How to Clean Sneakers (Suede, Leather, and Mesh)

Keeping your sneakers clean ensures that you look good wearing them. It also can extend the life of your sneakers. Learn how to clean them.

There are many types of sneakers. Some are for the gym, while others can be worn with a smart casual outfit, such as dress sneakers.

Related: 10 best dress sneakers for men

Regardless of the type, you’ll look well-dressed when you wear clean sneakers. Few things will throw off an outfit, like dirty sneakers.

With a variety of styles comes different materials. Each material has specific needs when it comes to cleaning and maintenance.

By properly cleaning your sneakers, they’ll look new, last longer, and you’ll eliminate bad odor. Material-specific cleaning instructions are as follows.

Related: 21 best sweatpants for men

What you’ll need

While different shoes require different tools, the following are all of the items you’ll need to clean your sneakers:

• Horsehair brush. Folada’s 6.7-inch horsehair brush is soft and effective. $12.99 from Amazon.
• Suede brush. The suede brush from Shacke is excellent. It’s $9.99 from Amazon.
• Toothbrush. It works well for hard-to-reach places.
• Shoe cleaner. Jason Markk’s shoe cleaner is the best overall. An 8-ounce bottle is $16.99 from Amazon.
• Bowl or container. You can use any container to mix the solution.
• Towel. You’ll need it to place under your sneakers while you clean them.
• Adjustable shoe tree. Woodlore’s shoe tree is excellent. You can get it from Amazon for $19.95.
• Mesh laundry bag. Plusmart’s large mesh laundry bags are $8.99 for a 3-pack from Amazon.
• Mesh cooling rack. While you can dry your sneakers on the floor, a mesh cooling rack provides airflow underneath. It’s more effective and efficient. Plus, you can get a 2-pack from Amazon for $15.99 if you don’t currently have one.
• Waterproof spray. Kiwi’s Select All Protector is unstoppable. A 7.7-ounce can is $11.49 from Amazon.

The materials you use depend on the sneaker. By having the right tools, your sneakers will look new after you clean them.

Instead of buying individual pieces, you can also purchase a kit. If you prefer to get a sneaker cleaning kit, the following are the best options:

• Best overall: Jason Markk Essential Kit. Buy for $16 from Amazon.
• Runner-up: Reshoevn8r Premium Shoe and Sneaker Original Cleaning Kit. Buy for $17.99 from Amazon.
• Best upgraded pick: Crep Protect Ultimate Shoe Care Box Pack. Buy for $40 from Amazon.

Cleaning different types of sneakers

Each type of sneaker requires a slightly different method of cleaning. Some materials also need more gentleness and care, while others may be more forgiving.

It’s also important to note that leather and suede sneakers can’t go through the washing machine. Knit sneakers are typically the only ones that’ll retain their shape and condition.

The following are the different ways to clean your sneakers based on their material.

How to clean leather sneakers

Leather sneakers are essential because they can be dressed down and up. They look stylish and minimal. However, they can get scratched or stained easily.

Take the following steps to clean leather sneakers:

1. Remove the shoelaces.
2. Insert a shoe tree.
3. Briefly wipe down your sneakers to get them ready for a deep clean.
4. Prepare your solution by adding a tablespoon of shoe cleaner or dish soap to half of a cup of water.
5. Dip the brush in the solution and gently scrub the entire exterior and sole of the sneaker.
6. Use a toothbrush to spot-scrub, if needed.
7. Use a damp towel to wipe off the excess soap.
8. Dip the shoelaces in the cleaning solution and rub them together in your hands.
9. Rinse the shoelaces with water and lightly squeeze them to remove excess water.
10. Place the sneakers and shoelaces on a mesh cooling rack to air dry for at least five hours. It’s best to let it sit overnight.
11. Once your sneakers and shoelaces are dry, put the shoelaces back in.
12. Spray the sneaker with a waterproof spray and let it sit for 20 minutes.

The process to completely clean your leather shoes takes a full day. It’s worth it because once you’re finished, they’ll look so good.

How to clean canvas sneakers

Canvas sneakers look best with a crisp pair of jeans. Since they look great with casual clothes, you’ll likely wear them a lot.

With constant wear, they’ll also get dirty. Luckily, a canvas sneaker is also one of the easiest to clean.

Take the following steps to clean canvas sneakers:

1. Remove the shoelaces.
2. Wipe off excess dirt.
3. Prepare your solution by adding a tablespoon of shoe cleaner or dish soap to half of a cup of water.
4. Dip the brush in the solution and scrub the entire exterior and sole of the sneaker.
5. Use a damp towel to wipe off the excess soap.
6. Dip the shoelaces in the cleaning solution and rub them together in your hands.
7. Rinse the shoelaces with water and lightly squeeze them to remove excess water.
8. Fill the sneaker with a wooden shoe tree or paper to absorb moisture and retain its shape while it dries.
9. Place the sneakers and shoelaces on a mesh cooling rack to air dry for at least five hours. It’s best to let it sit overnight.
10. Once your sneakers and shoelaces are dry, put the shoelaces back in.
11. Spray the sneaker with a waterproof spray and let it sit for 20 minutes.

Canvas sneakers are more forgiving than leather sneakers. Therefore, you can scrub them harder.

Also, you can technically put canvas sneakers in a mesh bag and throw them in the washing machine. However, it’s a best practice to wash them by hand.

How to clean knit sneakers

Knit sneakers are undoubtedly the most comfortable because their mesh exterior makes them breathable and flexible.

Due to the nature of the material, dirt can easily get into the mesh. It makes it a bit harder and more time-consuming to clean.

When cleaning knit and mesh sneakers, gentleness is crucial because it’s more susceptible to damage.

Take the following steps to deep clean your knit sneakers:

1. Remove the shoelaces.
2. Use a towel to wipe off excess dirt.
3. Insert a shoe tree.
4. Prepare your solution by adding a tablespoon of shoe cleaner or dish soap to half of a cup of water.
5. Soak a new towel or cloth into the cleaning solution and wipe the knit material in a circular motion.
6. Dip the brush in the cleaning solution and clean the sole.
7. Use a damp towel to wipe off the excess soap.
8. Place the sneaker and shoelaces in a mesh bag. Then, put it in the washing machine using a gentle mode and with cold water.
9. Place the sneakers and shoelaces on a mesh cooling rack to air dry for at least five hours. It’s best to let it sit overnight.
10. Once your sneakers and shoelaces are dry, put the shoelaces back in.
11. Spray the sneaker with a waterproof spray and let it sit for 20 minutes.

Knit and mesh sneakers are the only ones that can handle the washing machine.

However, you must use cold water and the most gentle setting available.

Once the wash is complete, allow it to air dry. Never put your sneakers in the dryer.

How to clean suede sneakers

Suede is a type of leather, and it’s one of the most stylish materials for sneakers. Being such a delicate material, you’ll need patience and carefulness.

Before getting started, avoid using water because it can damage the sneakers.

Also, allow your suede sneakers to dry completely before starting the cleaning process.

The following are the steps to properly clean suede sneakers:

1. Remove the shoelaces.
2. Insert a shoe tree.
3. Use a suede brush or toothbrush and gently remove the dirt.
4. Use a suede eraser to remove stains or leftover dirt.
5. If there’s tough grime or stains, use a soft cloth and dip a small portion into white vinegar. Gently wipe and blot the stained area.
6. Use a cloth or brush with shoe cleaner or water to clean down the soles. Make sure it doesn’t touch the suede.
7. Allow the sneaker to air dry on a mesh cooling rack for five hours.
8. Once dry, spray the sneaker with a suede protectant.

Suede doesn’t require a ton of materials. However, it needs gentleness and persistence for a good cleaning.

Cleaning the interior and insoles

Since your feet are on the inside, the interior and insoles must be a part of your sneaker-cleaning routine.

To clean the inside, follow the same steps as you would with cleaning the exterior.

If you can remove the insoles, take them out and clean them separately. It’ll allow you to give it a deeper clean.

Mix a tablespoon of shoe cleaner or detergent and half a cup of warm water. Then, use a horsehair brush to scrub the inside and a toothbrush to get the hard-to-reach spots.

Once you’ve finished scrubbing, wipe the interior with a damp towel and allow it to air dry for at least five hours on a mesh cooling rack.

When the interior is dry, spray the interior of your sneakers with deodorizer and disinfectant spray to kill odor-causing bacteria. 10 Seconds Shoe Disinfectant and Deodorizer works wonders and you can get it from Amazon for $15.59.

Now, the interior of your sneakers is clean and fresh.

Keeping your sneakers clean

You’ve worked hard to clean your sneakers. With proper maintenance and care, you can allow more time to go in between deep cleaning sessions.

The most important thing to do is check your sneakers before putting them away at the end of the day. If you see any dirt, use shoe wipes, a soft cloth, or a brush to remove it.

If you’re looking for wipes, Sneaker Lab is the best. Except for suede sneakers, you can use the Sneaker Lab Shoe Wipes after a day of wearing your sneakers.

The biodegradable cleaning technology is safe for use on leather, canvas, knit, and mesh.

When it comes to stains and dirt, treat them as soon as possible. The earlier you clean them, the higher the likelihood of success.

It’s also important to use sprays, such as a waterproof coating and disinfectant spray. Both of the sprays can extend the life of your sneakers.

Frequently asked questions

The following are answers to common questions about cleaning sneakers.

Can I put sneakers in the washing machine?

For most sneakers, you can clean them well without putting them in the washing machine. If you need to, make sure you put your sneakers in a mesh or linen bag. It’ll add a layer of protection. Also, use the wool or delicate cycle with cold water.

What can I do about smelly sneakers?

With smelly shoes, the first step is to clean them. Second, use a deodorizer spray or shoe inserts. It’ll reduce odor by killing the odor-causing bacteria. The 10 Seconds Shoe Disinfectant and Deodorizer is a spray that’s $15.59 from Amazon and works exceptionally well.

Does baking soda remove yellow stains from shoes?

Yes, baking soda can remove yellow stains from shoes. In a bowl, mix 1 tablespoon of baking soda, half of tablespoon of hydrogen peroxide (if you have it), and a tablespoon of warm water. Then, use a brush to scrub and scrub in a circular motion.

What if my shoes are still dirty after a deep clean?

If you’ve deep-cleaned your shoes and they’re still dirty, you can try cleaning them again. If that doesn’t work, it’s time for a new pair.

Conclusion

Don’t go another day in dirty sneakers. Take the time to clean them based on the material. After cleaning them, remember to allow your sneakers to air dry instead of putting them in the dryer.

If you regularly wipe and brush your sneakers, you won’t have to deep-clean them as often. With clean sneakers, you’ll look stylish, well-dressed, and your sneakers won’t smell bad.

Featured image courtesy of Canva.