How to Clean Your Shoes in 6 Easy Steps

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Periodic cleaning will keep shoes looking (and smelling) their best. Here's how to clean shoes without damaging them.

Supplies

• Washing-up Liquid

• Bicarbonate of Soda

• Household Magic Eraser (Optional)

• Leather Conditioner (Optional)

• White Vinegar (Optional)

Tools

• Shoe Brush

• Toothbrush

• Soft Clean Cloth

• Suede Brush (Optional)

It's tough to keep shoes pristine without regularly cleaning them. The minute those new sneakers come out of the box, you'll want to wear them outside—where they'll pick up dirt, mud, scuffs and stains.

To ensure peak performance of a pair of sneakers over time, it's important to give them proper care and maintenance, including cleaning. Before getting started, place the shoes in a shoe tree or fill them with crumpled newspapers to help retain their shape during cleaning. Then, get to work.

These tips will help keep any sneakers—including lifestyle, basketball and running shoes—fresh and clean in just a few easy steps.

How to Clean Your Shoes, Step by Step

1. 1.Use a Dry Brush

   Remove loose dirt from the outsole, midsole and uppers using a dry, soft-bristled shoe brush. No shoe brush? No problem. A clean, spare toothbrush works fine.

2. 2.Make a Mild Cleaning Solution

   Mix warm water with a small amount of mild laundry detergent or washing-up liquid.

   For white and light-coloured shoes, you can also make an effective cleaning paste by mixing bicarbonate of soda and water in equal parts.

   Note: When it comes to using washing-up liquid, it's important to use caution and dilute it with plenty of water. On certain materials, using a high concentration of washing-up liquid can cause discolouration or strip out natural oils in the material.

3. 3.Hand-wash the Laces

   Remove the shoelaces and apply a small amount of the mild cleaning solution to them. Massage the laces with your hands, rinse, then dab dry with a soft cloth.

4. 4.Wash the Soles

   Apply the mild cleaning solution to a soft-bristled brush, toothbrush or face cloth. Clean the outsole and midsole thoroughly, taking time to clean every part of the soles. Dry with a soft cloth.

   Note: If you need to wash the insoles, remove them first and clean them with the solution, making sure you give them time to dry before putting them back into the shoes.

5. 5.Wash and Blot the Uppers

   Apply the mild solution to a soft-bristled brush, toothbrush or damp cloth to clean the uppers. Brush gently to avoid damaging the material.

   Once satisfied with the look, use a dry microfibre towel or soft cloth to blot and lift as much soapy moisture and dirt from the surface as possible. Repeat if necessary. Try to avoid drying by rubbing as it can wear down the shoe fabric or spread any remaining small bits of dirt.

6. 6.Air-dry

   Air-dry the sneakers at room temperature. Always allow shoes to dry completely before wearing them for your next workout or activity. For many shoes, it can take at least 8 hours for them to dry fully.

Special Considerations for Different Materials

Following these basic cleaning steps will help achieve a clean look for a pair of sneakers, but certain fabrics and materials may need a little extra TLC. Here's what you need to know about using cleaners for different types of shoes.

1. How to Clean Leather Shoes

   
   
   
   

   Leather shoes can stain easily, so it's important to clean them regularly. In addition to using a dry brush and mild washing-up-liquid solution, you may want to use a household magic eraser or leather conditioner to remove stains. Avoid scrubbing the shoes too hard, or you could damage the leather.

2. How to Clean Suede Shoes

   
   
   
   

   Suede is notoriously difficult to clean. If you notice water marks, scuff marks, dirt or stains, it's probably time to give your suede shoes a proper cleaning. Use these recommended tricks and special tools to get the job done.

   
   
   
   

   Use a suede brush or towel to wipe away surface debris, working in the same direction as the material (rather than going against the grain).

   
   
   
   

   Use a suede rubber or pencil rubber to rub away any marks on the surface of the shoe.

   
   
   
   

   For stubborn stains, use a cloth dipped in white vinegar to scrub the fabric in alternating directions.

3. How to Clean Knit Shoes

   
   
   
   

   Nike Flyknit shoes provide flexible support and breathability in many different types of footwear. To properly clean Nike Flyknit or other knit or mesh shoes, create a mild, soapy-water solution with soap that doesn't contain chemicals. It's best not to use bleach or other harsh cleaning products, since they can damage the material.

   
   
   
   

   Use a shoe brush or clean toothbrush to rub the solution in the same direction as the knit. Wipe off the soap with a clean cloth and repeat as necessary. Let them air dry and avoid the dryer, since excess heat can damage the shoes.