From machine washing to spot cleaning, here’s how to remove stains and dirt to keep sneakers looking fresh.
Materials Needed
Depending on the method you choose, you’ll need to have a combination of the below materials or cleaners on hand:
- Dry brush or toothbrush
- Laundry detergent
- Brush
- Magic Eraser
- White vinegar
- Baking soda
- Mesh laundry bag
For leather or suede sneakers, you’ll typically want to skip washing at home. Instead, take them to a specialty cleaner or cobbler who can give them the attention and care they need. You can, however, try a Magic Eraser, a paste of baking soda and water, or a bar of white soap on leather sneakers to restore their original shine.
I’ve found that keeping a small cleaning kit with these items in my laundry room saves so much time when my sneakers start looking grimy. A quick tip: opt for a soft-bristled toothbrush for delicate materials—it’s gentle but gets the job done. Also, using eco-friendly detergents can make a difference if you’re trying to keep things green. For instance, a study from the Environmental Protection Agency suggests that phosphate-free detergents reduce water pollution, which is a nice bonus while cleaning. If you’re on a budget, generic baking soda and vinegar are dirt cheap—usually under $2 for a box or bottle—and work just as well as pricier specialty cleaners.
How to Hand Wash Sneakers
Maria Mooney of Truly Free recommends hand washing to preserve the condition of the sneakers. “It gives you complete control compared to a washing machine,” she says. This is the best method for more delicate sneakers, such as those that have embellishment, multiple materials, or are made of mesh.
- Use a dry brush or toothbrush to remove loose dirt from your shoes.
- Make a mild cleaning mix of warm water and 2 tablespoons of laundry detergent.
- Remove your shoe laces. Soak these while you scrub the shoes.
- Use a brush to scrub your shoes, concentrating on areas where there are more stains or build-up. You can even add grease-fighting dish detergent for stubborn soiled areas. Don’t forget that the bottom of the soles should be cleaned, too!
- Air dry your sneakers and laces.
Hand washing is my go-to for my mesh running shoes because I can be super gentle around the seams. One thing I’ve noticed is that soaking laces in a small bowl of the detergent mix for about 10 minutes before scrubbing makes them look brand new. For tough stains, I sometimes let the detergent sit on the spot for a few minutes before brushing—it’s like giving the cleaner a head start. Also, if you’re dealing with delicate embellishments, a microfiber cloth can be a gentler alternative to a brush. The science here is simple: warm water helps loosen dirt particles, while the detergent’s surfactants break down oils and grime, making it easier to lift stains without damaging the material.
How to Machine Wash Sneakers
Generally, cotton, canvas, nylon, or polyester sneakers can stand up to the vigorous wash and spin cycles of the washing machine, and this could be the most effective way to get your pair of sneakers clean.
However, before you throw your sneakers in, check the care label. There could be specific instructions around the temperature of the water and the type of cycle that’s best. “The agitation of the washer and the temperature of the water could damage the fabric, glue, and other components,” says Toby Schulz of Maid2Match. Using a washer could also deform the shoe, resulting in improper fit.
If all looks clear, then machine washing your sneakers takes just a few steps.
- Brush off any loose dirt or dust with a dry brush or toothbrush. You’ll want to knock any excess off before tossing them in the washing machine.
- Remove your laces.
- Put both sneakers and the laces in a mesh laundry bag.
- Assuming your sneakers aren’t covered in mud, try to run them in the same load as dark towels or other heavy-duty items. This will help limit the banging around that can happen when sneakers are solo in the washing machine.
- Wash the load on cool with your normal detergent. If you wash them on warm or hot, you could shrink the sneakers or deform any plastic on the soles.
- Air dry your sparkling clean sneakers and laces.
Additionally, Mooney always recommends having vinegar in your laundry room for those tougher-to-clean jobs. “If you’re machine washing your shoes, soak them in distilled white vinegar for three minutes before adding them to your washing machine to leave them feeling soft and fresh,” says Mooney.
I’ve tossed my canvas sneakers in the washer a few times, and the mesh bag trick really does keep them from getting beat up. One thing I’d add: if you’re washing white sneakers, a splash of oxygen bleach in the wash can brighten them up without the harshness of chlorine bleach. A report from the American Cleaning Institute notes that oxygen bleach is safer for fabrics and colors, which is great for keeping sneakers vibrant. Also, if you’re worried about noise, washing with towels not only protects the shoes but keeps your machine from sounding like a rock concert. Cost-wise, a mesh laundry bag is about $5 and lasts for years, making it a no-brainer investment.
How to Spot Clean Sneakers
If you find just one specific stain on your sneaker, then the best plan of action may be to tackle that stain directly before running the sneakers through the wash.
Schulz recommends removing grass and mud stains with an enzyme-based cleaner and then washing with regular detergent and water. For grease stains, he advises sprinkling an absorbent substance, such as baking soda or cornstarch, and letting it do its job for a few hours. Then wash as you normally would.
If your stain is on the rubber sole of your shoe, then you have three options.
- You can soak a cotton ball or cotton swab in acetone, and use it as an eraser directly on the stain. Rinse and wash.
- You can mix baking soda and white vinegar into a paste, apply it to the sole, let it sit for several minutes, then rinse and wash.
- You can try a Magic Eraser on the stain, then rinse and wash.
Spot cleaning is a lifesaver when I scuff my sneakers on a curb or get a random grease spot from cooking. I’ve had great luck with the baking soda-vinegar paste—it fizzes up, which is kind of fun, and lifts stains like magic. The acetone trick works well, but be careful with it near colored rubber, as it can sometimes dull the finish. Enzyme cleaners are especially effective because they break down organic stains like grass at a molecular level, which is why they’re a favorite for outdoor enthusiasts. If you’re in a pinch, a Magic Eraser (about $1 each) is super convenient and doesn’t require mixing anything, which is great for quick fixes on the go.
How to Remove Odors From Sneakers
While cleaning should remove most odors from sneakers, there are stubborn smells that will stick around on occasion. In this case, you can try sprinkling baking soda and letting it sit overnight. Shake out your sneakers in the morning, and the smell should have dissipated.
Baking soda also works as a daily deodorizer. “You can place deodorizing pouches or sachets inside the sneaker while it’s in storage,” Schulz says. “One easy DIY method is placing baking soda and a few drops of essential oil in a fabric sachet or pouch—just change this out regularly!”
I’ve dealt with some seriously stinky sneakers after long runs, and the baking soda trick never fails. I also like adding a drop of lavender essential oil to the sachet—it makes my closet smell amazing. Baking soda works because it neutralizes acids and absorbs moisture, which is what causes those funky odors in the first place. For an extra boost, try leaving your shoes in the sun for a few hours after cleaning—UV light naturally kills odor-causing bacteria. A small fabric sachet costs pennies to make if you’ve got some scrap cloth, and essential oils are optional but add a nice touch for under $10 a bottle.
How to Maintain Sneaker Quality
In addition to storing your sneakers with deodorizers to keep them fresh, Schulz also recommends setting them in a well-ventilated space between wears to keep them fresh. “Putting them in an enclosed space right away will only retain any musty smells,” he says. Once they’ve aired out for a few hours or overnight, store them in a cool, dark place, like a closet. If you have room to keep them in their original boxes, even better. You can drop a silica packet or two in the box to help keep moisture at bay.
But the best way to maintain sneaker quality is to clean them properly and regularly. Follow all cleaning instructions, and aim to wash them at least every two weeks if they’re worn often, or whenever they start to show dirt or stains.
I’ve learned the hard way that cramming wet sneakers into a gym bag is a recipe for disaster—they get musty fast. Letting them air out by a window for a few hours makes a huge difference. If you’re tight on space, a shoe rack near a vent works just as well as storing them in boxes. Silica packets are a game-changer; you can often reuse the ones that come with new shoes or buy them for about $5 for a pack of 10. Regular cleaning not only keeps sneakers looking sharp but also extends their life—some sneaker brands estimate proper care can add months or even years to your shoes’ lifespan, which is a big win if you’re splurging on high-end kicks.
