6 Easy Steps to Clean Your Sneakers at Home
Published on : 19, September 2025
Keeping your sneakers clean is not only for aesthetic appeal – it’s to protect and maintain comfort in this footwear investment while ensuring that your favorite shoe has longevity. Sneakers are not just footwear; they are personal style, moments of daily comfort, and in some cases, performance. Unfortunately, too many people believe that sneaker cleaning is a professional service that requires products that are overly expensive. Thankfully, with the right Home Sneaker Cleaning Guide, it is easy for anyone to clean and freshen up their shoes while extending the life of them, all while simply using household items.
What supplies are needed for a home sneaker cleaning guide?
Prior to beginning the process, it is helpful to gather a few simple home supplies. These are readily available around the house:
- Soft brush or toothbrush – used to loosen dirt and debris deposits without damaging delicate fabrics.
- Mild soap or detergent – helps gently lift out stains without leaving a soapy residue.
- Warm water – this activates the cleaning power of soap without damaging the materials.
- Microfiber cloth – used for drying and buffing.
- Baking soda – great for whitening sneakers or removing unwanted odors.
Collectively, these items make a complete home sneaker cleaning kit without added expense. When you have the right tools prepared, the entire sneaker cleaning process will be easier, faster, and more effective.
How to clean sneakers step by step?
Taking an organized approach is the best way to make sure your sneakers are cleaned thoroughly. Here is the simple 6-step Sneaker Cleaning Tips at home:
Step 1: Remove laces and insoles
Before cleaning, remove the laces and insoles from your sneakers. This allows you to access every corner and ensures thorough cleaning. Laces can be washed separately, and insoles can be cleaned or air-dried. Removing them prevents damage and keeps your sneakers fresh and odor-free.
Step 2: Dry brush the sneakers
Use a soft-bristled brush to remove loose dirt, dust, and debris from your sneakers. Dry brushing prevents dirt from spreading when wet cleaning. Focus on seams, soles, and textured areas. This simple step makes deep cleaning more effective and helps maintain the structure and fabric of your sneakers.
Mix a gentle cleaning solution using mild soap or sneaker cleaner with lukewarm water. Avoid harsh chemicals that can damage fabric or color. The mix should be balanced – enough to create foam but not overly soapy. This solution ensures safe and effective cleaning for all types of sneaker materials.
Dip a soft brush or cloth into the cleaning solution and gently scrub the upper part of your sneakers. Focus on stains, marks, or dirt buildup. For delicate fabrics, use a light touch to avoid damage. This step refreshes the main body of your sneakers, restoring their original look and texture.
Use a firm brush or sponge to clean the soles, removing embedded dirt and scuff marks. Apply extra effort on stubborn stains, but avoid scrubbing too aggressively. You can use baking soda or a mild cleaner for tough spots. Clean soles improve both aesthetics and grip performance.
After cleaning, let your sneakers air dry naturally in a well-ventilated area. Avoid direct sunlight or heat sources, which can warp materials or fade colors. Remove excess moisture with a towel if needed. Reinsert insoles and laces only when fully dry to maintain shape and freshness.
What are special considerations when cleaning different materials?
Sneakers aren’t all the same, and cleaning them with their materials in mind requires different techniques:
- Mesh Sneakers: Lots of scrubbing! But be careful not to force too much, you can damage the fibres. The sneakers will dry quickly, however avoid direct sunlight.
- Leather Sneakers: Simply wipe gently with a damp cloth and very little soap. To keep the shoes supple and prevent cracking and degrading, apply a leather conditioner.
- Suede Sneakers: Don’t get them wet! A suede brush is a way to lift dirt, and will maintain the suede texture. Special suede erasers can remove scuffs.
By respecting the material of your sneakers, you maintain their structure, appearance, and comfort for longer.
FAQs
–>Can sneakers be cleaned in a washing machine?
Some people occasionally toss their sneakers into the washing machine. While this might work for certain fabric athletic shoes, it’s not a method we recommend, as machine washing can pose several risks:
- Deteriorate glues that keep sneakers together.
- Change the shape of the shoe due to the spinning processes.
- Consequently, the shoe could fade in color, shrink, lose elasticity or complete material integrity.
Cleaning shoe uppers by hand is a careful, and therefore safe, process. Gadz does indicate that he uses hand cleaning as a way to maintain the shoe quality longer.
–>How can insoles be cleaned to keep your shoes fresh?
The insoles are usually the most common source of offensive odours. You should clean the insoles separately. This can be accomplished using soap and water tips. Be sure to dry thoroughly before placing back into the shoe. For shoes to maintain freshness with the insoles, do the following:
- Pour baking soda on the dry insoles overnight.
- If you have moisture-wicking sprays, utilize them.
- Replace the old insoles when they no longer have enough cushion.
–>What should you do if your sneaks are not presentable after washing?
There are times that stains do not come out. If this occurs:
- Wash them again and focus on the difficult areas.
- A great product for white sneaks is a baking soda paste.
- Apply leather-specific cleaners or conditioners for leather.
If the shoe still looks dull, it may be natural wear and tear rather than dirt. Regular cleaning and care help maintain sneakers in their best possible condition.
–>How frequently should sneakers be cleaned?
There are no specific timelines and depends on your lifestyle:
- Everyday sneakers – Light cleaning every 2–3 weeks.
