How to Clean Your Sneakers Without Damaging Them

Why sneakers get damaged during cleaning

Most sneaker damage during cleaning comes from three mistakes: using too much water, scrubbing too hard, or using the wrong product for the material. Water can weaken adhesives that hold the sole to the upper, especially in canvas or mesh sneakers. Harsh scrubbing can tear knit fabrics, scuff leather, or rough up suede. Harsh chemicals like bleach or ammonia can discolor materials and break down the glue bonds.

Sneakers are assembled from many parts: upper fabrics, overlays, eyelets, laces, midsoles, and outsoles. Each responds differently to water, friction, and cleaning agents. A method that works for a leather sneaker can ruin a knit one. The goal is to clean the surface without soaking the shoe or weakening its structure. If you are unsure what your sneakers are made of, check the label inside the tongue or the maker's website.

To learn more about what your sneakers are made of, see our guide to sneaker upper materials.

• Use lukewarm water, not hot.
• Use a soft brush or cloth, not a stiff scrub brush.
• Work in small circular motions with light pressure.
• Never fully submerge sneakers in water.
• Air dry at room temperature, away from direct heat.

What you need: common household items

You do not need specialized shoe cleaners for most routine cleaning. A few household items will cover most materials and situations.

Start with these basics: a soft-bristled brush (an old toothbrush works fine), a clean microfiber cloth, mild dish soap or laundry detergent, white vinegar, baking soda, and a bowl of lukewarm water. For suede, you will also want a suede brush and a suede eraser. For leather, a leather conditioner helps keep the material flexible after cleaning.

Check the care label in your sneaker before starting. Some makers have specific instructions, especially for waterproof or coated materials. When in doubt, test your cleaning method on a small, hidden area first, like the inside of the heel or under the tongue.

Cleaning mesh and knit sneakers

Mesh and knit uppers are common on running and training sneakers. They are lightweight and breathable, but they absorb dirt and can trap odors. The safest method is to work with a mild soap solution and a soft brush, without soaking the shoe.

Mix a small drop of mild dish soap into a bowl of lukewarm water. Dip the brush into the soapy water, shake off the excess so it is damp but not dripping, and gently brush the upper in small circles. Wipe away the soap with a damp cloth. Repeat if needed. Do not hold the sneaker under running water, and do not let water pool inside the shoe.

For white mesh that has turned gray, a paste of baking soda and water can help lift stains. Apply the paste with a soft brush, let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes, then wipe off with a damp cloth. Rinse the cloth and wipe again to remove any residue.

If your sneakers are used for running, you may want to rotate between pairs to let them dry fully between workouts. See our guide to running sneakers for ideas.

Cleaning leather and synthetic leather sneakers

Leather uppers are durable and easy to wipe clean, but they can dry out or crack if handled incorrectly. The key is to avoid soaking the leather and to condition it after cleaning.

Wipe off loose dirt with a dry cloth. Then dampen a microfiber cloth with lukewarm water and a drop of mild soap. Wring the cloth well so it is barely damp. Wipe the leather surface gently in one direction. Do not scrub hard, and do not use a brush on smooth leather, since bristles can leave scratches. After cleaning, wipe the leather with a clean, dry cloth.

Once the leather is dry, apply a small amount of leather conditioner with a soft cloth. This keeps the material supple and helps prevent cracking. For synthetic leather, a conditioner is not necessary, but you can still use a mild soap-and-water wipe.

If your leather sneakers are white, a white leather cleaner or a paste of baking soda and water can help remove scuffs, but test on a hidden area first. For more on leather sneaker care, see our best leather sneakers guide.

Cleaning suede and nubuck sneakers

Suede and nubuck are delicate materials that do not react well to water. Water can stain suede and make the nap flatten permanently. The safest approach is a dry method: brush first, then use an eraser for stubborn marks, and only use a damp cloth as a last resort on small areas.

Use a suede brush to lift dirt and restore the nap. Brush in one direction, following the grain of the material. For scuffs and small marks, a suede eraser can be rubbed gently over the spot. For oily stains, sprinkle a little cornstarch or talcum powder on the spot, let it sit for a few hours, then brush it off.

If you must use water, dampen a cloth and dab the spot lightly, then blot with a dry towel. Do not rub. Let the sneaker air dry completely, then brush again to raise the nap. Waterproofing sprays designed for suede can help protect against future stains, but they need to be reapplied after cleaning.

If you own suede or nubuck sneakers, you may want to consider how often you wear them and whether a leather or mesh pair would be easier to maintain. For alternatives, see our everyday sneakers guide.

Cleaning canvas and fabric sneakers

Canvas sneakers like Converse or Vans are casual, durable, and relatively easy to clean, but they can shrink or lose their shape if machine washed. The safest method is hand washing with a brush and mild soap.

Remove the laces and insoles. Make a soapy solution with lukewarm water and a small amount of mild detergent. Dip a soft brush in the solution, shake off excess water, and scrub the canvas in small circles. Work from the bottom of the upper toward the top. Wipe with a damp cloth to remove soap. Stuff the sneakers with paper towels or a dry cloth to help them hold their shape while drying.

For tough stains on white canvas, a paste of baking soda and water can be applied and left for 15 minutes before brushing off. Avoid bleach, which can yellow the fabric and weaken the fibers. Air dry flat, away from direct sunlight.

If you are shopping for new canvas sneakers, our best Converse sneakers guide compares popular models.

Drying and protecting your sneakers

How you dry sneakers matters as much as how you clean them. Heat is the biggest enemy: a dryer, radiator, or direct sunlight can warp the midsole, crack the outsole, and shrink the upper. Always air dry at room temperature.

After cleaning, remove excess water by patting the surface with a dry towel. Stuff the sneakers with paper towels or a clean, dry cloth to absorb moisture from the inside and help maintain their shape. Change the stuffing once it becomes damp. Keep the sneakers in a well-ventilated area, away from direct heat and sunlight. Drying can take 12 to 24 hours depending on the material and humidity.

Once completely dry, apply a protective spray if your sneakers are made of leather, suede, or a water-repellent treated fabric. These sprays create a barrier that makes future cleaning easier and can help prevent stains from setting. Reapply the spray every few weeks or after each cleaning, following the product's instructions.

If you wear your sneakers daily, consider having more than one pair so each pair can dry fully between uses. For ideas, see our everyday sneakers guide or the best walking sneakers guide.

What to pick for your use

Questions

How often should I clean my sneakers?

It depends on how often you wear them and where. For daily wear, a quick wipe every week and a deeper clean every month is a reasonable routine. For sneakers worn only occasionally, clean them when they look visibly dirty or start to smell.

Can I put sneakers in the washing machine?

Only if the maker's label says they are machine washable. Many sneakers can be damaged by the agitation and spinning, which can loosen the sole, warp the midsole, or break down adhesives. Hand cleaning is safer for most materials, especially leather, suede, and knit.

How do I remove bad odors from sneakers?

Remove the insoles and wash them separately with mild soap and water, then air dry. Sprinkle baking soda inside the sneakers and leave overnight, then shake it out. For persistent odor, a mixture of equal parts white vinegar and water can be lightly sprayed inside, then allowed to dry completely.

What should I do if my white soles are yellowed?

A paste of baking soda and water applied to the sole and left for 15 minutes, then brushed off with a soft brush, can help. Avoid bleach, which can cause yellowing on some rubber compounds. Wipe the sole with a damp cloth after treatment.

Is it safe to use bleach on white sneakers?

No. Bleach can weaken the fabric fibers, yellow the material over time, and damage the adhesives that hold the sneaker together. Use mild soap, baking soda paste, or an oxygen-based cleaner instead, and always test on a hidden area first.

How can I keep my sneakers clean for longer?

Rotate between pairs so each one dries fully. Apply a protective spray suitable for the material. Wipe off dirt and mud as soon as it happens, before it dries into the fabric. Store sneakers in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.