How to Clean Your Sneakers: The Complete Guide

White soles gone gray? Knit uppers looking tired? Before you give up on a pair, run through this routine. It works on leather, mesh, knit, and canvas — with stuff you already have at home.

What you need

• A soft brush or old toothbrush
• Mild dish soap and warm water
• Two microfiber cloths
• Baking soda (for stubborn sole stains)
• Newspaper or shoe trees for drying

Step 1: Dry brush first

Always knock off loose dirt before anything gets wet. Brush the uppers and tap the soles together outside. This one step prevents you from grinding mud deeper into the fabric.

Step 2: Wash the laces separately

Pull the laces out and soak them in warm soapy water for 15 minutes, then rinse. Laces make a shocking difference — a clean pair of laces can make old shoes look new on their own.

Step 3: Gentle scrub

Mix a few drops of dish soap into warm water. Dip the brush, shake off the excess, and scrub in small circles. Work top to bottom: uppers first, then midsoles. Never soak knit or mesh — damp brush only.

Step 4: Tackle the soles

For yellowed or scuffed midsoles, make a paste of baking soda and water, apply it with the toothbrush, and let it sit for 20 minutes before wiping off. For white leather, a melamine sponge (magic eraser) works fast — use it gently.

Step 5: Dry the right way

Stuff the shoes with newspaper to hold their shape and absorb moisture. Air dry at room temperature — never use a dryer or direct heat, which warps glue and shrinks knit. Give them a full 24 hours.

What not to do

• Don't machine wash knit sneakers — it breaks down the fibers.
• Don't use bleach on white shoes — it yellows them.
• Don't scrub suede with water — use a dry suede brush and eraser instead.

Do this every few weeks and your rotation will last twice as long. Your wallet — and your shoes — will thank you.