How to Clean Your Shoes: The Ultimate Guide

Introduction

Let’s be real—your sneakers (or any shoes) can easily get scuffed from daily wear or accidental steps. No matter how careful you are, shoes will get dirty—it’s a universal struggle. That’s why knowing how to properly clean and care for them is so important. Whether you’re dealing with white sneakers, leather kicks, or everyday canvas shoes, keeping them clean helps maintain their style and extends their lifespan.

In this guide, we’ll focus on the safest cleaning method: how to wash your shoes by hand. This gentle approach effectively deep cleans without risking damage to your footwear. We’ll also share pro maintenance tips, from quick wipe-downs to odor control, so your shoes stay looking (and smelling) brand new. Ready to master the art of shoe care? Let’s dive in!

Materials You Will Need

Before diving into cleaning your shoes, it’s important to assemble the right supplies. Below, we’ve rounded up the essential shoe-cleaning products you’ll need for the best results.

Soft Bristle Brush/Toothbrush: Soft bristles lift dirt gently without damaging the shoe’s materials.
Microfiber Towel: Use this to brush away dirt from your shoes.
Bowl: You’ll need this to hold your shoe cleaning solution.
Dish Soap: Basic dish soap works perfectly for cleaning shoes.
Laundry detergent: Detergent is the essential cleaning agent for washing shoes by hand. Select a mild, color-safe variety suitable for your shoe’s fabric type.
Warm Water: Hot water can damage shoes—always use cold or lukewarm water to protect colors and shape.
Newspaper: This will help your shoes to dry quicker.

How to wash you shoes by hand

Hand-washing your shoes is the safest and most effective way to clean and protect your footwear while preserving their materials. The good news? Washing shoes by hand is simple when you follow the right steps. This step-by-step guide will show you how to clean shoes made from regular fabrics like canvas, mesh, and synthetics—keeping them looking fresh without damage.

Note: For delicate materials like leather or suede, check out our specialized guides on how to clean those shoe types properly.

1. Remove Laces

Always remove your shoe laces first—they’re the simplest part to clean, and taking them off makes it easier to clean the rest of the shoe without any obstructions.

2. Remove the Insoles

Pull out the insoles from both shoes. Don’t skip this step—insoles are often the source of odor, and cleaning them is key to keeping your shoes fresh inside and out.

3. Make Cleaning Solution

Next, grab a bowl and fill it with warm water, then add a small amount of regular dish soap and laundry detergent.

4. Brush off loose dirt

Before wetting your brush, use it to gently remove any loose dirt or debris from your shoes for a more effective clean.

5. Clean the laces

Drop the laces into the soapy bowl, scrub them with your hands until they’re fully soapy, then rinse under warm water. Squeeze out excess water and let them air dry by a window or outside.

6. Clean the insoles

After removing the insoles, dip a soft-bristle toothbrush or shoe brush into the soapy mix from step 1. Scrub the insoles thoroughly—don’t hesitate to re-dip the brush! Once clean, use a sponge or paper towel to soak up excess water, then let the insoles dry completely before putting them back in your shoes.

7. Scrub the shoes

Dip the brush into the cleaning solution and begin scrubbing the outside of the shoe, starting at the top of the upper and working your way down to the midsoles. Use gentle circular motions, reapplying the cleaning solution as needed to ensure a thorough cleaning.

Note: For tough stains, let the cleaning solution sit on the affected area for a few minutes to break down the dirt before scrubbing.

8. Rinse

Once you’ve finished scrubbing, rinse off the soap by running your shoes under water or wiping them down with a damp cloth or microfiber towel.

9. Air Dry

Let your shoes air dry at room temperature. Pro tip: Stuff them with crumpled newspaper to absorb moisture and speed up the drying process.

How often should I clean my shoes by hand?

Regular shoe cleaning is essential for maintaining footwear worn daily. How often you need to wash shoes depends on use, but those wearing the same pair consistently—whether for workouts, work, or daily activities—should clean their shoes every 2-4 weeks. Proper shoe care through frequent washing prevents odor buildup and keeps your footwear looking fresh. For best results, use gentle cleaning methods suited to your shoe’s material.

Do different shoe materials require different care?

These essential shoe cleaning steps will keep your sneakers looking fresh, but remember—some materials need special care. If you need to clean leather shoes, wash suede footwear, or care for other delicate fabrics, we’ve got you covered with our dedicated guides. Proper shoe maintenance starts with using the right methods for each material!