How to Clean Nike Shoes

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Got an awesome new pair of Nike shoes a couple months ago? And now they look three years old? Fear not. Tears and discoloration notwithstanding, your Nikes can look like new (whether they're mesh or leather) with just a few easy steps. It's best to skip the washer and dryer to prevent damage to your shoes, so read on read on for simple, safe ways to make your Nikes look fresh again.

Things You Should Know

  • Clean Nike shoes using warm, soapy water by hand (not in the washing machine and dryer, since the heat can damage the shoes' adhesive).
  • Use a damp sponge or cloth to scrub your shoes clean. Wipe off the excess suds with a different cloth.
  • Let your Nikes air dry in a well-ventilated room. Set them in the sun to help them dry faster.
Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Cleaning Nike Shoes

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    To avoid staining, this is best done as soon as possible after your shoes are exposed to dirt. Use a clean, soft-bristled toothbrush to gently clean the outsole. [1]
    • If you want to really get in there, you can use small paintbrushes, screwdrivers, awls, or pieces from phone and glasses cleaning kits to clean out nooks and crannies.
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    Fill a sink with warm water, and mix in a little bit of laundry detergent. [2] Don’t overdo it. You want a mildly soapy liquid.
    • If you are cleaning Nike Flyknits, use cold water, as hot water can damage the fabric. You should also use a mild cleanser like Jergens Mild or Purpose rather than laundry detergent, which has chemicals that could affect the dye in the Flyknit fabric. [3]
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  3. Watermark wikiHow to Clean Nike Sneakers
    Using a sponge, microfiber cloth, or washcloth, gently scrub the dirty parts of your shoes. Don’t use too much liquid; you don’t want to get your shoes any wetter than you have to. Rinse the soap off the sponge, microfiber cloth, or washcloth with warm water, and use it to wipe the soap off your shoes.
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    Leave your shoes out to air dry in a well-ventilated room. [4] You can put them in a sunny spot to speed up the process a bit, or use a blow dryer on the cold setting, but never put them in a dryer.
    • You can stuff your shoes with paper towels to help them keep their shape, but bear in mind that they will take longer to dry without any airflow.
    • Putting a tumble dryer fabric sheet in each shoe can help them dry faster, and freshen them up a bit. [5]
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Cleaning Your Insoles

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  1. Watermark wikiHow to Clean Nike Sneakers
    Run them under got water until they are soaked through. Be gentle with them, particularly if parts of are peeling or damaged.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Clean Nike Sneakers
    Pour a bit of dishwashing liquid or laundry detergent onto the insoles. Scrub them gently, using a toothbrush or other small brush. [6] If there is a label visible on the insoles, be especially careful scrubbing around it..
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Clean Nike Sneakers
    Use cold water this time. Continue to be gentle, but make sure you get all the soap out.
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Clean Nike Sneakers
    Lay out a towel and place them on top of it. Fold the rest of the towel over them and press down to dry. Pat as much water dry as possible. Lay the insoles out to dry in a well-ventilated room, or in front of a fan.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Keeping Your Sneakers Clean On the Go

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    If you want to keep them looking new, it is best to get dirt off your shoes as soon as you get it on them. Baby wipes are very gentle, and will help you remove grime from your sneakers quickly and easily.
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    A pencil eraser is very handy for getting rid of scratches and scuffs on the rubbery parts of your shoes. Simply rub the eraser on the mark on your shoe the same way you would rub a misspelled word on a piece of paper.
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    There are stiff paper and cardboard inserts you can buy to put in your shoes when you are not wearing them. This will ensure that the shoes keep their shape, and don’t warp while they’re off your feet. These are especially handy when your shoes get wet.
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    Nothing freshens up a pair of sneakers like new laces. Getting a sparkling new pair to replace a worn-out one can make a well-cared for pair of sneakers look fresh out of the box. [7]
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    How can I get rid of scuff marks?
    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
    Any of type of Magic Eraser product tends to help scuff marks come out. Simply get it wet and then focus on the scuff mark. Another trick is using a number two pencil eraser, if you have one of those handy.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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    Not Helpful 0 Helpful 1
  • Question
    Can I throw my sneakers in the dryer?
    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
    Some shoes may get damaged in the dryer. Let them air dry in a dry, well-ventilated area.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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    Not Helpful 0 Helpful 1
  • Question
    What household items can you use to clean sneakers?
    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
    If your shoes are muddy or there are some stains on them, you can wash them in a mild detergent. When cleaning, any sort of soft bristle brush or toothbrush works very well.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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    Not Helpful 2 Helpful 0
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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.complex.com/sneakers/2014/01/clean-nike-flyknits
      4. ↑ Marc Sigal. Shoe Care Specialist. Expert Interview. 15 January 2020.
      5. ↑ https://www.mrporter.com/journal/the-tutorial/how-to-keep-your-sneakers-clean/418
      6. ↑ Marc Sigal. Shoe Care Specialist. Expert Interview. 15 January 2020.
      7. ↑ https://www.mrporter.com/journal/the-tutorial/how-to-keep-your-sneakers-clean/418
      8. Videos provided by Clean My Space

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To clean your Nike sneakers, try using laundry detergent. First, fill a sink with warm water and a little bit of laundry detergent. Then, wash your shoes with a sponge or microfiber cloth to get rid of dirt or stains. After you’ve finished cleaning them, leave your sneakers in a well ventilated place to air dry, which will help them stay fresh. If your insoles need cleaning as well, run them under hot water to get them damp. Next, scrub them with an old toothbrush and a small amount of laundry detergent. Rinse them under cold water, then place them on a towel to dry. For tips on how to clean your sneakers while you're on the go, read on!

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