How to Clean Muddy Running Shoes

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Did you just complete a mud run and now your shoes are caked with mud, inside and out? Or did you hit the running trail after a storm and splash through a few too many puddles? This article will teach you how to get the dirt and grime off your shoes and hitting the pavement again in no time.

Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Cleaning Muddy Shoes

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  1. Unless you also want to be cleaning mud off your car seats, toss your shoes into a shopping bag or trash bag to keep the mess contained.
  2. You may be eager to clean your shoes off right away, but trying to wipe the mud off before it has dried can actually stain the fibers of your shoe. Put your shoes somewhere warm and dry--outdoors in direct sunlight, if possible.
    • Don't put your shoes by a radiator or other direct source of heat to dry, as this can warp the plastic and alter the shape of the shoe. [1]
    • If it's humid, damp, or there's no sunlight, dry your shoes with a household fan. Either put the shoes on a towel or plastic tray with the top facing the fan (so the air gets inside the shoe), or use an over the door hook (or "S" shaped hook) to hang the shoes directly on the grill of the fan. [2]
    • Don't leave your shoes outdoors overnight. They'll just get damp again.
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  3. Watermark wikiHow to Clean Muddy Running Shoes
    The mud will chip and flake off, and you should be able to get most of the mud off your shoe.
    • If you can get the shoes on your feet, stomping your feet will also cause the mud to fall off the exterior of your shoe. However, it may not be possible to even get them on if your shoes are filled with dried mud.
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Clean Muddy Running Shoes
    A wet paper towel could grind the dirt into your shoes and stain the fibers. The dry paper towel should remove the fine, powdery dirt left from the larger chunks that fell off.
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Clean Muddy Running Shoes
    Removing the laces will allow you to pull the tongue up and open the shoe a little wider, so you can really get into those hard to reach places. If there's mud trapped under the inserts, your shoe can become moldy and smelly.
    • Sometimes you can't remove the insert without ruining the shoe. If this is the case, then leave them in and just try to get them as clean as possible.
    • If your shoelaces are knotted and won't loosen or come out, you can always cut them and buy a new, clean set of laces wherever shoes are sold.
  6. Watermark wikiHow to Clean Muddy Running Shoes
    Use water and a few drops of dish detergent and go to town on the exterior and the inside of your shoes. Get into every little crevice where mud might be lurking.
    • Use a dry rag or paper towel to wipe off the dirty water as you clean.
    • If you don't have a toothbrush other than the one you use on your teeth, try a nail brush or a shoe polishing brush. [3]
    • If you removed the inserts, don't forget to scrub them off as well.
    EXPERT TIP

    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

    Our Expert Agrees: Wet a toothbrush with a water and detergent mixture and start brushing the shoe everywhere there is mud or dirt. Then, take a microfiber towel and blot all the soapy moisture out of the fabric. When you're done, keep the shoes in a dry, well-ventilated area.

  7. You don't want to do this very often--try brush the shoes clean whenever possible--but after a mud run you will probably need the power of the washing machine to thoroughly clean your shoe. You can wash them with towels or sheets to protect the machine and your shoes from damage, but the other items may need another wash afterwards. [4]
    • Wash the shoes in cold water only, and on a "gentle" or "delicate" setting.
    • You can machine-wash the inserts as well, just make sure they are not still in the shoe.
  8. Stuff your shoes with newspaper or paper towels to help absorb dampness. [5] The same rules apply as before--try to let your shoes "bake" in direct sunlight and don't leave them outside overnight. Do not put them by a radiator or in the dryer, as this can ruin the shoe (and your dryer).
    • Your shoes should be dry in about 12 hours. [6]
    • If you insist on trying to dry your shoes in the dryer, lace them back up and tie the laces to something heavy. Hang the laces over the dryer door, with the weight on the outside of the door, and close the door. This should keep your shoes from banging around. You can also put each shoe in a pillowcase and try to dry them that way.
  9. Watermark wikiHow to Clean Muddy Running Shoes
    Your shoes may look clean, but there could still be some lingering funk. Add a little baking soda, then let them sit for a few hours, and the smell should be gone. [7]
    • Make sure you get the baking soda out before you put the shoes back on. Bang them upside-down or use a vacuum with a hose attachment.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Keeping Your Shoes Fresh

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  1. Watermark wikiHow to Clean Muddy Running Shoes
    Even if they're not filthy, taking care of minor stains as they appear can keep your shoes looking cleaner longer. Try a cleaning pad like the Mr Clean Magic Eraser to remove scuffs and dirt stains. [8]
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Clean Muddy Running Shoes
    When bacteria is allowed to grow in the fibers of your shoes, you end up with some seriously smelly trainers. Plus, the longer you leave a stain, the more time it has to set, and the harder it will be to remove. [9]
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Clean Muddy Running Shoes
    Unlacing your shoes and pulling the tongues forward will allow your shoes to air out and dry before your next run. [10]
    • If you don't have time to unlace and re-lace your shoes after and before every run, at least loosen the laces and lift the tongue a little to increase the air flow.
  4. Keeping cedar in your closet will do double duty of neutralizing stinky shoes and also keep moths away from your clothes. [11] Win/win!
    • If you keep your shoes in a gym bag or a locker, try using mini deodorizers (like Sneaker Balls) to keep nasty odors at bay. [12]
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Tips

  • If you are a frequent runner, consider owning two pairs of running shoes so your dirty pair can air out and dry properly and you can keep on running.
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  • It's best to do this a few days before you plan on wearing your runners to give them time to dry properly.
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Things You'll Need

  • Running shoes
  • Water
  • Paper towel/old rag
  • Dish soap
  • Washing machine (optional)
  • Soft brush (toothbrush or shoe brush)
  • Baking soda
  • Newspaper

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References

  1. ↑ https://www.asics.com/gb/en-gb/asics-advice/how-to-clean-running-shoes-3-tips-for-keeping-your-shoes-tidy/
  2. ↑ http://www.todayshomeowner.com/video/how-to-dry-shoes-fast/
  3. ↑ https://www.asics.com/gb/en-gb/asics-advice/how-to-clean-running-shoes-3-tips-for-keeping-your-shoes-tidy/
  4. ↑ http://www.complex.com/sneakers/2012/12/10-simple-ways-to-keep-your-sneakers-clean
  5. ↑ https://www.asics.com/gb/en-gb/asics-advice/how-to-clean-running-shoes-3-tips-for-keeping-your-shoes-tidy/
  6. ↑ https://www.asics.com/gb/en-gb/asics-advice/how-to-clean-running-shoes-3-tips-for-keeping-your-shoes-tidy/
  7. ↑ http://www.complex.com/sneakers/2012/12/10-simple-ways-to-keep-your-sneakers-clean
  8. ↑ http://www.complex.com/sneakers/2012/12/10-simple-ways-to-keep-your-sneakers-clean
  9. ↑ http://www.complex.com/sneakers/2012/12/10-simple-ways-to-keep-your-sneakers-clean
  1. ↑ http://www.complex.com/sneakers/2012/12/10-simple-ways-to-keep-your-sneakers-clean
  2. ↑ http://www.complex.com/sneakers/2012/12/10-simple-ways-to-keep-your-sneakers-clean
  3. ↑ http://www.complex.com/sneakers/2012/12/10-simple-ways-to-keep-your-sneakers-clean

About This Article

Article Summary X

To clean muddy running shoes, first leave them to dry for a few hours, since this will make it much easier to clean them. Once the mud has dried, beat your shoes together or against a hard surface. After you’ve knocked off the worst of the mud, wipe them with a dry paper towel to get rid of any smaller bits of dirt. Then, remove the laces and inserts and scrub your shoes with soapy water and a brush. If they’re still dirty after that, put them in the washing machine on a gentle setting with cold water. When they’re clean, leave them to air dry, since drying them with heat can damage your shoes. For more tips, including how to keep your shoes fresh, read on!

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Reader Success Stories

  • Hannah McCorvey

    Nov 17, 2018

    "This article was just what I needed! My shoes went from full of mud to nearly looking brand new! Thank you for this ..." more
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