How to Clean Sneakers So They Look Brand New

To maintain the fresh look of sneakers, it's important to clean them regularly, whether by machine washing or spot cleaning. New sneakers quickly attract dirt, grass stains, grease, and scuffs, losing their original shine. Experts advise frequent washes and adherence to care guidelines to keep them looking new. Depending on the sneaker type, you may need to hand-wash more delicate pairs or use the washing machine for more durable ones.

How to Hand Wash Sneakers

Maria Mooney of Truly Free recommends hand washing to preserve the condition of the sneakers. "It gives you complete control compared to a washing machine," she says. This is the best method for more delicate sneakers, such as those that have embellishment, multiple materials, or are made of mesh.

Materials Needed

• Dry brush or toothbrush
• Laundry detergent
• Grease-fighting dish detergent (optional)

Steps

1. Use a dry brush or toothbrush to remove loose dirt from your shoes.
2. Make a mild cleaning mix of warm water and 2 tablespoons of laundry detergent.
3. Remove your shoe laces. Soak these while you scrub the shoes.
4. Use a brush to scrub your shoes, concentrating on areas where there are more stains or build-up. You can even add grease-fighting dish detergent for stubborn soiled areas. Don't forget that the bottom of the soles should be cleaned, too!
5. Air dry your sneakers and laces.

How to Machine Wash Sneakers

Generally, cotton, canvas, nylon, or polyester sneakers can stand up to the vigorous wash and spin cycles of the washing machine, and this could be the most effective way to get your pair of sneakers clean. If this method is appropriate, washing your sneakers takes just a few steps. 

Materials Needed

• Dry brush or toothbrush
• Mesh laundry bag
• Laundry detergent
• White vinegar (optional)
  

Steps

1. Brush off any loose dirt or dust with a dry brush or toothbrush. You'll want to knock any excess off before tossing them in the washing machine.
2. Remove your laces.
3. Put both sneakers and the laces in a mesh laundry bag.
4. Assuming your sneakers aren't covered in mud, try to run them in the same load as dark towels or other heavy-duty items. This will help limit the banging around that can happen when sneakers are solo in the washing machine. 
5. Wash the load on cool with your normal detergent. If you wash them on warm or hot, you could shrink the sneakers or deform any plastic on the soles.
6. Air dry your sparkling clean sneakers and laces.

Additionally, Mooney always recommends having vinegar in your laundry room for those tougher-to-clean jobs. "If you're machine washing your shoes, soak them in distilled white vinegar for three minutes before adding them to your washing machine to leave them feeling soft and fresh," says Mooney.

How to Spot Clean Sneakers

If you find just one specific stain on your sneaker, then the best plan of action may be to tackle that stain directly before running the sneakers through the wash.

Grass Stains

Schulz recommends removing grass and mud stains with an enzyme-based cleaner, which breaks down organic matter. Follow up by washing with regular detergent and water to fully lift any remaining residue.

Grease

For grease stains, Schulz advises sprinkling an absorbent substance, such as baking soda or cornstarch, both of which can absorb oil and draw it out of the fabric. Let it do its job for a few hours, then wash as you normally would.

Paint

If you accidentally brushed up against wet paint, you can soak a cotton ball or cotton swab in acetone (nail polish remover) and use it as an eraser directly on the stain. This solvent can remove paint but should only be used on the rubber part of the sneakers, since it could discolor fabric. Rinse and wash after.

Yellowing

For yellowed, dingy sneakers, you can mix baking soda and white vinegar into a paste, apply it to the sole, let it sit for several minutes, then rinse and wash. The mixture should gently lift light staining.

Scuffs

You can try a Magic Eraser on the scuffs, which works as a mildly abrasive sponge. Use light pressure, then rinse and wash.

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How to Remove Odors From Sneakers

While cleaning should remove most odors from sneakers, there are stubborn smells that will stick around on occasion. In this case, you can try sprinkling baking soda and letting it sit overnight. Shake out your sneakers in the morning, and the smell should have dissipated. 

Baking soda also works as a daily deodorizer. "You can place deodorizing pouches or sachets inside the sneaker while it's in storage," Schulz says. "One easy DIY method is placing baking soda and a few drops of essential oil in a fabric sachet or pouch—just change this out regularly!"

How to Maintain Sneaker Quality

In addition to storing your sneakers with deodorizers to keep them fresh, Schulz also recommends setting them in a well-ventilated space between wears to keep them fresh.

"Putting them in an enclosed space right away will only retain any musty smells," he says. Once they've aired out for a few hours or overnight, store them in a cool, dark place, like a closet. If you have room to keep them in their original boxes, even better. You can drop a silica packet or two in the box to help keep moisture at bay.

But the best way to maintain sneaker quality is to clean them properly and regularly. Follow all cleaning instructions, and aim to wash them at least every two weeks if they're worn often, or whenever they start to show dirt or stains.