Washing sneakers made easy: Effective Methods For Fresh and Clean Results
Let’s be real—your sneakers can easily get scuffed just from walking on the sidewalk or accidentally stepped on by someone else. But one thing’s for sure: sneakers will get dirty no matter how careful you are. It’s a universal struggle. That’s why knowing how to properly clean and care for them is so important. Plus, exploring the different ways to keep them looking fresh can make all the difference in maintaining their style and longevity.
How to wash you shoes by hand
Hand-washing is the most effective way to protect your shoes and maintain the quality of their materials. The good news? It’s simple to do. Follow this step-by-step guild to get your shoes looking fresh.
Tools
- Soft Bristle Brush/Toothbrush
- Microfiber Towel
- Bowl
Supplies
- Dish Soap
- Laundry detergent
- Hot Water
1. Remove Laces
Always remove your sneaker 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 sneakers. Don’t skip this step—insoles are often the source of odor, and cleaning them is key to keeping your sneakers 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 sneaker 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 sneakers.
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.
9. Air Dry
Let your sneakers air dry at room temperature. Pro tip: Stuff them with crumpled newspaper to absorb moisture and speed up the drying process.
Note: These basic cleaning steps will keep your sneakers looking fresh, but some materials, like leather and suede, require special care. For tips on cleaning those, check out our dedicated guide!
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