Q&A for How to Clean Sneakers

Return to Full Article

Search
Add New Question
  • 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.
    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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Question
    Can I soak my shoes overnight in detergent?
    Community Answer
    You can, but it wouldn't be necessary.
  • Question
    How do I clean the inside of shoes?
    Community Answer
    Mix some water with some drops of liquid detergent and a little baking soda until you've created a paste. Use the paste for cleaning the inside of your shoes. It will clean and remove odors.
  • Question
    How long will the shoes take to dry?
    Community Answer
    If you leave your shoes outside to dry, it will take 1-3 days. Check on them occasionally, and make sure you don't leave them somewhere they could get rained on.
  • Question
    Could I use nail polish remover to clean the white soles of my sneakers?
    Abigail Cao
    Community Answer
    It is best to only use nail polish remover for Sharpie or any other marker stain on the shoe. It should be fine on the soles of a white shoe, just try to keep it on the sole of the shoe.
Ask a Question

      Return to Full Article