Tips from our Readers

      The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.
      • For small stains or scuffs, use a magic eraser or a specialized sneaker cleaner. This can help maintain cleanliness between deep cleanings.
      • Stuffing your sneakers with white paper towels or newspaper can help them maintain their shape and absorb moisture as they dry.
      • Be cautious with suede and leather, as these materials require special care and specific cleaning products to avoid damage.
      • Apply a water and stain repellent to your sneakers after cleaning them to help protect against future dirt and stains.
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      Things You’ll Need

      Using the Washing Machine

      • Laundry detergent
      • Scrub brush
      • Mesh bag (optional)
      • Newspaper (optional)

      Washing Sneakers by Hand

      • Laundry detergent
      • Towels
      • Toothbrush
      • Scrub brush
      • Sponge
      • Small bowl
      • Measuring cups and spoons
      • Baking soda (optional)

      Cleaning White Soles

      • Small bowl
      • Measuring spoons
      • Baking soda
      • Laundry detergent
      • Toothbrush
      • Sponge
      • Towel

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      References

      1. ↑ Marc Sigal. Shoe Care Specialist. Expert Interview. 15 January 2020.
      2. ↑ Marc Sigal. Shoe Care Specialist. Expert Interview. 15 January 2020.
      3. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qSZaRtPNkfM
      4. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e6yeb4PnpyI
      5. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EhW1Tpl8P9c
      6. ↑ Marc Sigal. Shoe Care Specialist. Expert Interview. 15 January 2020.
      7. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EhW1Tpl8P9c
      8. ↑ https://youtu.be/fFSGdSfkRx4?t=158
      9. ↑ https://youtu.be/fFSGdSfkRx4?t=160
      1. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2HN16ZgJ9nI
      2. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NLKAIh7CrE8
      3. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NLKAIh7CrE8
      4. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3x2e6kYmHSc
      5. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0EmPLhuW_yw
      6. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0EmPLhuW_yw
      7. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RF86oSB6_bc
      8. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RF86oSB6_bc
      9. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L7wAgtkq9LQ
      10. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mx2RZjNepZM
      11. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mx2RZjNepZM
      12. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=spq12jSQMPg
      13. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kyGR47nDrus
      14. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M_FDRv56DLI&t=90s
      15. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=He5XhoJz5Us
      16. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VUcOhC2-frc

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To clean tennis shoes, use a stiff brush to remove any dirt or mud clumps from the surface. Next, remove the laces and put the shoes into a mesh laundry bag. Then, put them in your washing machine with a few towels and run a gentle cycle with cold water. Finally, let the tennis shoes air dry completely before lacing them back up and wearing them. If you want to learn how to wash your sneakers by hand, keep reading!

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        Sep 9, 2020

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